BC/YT Section was saddened to learn of the passing of Bernard ‘Bernie’ Ford. Ford was an ice dance coach, choreographer, judge, consultant, and technical instructor. He passed away on April 6, 2023, in Calgary, Alberta.
Instrumental in restructuring the Canadian Ice Dance Test system, Ford established the National Ice Dance Centre of Canada and various skating clubs and summer schools. He was a much sought after coach and trained numerous ice dance teams from around the world to national and international titles. Included amongst his Canadian students were Tracy Wilson and Robert McCall who, under his tutelage from 1982-86, claimed the 1986 world bronze medal.
Ford was a successful choreographer and his influence has been felt in all skating disciplines. A technical master, he assisted the ISU Ice Dance Technical Committee in several areas, passed on his knowledge conducting seminars, and was a co-creator of the Cha-Cha Congelado.
The contributions made by this exceptional builder have truly left their mark on the sport of ice dancing in Canada, and around the world. Ford was inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame in 2007.
BC/YT Section offers its sincere sympathies to Bernie’s family and friends.
For more details, please see the obituary.
