LYNDHURST, N.J. – The age was difficult to determine. Not being in ideal health, Ed Ford looked older than his age. It turned out the man known as the ‘Faa’ was 65 when he passed away on Wednesday. In this case it wasn’t the number of years. His life was one where the quality far superseded the quantity.
The Faa called Jersey City home and he was a vibrant, colorful and devoted part of that city’s scene for decades. What was his occupation? Included over the years was coach, tavern owner, basketball official, journalist, Major League Baseball scout and recreation assistant. There might be another one here or there that was overlooked.
Throughout his years, no matter the job he always had the youth, especially in Jersey City, as a priority. No sacrifice was too great for the young player coming up the ranks or one who just needed some advice, coaching and someone to head them in the tight direction. For years Faa was that person.
The colorful side of the Faa has lent to many a story. Anyone who knew him had at least one Faa story, Maybe some were fabricated or slightly exaggerated. A fair share were undoubtedly accurate.
For all the stories, the ones not told as much are the ones where Faa literally went the extra mile to help a young player. Buying equipment, getting someone in a school or on a team, a word of recommendation on one’s behalf – Faa was there providing these very admirable and unheralded services.
In the early 80s he began writing a column for the Hudson Dispatch. When it folded he continued his work with the Jersey Journal. As was his personality, Faa did not mince words in his column. If someone had to be criticized, so be it. He did not mince words. His writing was concise, accurate and at times ‘ruffled feathers’. That latter part did not matter to the Faa, the fact he was heard and spoke out was ample reward and satisfaction.
Over the years Faa befriended many people from all walks of life. Among those are current North Carolina coach Roy Williams and former UNC mentor Dean Smith. To Faa, knowing someone working a little league concession stand was as important as his friendship with a Smith or Williams.
Sportsmanship and representing one’s school, town or organization in a classy manner was a major priority in his estimation. He followed and loved all sports but had a special feeling for baseball. The Faa would call out a 20-2 team that wore their uniforms in a sloppy manner. His philosophy , in that regard, was rooted in a different era.
The fun loving, mischievous side of Faa could easily rub off on people. In the 1980 NIT, St. Peter‘s defeated UConn in a first round game at Storrs. Bob Dukiet, the St. Peter‘s coach, was asked by a Connecticut television reporter, his preference for the second round. “Right now,” Dukiet looked into the camera saying, “my preference is to go to ‘Uncle Faa Faa’s’ for a few cold beers.”
His newspaper affiliation gained the Faa entrance to many college basketball games. His passion, though, was rooted in the high schools and youth leagues. If there was a game to be played, regardless of the level, you might see Faa in attendance.
About three years ago on a Saturday he stopped by Hamilton Park to catch some Summer league girls games. He didn’t say much, then left. At halftime of the one game, league director Pat Devaney called me to the scorer’s table. “Faa said,” Pat noted with a laugh , “to tell Ray he writes better than he officiates.” A compliment and a suggestion that there was work to be done on the court. Regardless, with faa you knew it was sincere and what he thought. He always “shot from the hip”.
He stayed active on the sporting scene to the final days. This in spite of an ailing health situation in recent years.
Faa would often utilize his newspaper space to recount and celebrate the lives of special people in the local sporting community who passed on. Special from the standpoint of helping youth and giving back through sport. He would mention those surviving peers, certain to be looked to for guidance by those same young players.
In Faa’s case it is hard, if not impossible to ask someone to step in. True, and Faa would be first to admit, no one is irreplaceable. But all he gave for so many years in his own patented manner cannot be duplicated.
His memory will live on and not be forgotten. Those of us who had the good fortune to know him were truly blessed.
