Matthew Bryce Ford

Today our family suffered a terrific loss. Our daddy, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend was called home to our Lord. Matthew Bryce Ford, passed on to heaven on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, following a brief but sudden illness. We know he is now safe with his little girl, Paigelyn, playing in heaven. Matt was born on a very windy day, March 1, 1977. The nurses said that the wind blew all the pregnant moms in. He made our family complete - one girl, one boy. Matt started watching sports with his dad at about the age of 1 week old. They have shared the same favorites ever since - the St. Louis Rams, Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz and, of course, the BSU Broncos. Matt had a great love for the game of basketball. He enjoyed being a coach for his son's basketball and soccer teams. He also loved the great outdoors and shared many camping trips with his family. Most of all, he loved spending precious time with his children. Matt's childhood playmates were his cousins, and close friends Travis, Jeff, Curt, Cory, Nikki, Jamie and Mindi. He attended and graduated from Twin Falls schools. He worked for many years for Wendy's Corporation, currently managing the store in Jerome. Matt married Liz Gabriel in July of 2005. They have three beautiful children, Kaleb, Paigelyn and Faith. Matt loved his children and poured his heart and soul into being a good father. If you looked up the word, "good," in the dictionary, you would see Matt's picture. Matt is survived by the mother of his children, Liz Ford; his children, Kaleb and Faithl; parents, Kim and Terri Ford; his big sister, Melanie (Kody); paternal grandparents, Wayne and Maxine Ford; maternal grandparents, Nelson T. and Marlene Guymon; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. Not to mention hundreds of friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Paigelyn; his close friend, Pedro Gabriel; along with many close relatives who he is meeting again. The family wishes peace to everyone that touched Matt's life and would like to thank everyone for their prayers these past few hours and days. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at The River Christian Fellowship, 4002 N. 3300 E. in Twin Falls, under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home. Family and friends may visit with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road in Twin Falls. In lieu of flowers, a trust has been set up in Matt's name for his children at US Bank on Blue Lakes Boulevard in Twin Falls. "Goodnight, Sweet Prince, until we meet again."