Reverend Dr Colin Ford (Fr 1947)

The Principal, Council and St Andrew’s College community honour the life of Reverend Dr Colin Ford (Fr 1947) who passed away on 29th December 2020, aged 95. 

Colin resided at St Andrew's College from 1947-1951, entering the College with a Bachelor of Science, he continued on to study Theology. He was ordained in 1951 following his graduation from the Theological Hall. 

The farewell section of the 1951 College magazine notes that he was active in College life, serving as Treasurer of the Buffet Subcommittee in 1948. Colin's peers reported that:

‘Thanks of a large section of the College are due to him for so graciously allowing his room to be used as a Common Room, and, without charge or effort to the guests, providing brews to all and sundry.’

After departing St Andrew's, Colin met with John Flynn, the minister who founded the Australian Inland Mission (AIM) and later the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the world's first air ambulance. The meeting lead to Colin deciding to become a Patrol Padre with the AIM in Gulf Country and Cape York Peninsula.

In 1959 after completing his work as a Patrol Padre, he continued to serve the AIM as the first minister of the Flynn Memorial Church in Alice Springs. In 1964 Colin became the Founding Principal of Tocal Agricultural College of the Presbyterian Church, and later a minister of the Gosford Presbyterian Church, and finally minister of St Andrew's in South Turramurra before retiring in 1991.

After retirement, he served as a Chaplain to Northhaven Retirement Village, and assisted at Narara and Wyong Churches while living in Hamlyn Terrace. 

The Ford family are held strongly in our thoughts and our dearest sympathy is extended to all who knew him.