(NEWS CENTER Maine) — A 20-year-veteran of the Maine Warden Service, author and wildlife artist, died over the weekend at the age of 71.
John Ford Sr. battled cancer and died on Saturday, Nov. 19.
The Maine Game Warden service says Ford was hired in 1971 and was named Legendary Game Warden by his peers in 2000 for his efforts to curb night hunting while working as a game warden.
"He will always be remembered for his masterful storytelling, contagious laughter and a smile that would always brighten your day." - The Maine Warden Service wrote on their Facebook page.
Ford also served as Waldo County Sheriff for eight years from 1990 to 1998, and has written novels on his experiences as a warden, including his novel "Suddenly, the Cider Didn't Taste so Good".
Ford was also an Air Force veteran.