Kaydance Lynne Ford was born on July 1, 2008, a bright, bold light brought into the world by her loving mother, Jessica Ford. She was the cherished daughter of Casey Woods and the fiercely protective big sister to Wade and Lennox. From the very beginning, Kaydance radiated a warmth and energy that made every room brighter and every heart fuller.
Even as a toddler, Kaydance’s personality sparkled. At home, she spent hours watching Dora the Explorer and Ni Hao, Kai-Lan, soaking in every word. So much so that when she went to daycare, her teacher gently reminded her to speak English—Kaydance was already dabbling in new languages before she could even tie her shoes. She had created her very own dialect—dubbed “Kaydanese”—where you might only catch the first and last words of a sentence, but somehow still knew exactly what she meant.
A proud advocate for her Native heritage and culture, Kaydance was rooted in who she was. She carried that pride with her as she grew, first attending Hanover Heights from senior kindergarten through grade six, then moving on to John Diefenbaker Secondary School for grades six through nine. In grade ten, she transferred to Walkerton District Secondary School—a change that would help her discover the strongest parts of herself, this was where she flourished.
Though coordination wasn’t her strongest suit growing up (her early ventures into soccer and gymnastics were short-lived), high school ignited something new in her. At WDCS, she found her fire. She discovered a passion for athletics that quickly became a defining part of who she was. Kaydance led the charge for the school’s rugby program and jumped headfirst into sports she’d never played before—joining the softball team, volleyball team, soccer team, and even competing in track and field. She took up softball in honour of her father, wanting to play for him. Her athletic commitment didn’t go unnoticed—she earned a spot in the Walkerton Exceptional Athlete Training Program at school and ended the semester with the top mark in the class. Outside of school, she played for the Tara Twins Softball Team and the Big Bruce Volleyball Team. Competitive to her core, Kaydance pushed herself constantly. Even after taking a ball to the knee at her first practice of this season, she showed up the next morning, lacing up her cleats without complaint for the school softball team.
Kaydance was more than just an athlete. She was a hands-on learner and a budding tradeswoman. She found joy in working with her hands—especially welding, woodwork, automotive, and electrical. Her woodshop class began building a shed, and her teacher, recognizing her drive and talent, gifted her an electrical kit so she could wire the shed herself once it was finished. Her dream was clear: she wanted to become an electrician, starting in residential and eventually moving into commercial work. She was a skilled cook, thanks to her foods class, and she cherished trying cuisines from around the world. Her skill and passion weren’t limited to school—at home, she helped build her family’s new firepit, planted vegetables every season, and even painted the doors and bricks of their house. On May 2-4 weekend, she proudly came home from the Chesley Yard Sale with yard tools and her first tire wrench, beaming with pride at her growing toolbox.
Nature was her sanctuary. Kaydance’s love for the outdoors started early and never dimmed. She was most herself outside—fishing in puddles or lakes, hiking rocky cliffs in Tobermory (her happy place), kayak fishing near Manitoulin Island with Grandpa, or camping exclusively in a tent (trailers weren’t “real camping,” she’d say). She had dreams of building a tiny home in Tobermory someday. During the winters, she grew restless stuck indoors—so she’d find excuses to go sledding on Chesley Hill, or into the woods to forage materials for wreath-making. Once, she came home with five deer skins and three porcupines, determined to make deer skin mukluks and quill boxes. That was Kaydance—bold, creative, and unapologetically herself.
Kindness and compassion were the foundation of her spirit. Kaydance was part of the school’s leadership class and volunteered at the Water Festival and Elmwood Homecoming, helping in the souvenir shop. She dreamed of owning a Ford Ranger, though she was content learning the ropes with a car first. Her mom, dad and grandmother, Judi, helped her learn to drive—laugh-filled lessons involving near-misses with farm equipment, driving the family home from hockey and some parking lot U-turns. But she was determined—she studied every part of a car so she could change her own oil and tires, mechanics running in her blood from the Ford side.
Kaydance loved to eat. She had a deep love for sushi, fish, Chinese food, grandpa’s BBQ, and her mom’s famous ribs and macaroni salad (straight from the bowl). Arena poutine was a particular favorite. She also loved to shop—especially online since it came so fast—but she lived for a good bargain at thrift stores and garage sales. She could spend hours sifting through racks, finding hidden gems. Her musical taste was mainly country with a few 90s R&B and pop but Kenny Chesney was her all time favourite. Owen Riegling was another on the top of her list being her first concert. She was a Gilmore Girls superfan, watching the series at least five times and quoting Rory Gilmore in many situations. And if you knew her well, you knew never to mess with her Snapchat streaks or that you would hear her burps or cheering before you’d see her.
Earlier this year, Kaydance became smitten with Keegan Howie. The two fit together seamlessly, sharing fishing trips, turkey hunts (no turkeys, plenty of fish), and hockey games. She even made a sign for one of his games that read, “Keegan – #10 on the ice and a 10 off the ice!” They shared laughter and many adventures, their relationship was young but their friendship was long.
