Early Life and Education of Rob Ford: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 17, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Rob Ford, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Rob Ford was a Canadian politician and businessman best known for serving as the 64th Mayor of Toronto from 2010 to 2014. Prior to and following his mayoral term, he was a city councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North. He initially entered Toronto City Council in 2000 and was re-elected twice before becoming mayor. Ford's tenure was marked by both his populist appeal and significant controversies.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

May 28, 1969: Birth of Rob Ford

On May 28, 1969, Robert Bruce Ford was born in Canada. He later became the 64th mayor of Toronto.

1969: Birth in Etobicoke, Ontario

In 1969, Rob Ford was born in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, as the youngest of four children to Ruth Diane and Douglas Bruce Ford.

February 1996: Beginning of Relationship with Renata Brejniak

In February 1996, Rob Ford started dating Renata Brejniak after her divorce from her first husband.

August 2000: Marriage to Renata Brejniak

In August 2000, Rob Ford married Renata Brejniak at All Saints Roman Catholic Church in Etobicoke. They had met in high school.

2000: Move to Ward 4

In 2000, Rob Ford moved to Ward 4 after getting married.

September 2006: Death of Rob Ford's father

In September 2006, the death of Rob Ford's father, Doug Ford Sr., due to cancer, marked a period when Ford transitioned to crack cocaine use in addition to alcohol. According to reporter Robyn Doolittle, Ford would come home at night and either drink heavily or use hard drugs or prescription pills.

2006: Ford's alcohol and drug abuse grew after his father's death

After the death of his father in 2006, Rob Ford's alcohol and drug abuse grew, leading to public episodes of intoxication and subsequent denials. His abuse led to him being stripped of much of his power as mayor.

2006: Father's Death and Family Business

In 2006, after the death of Doug Ford Sr., the Ford family retained ownership of Deco Labels through Doug Ford Holdings, with Rob Ford as a director.

September 12, 2014: Ford withdrew his mayoral candidacy

On September 12, 2014, Rob Ford withdrew his candidacy for mayor due to the discovery of a cancerous tumor in his abdomen, and his brother Doug registered in his place.

September 2014: Ford admitted to hospital with abdominal tumour

In September 2014, Rob Ford was admitted to Humber River Regional Hospital with an abdominal tumour. He announced that he would not run in the 2014 mayoral election, and his brother Doug would run in his place.

September 2014: Diagnosis of Abdominal Tumour

In September 2014, Rob Ford was hospitalized and diagnosed with an abdominal tumour, leading to his withdrawal from the mayoral race.

September 17, 2014: Ford diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma

On September 17, 2014, Dr. Zane Cohen revealed that Rob Ford had been diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma, a rare form of cancer. He was treated with chemotherapy and surgery.

October 2014: Ford Withdraws From Mayoral Race

In October 2014, Rob Ford withdrew from the mayoral race, initially scheduled for October 2014, due to being hospitalized with an abdominal tumour. He then ran for his old city council seat instead.

May 11, 2015: Ford to have surgery

On May 11, 2015, Rob Ford had a lengthy surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. He announced that he would be "out of commission" for four months.

October 28, 2015: Ford revealed new tumour on bladder

On October 28, 2015, Rob Ford revealed that a new tumour was growing on his bladder, later confirmed to be cancerous and consistent with liposarcoma.

March 2016: Death After Cancer Treatment

In March 2016, Rob Ford passed away after his cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, proved ineffective. He had briefly returned to council before his death.

March 17, 2016: Ford in hospital with family

On March 17, 2016, Rob Ford's office announced he was in the hospital with his family beside him as chemotherapy treatment had not been successful. His health was being reviewed to determine if he could continue treatment.