Robert Everett Ford, 84, of Grants Pass, formerly of Medford, died Thursday (July 8, 1999) at Providence Medford Medical Center. A private service will be held. He was born March 17, 1915, in Oilton, Okla.

In 1950, in Grants Pass, he married Louise Hemstreet. They later divorced. He moved to the Rogue Valley in 1972 from Yreka, Calif.

Mr. Ford was a heavy equipment operator, instrumental in the highway construction to Lost Creek reservoir, and in the construction of Interstate 5 from Sacramento to Klamath River, Calif.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Medford Eagles Lodge and the Operating Engineers Local. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army.

He enjoyed square dancing and fishing.

Survivors include four daughters, Kay Hoadley, Medford, Jamie Doud, Trail, Susan Ford, Grants Pass, and Joanne Herald, in Utah; a brother, Ray, San Diego; a sister, Ruth Fisher, Burbank, Calif.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Hazel. Arrangements: Central Valley Cremation & Funeral Care, Central Point.