Family was everything to Kaydance. She adored her grandmother Judi—Wing House wings in Chesley became their special ritual during driving lessons, checking flavours off their list each time they went. With Grandpa Jeff she loved talking about fishing and what kinds of fish she might catch in what places, she joked at home that she was going to secretly take over his lure business. Grandma and Grandpa Woods were her go to when she wanted to be spoiled and “smushed” or if she decided it was time for a change with her hair, they always fussed over her like she was a little kid and she loved it. When Grandpa Ford came to visit she looked forward to their talks about the trades, future life goals, mechanics, and seeing little Max the dog. Kaydance always said Uncle Scott got the best gifts: nice sweaters, money and even a Rambo style knife for her collection of cool things. Uncle Nick was her idol, she looked up to him with admiration since day one, she always talked about how she wanted to be just like him: lots of friends, fun adventures that turn into hilarious stories, and fishing whenever there was an ounce of spare time. With Wade and Lennox, she was the fierce, funny, and loyal big sister. When they went to Maplefest, Lennox was waiting his turn to see the bunnies in the pen. She got mad waiting, so she said to Lennox “come with me”. She pushed through, got on her hands and knees to grab a bunny, and gave it to him. While he was holding it, she stood guard so no one would try to take the bunny from him. When he was done, they were trying to get out and she said to the other kids “MOVE!”. She was always hovering over Lennox, watching over him and making sure he was safe and got what he wanted, they were bonded in a significant way. With Wade, she told him that when he started high school he wasn’t allowed to skip school, and he needed to join the sports teams to get in the right crowd, this was only the latest “life coaching” she had forced on him as there were many times that she would make sure he knew what he should be doing and where he should be. On his birthday, Wade got Skittles, and she wanted one. Naturally, as siblings do, they ended up in a physical fight on the ground over the last Skittle, lawn chairs flying. He popped it into his mouth and she stormed off and they didn’t talk for 3 days, until he bought a bag of Skittles for her. Wade had a devoted type of bond with his sister since they were so close in age, they often went for bike rides together in the summer, worked together in the yard and around the house, and competed against each other in who was “more rizz”. Her dad, Casey, was wrapped around her finger—if she asked for his wallet, he handed it over. When she wanted a PS4, he made it happen. She never had to ask twice for something because dad made sure she had it. Kaydance was daddy’s girl and she knew how to use it, but she also loved joking around with him. They had a special bond and she was always quick to tell anyone that Casey Woods was her dad, beaming proudly. Dad was the driving force behind Kaydance’s newly grown love of sports. Her bond with her mom, Jessica, was something sacred. They were close in a way only a mother and daughter can be. They were the best of friends and shared everything, Kaydance never hid anything from mom, even if it was something a daughter wouldn’t normally tell a parent. They had inside jokes, late night chats, giggle fests, and long shopping trips. They had plans for the future like extravagant hikes and bucket list things they wanted to do together. They shared almost all interests, Kaydance was truly a remake of Jessica in many ways.
Kaydance was a force—strong-willed, strong-headed, determined, but also thoughtful, smart, and endlessly kind. She lit up every space she entered. Her legacy is one of courage, creativity, and love. She lived fully, laughed loudly, worked hard, and cared deeply. She helped others, she led by example, and she always stood up for what she believed in.
On Friday, May 23, 2025, Kaydance’s bright and beautiful life was cut short in a tragic car accident as she returned home from a school softball tournament (of which they won) with fellow students and a teacher. Though her life ended far too soon, her spirit lives on in every life she touched. She will forever be remembered not only for what she did, but for who she was—a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, teammate, leader, and friend.
Kaydance Lynne Ford was a beacon. And though her light is no longer here with us, it will never be extinguished.
Immensely adored daughter of Jessica Ford and Casey Woods of Elmwood. Proud and loving big sister of Wade Ford and Lennox Woods. Cherished granddaughter of Judi Ford and Jeff Scott of Southampton, Terry Ford of P.E.I., and Wayne and Jo-Ann Woods of Chesley. Beloved niece of Nick Scott of Southampton and Scott Woods of Chesley. Kaydance will be profoundly missed and remembered by her great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She will be deeply missed by her boyfriend Keegan Howie and his family.
A casual, as Kaydance would want it, celebration of her life will be held on the Chesley Ball Diamond (129 4th Ave S.E) on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 1 – 4 p.m., with sharing of memories taking place at 2 p.m.
Kaydance excelled in athletics and the shop programs. With this in mind, please consider donations to the WDCS Sports and Shop Programs as expressions of sympathy. Please make cheques payable to Walkerton District Community School (WDCS), and indicate if the donation is for the sports program or the shop program in the memo line.
Kaydance Ford Athletic & Trades Foundation 