Gregory "Greg" Hal Fordham

Jody Hane2021-03-21T14:24:48-05:00

Name: Gregory "Greg" Hal Fordham
Location of Birth: Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Date of Birth: December 10, 1942
Date of Death: February 16, 2019 (76 years old)
Parents: Garvyn and Ruth Fordham
High School and Class: 1960 - Walnut Grove High School, Walnut Grove, Minnesota
College: 1962 - Dunwoody Technical Institute - technical degree
Highest Rank: SP 5 (Specialist 5)
Branch: Army
Other Branch:
Date Sworn In: 1963
Place Sworn In:
Date of Discharge: 1967
Place of Discharge:
Military Awards:

Military Highlights:
Greg served in the Untied States Army from 1963 - 1967.

Wars Involved:
Vietnam Era

MIA / POW:

Civilian Life:
Greg began working for Itasca County in 1962. After his military service, he returned to northern Minnesota to work for Itasca County once again. Greg served as Itasca County Land Surveyor for 42 years and is the owner of High Plains Tree Farm.

Greg was a devoted father and husband and loved the fields and forests that surrounded his home. After a long day of work, he was perfectly content to "sit and watch the garden grow" while laughing at the antics of the chickadees and nuthatches in his many bird feeders. He taught his children how to be independent and to love the outdoors. Greg was very proud that all of his children completed the advanced education of their choice.

Greg was a lifelong member of both the Grand Rapids Legion and Grand Rapids VFW. He loved to read, spend time with his family, listen to music, and travel with Ruth and his friends. He enjoyed several fishing trips to Alaska with family and friends and additionally spent time hunting as a founding member of the Grand Rapids Goose Hunters Club in North Dakota.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Carrie; a sister, Patricia; his brother-in-law, James Laird; and his best canine companion, Fletcher.

Greg is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ruth; children, Kelli (Mike) Andreen, Kristine Fordham, Jennifer Larrive, and James (Sarah) Fordham; seven grandchildren; and two nephews.

Greg died at his home and is buried in Wildwood Cemetery at Cohasset, Minnesota. (p38)

Tribal Affiliation(s):