APPLETON — Travis W. Ford, 56, died unexpectedly, following a cardiac event, Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Camden, August 4, 1968, he was the son of Alton and Barbara Watling Ford. Educated locally, Travis was a 1987 graduate of Camden Rockport High School. Following graduation, Travis attended the University of Maine at Orono, earning his associate’s degree in criminal justice. Returning to the Midcoast, he worked at the Maine State Prison Farm in Warren until he transferred to the Town of Rockport in 1999. Since then Travis has been a dedicated and hard-working officer on the Police Department there. Over the years, Travis has received many awards and recognitions, none of which he would tell you about himself. All of his co-workers have said that "he never wanted attention, he only wanted to do his job, and do it well."

When not patrolling the streets of Rockport, Travis was happiest at his home, being outdoors, tending to his yard and property. He was a true conservationist, often mindfully planting trees and greenery, and building homes and habitats for the wildlife that surrounded his home.

Most important in his life was his family. Spending time with his two boys was his number one priority. Together they enjoyed many camping and fishing trips, sporting events and plain old family fun.

Travis’s passing has forever changed the lives of those who loved him.

Predeceased by his father, Alton Ford; Travis is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle Emery Ford of Appleton; his sons, Morgan Ford of Appleton, Ethan Ford of Appleton and his girlfriend Emily Grinnell of Washington; his mother, Barbara A. Ford of Appleton; his sister, Lisa Dumond and her husband Greg of Appleton; his father in-law, Colin Emery, mother in-law, Sherry Emery, and sister-in-law, Raydene Emery of Rockland; his nieces and nephews and their families, Nick Pease, Amelia Adolphsen, Sam Pease, Caleb Pease, Rachel Rich, and Lydia Ostrander; Tyler Conant and Jenna Conant, as well as his faithful four-legged furry companion, Ellie.

A gathering of remembrance will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 11 a.m., at The Samoset Resort in Rockport.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Officer Travis Ford Memorial Public Safety Scholarship Fund, Pacific Engine Company, P.O. Box 142, Rockport, ME 04856, Memo Line: Travis Ford.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with the Ford family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.