On the morning of November 27, 2011 Russell Ford of Orleans, MA, formerly of New Canaan CT, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family and the dogs whom he rescued.
After moving to Cape Cod, MA in 1974, he dedicated 4 decades of service to the Cape Cod Baseball League. From 1978-83 Mr. Ford served as Cape League President and during that span helped foster the growth and popularity of the league. During his tenure as League President, Mr. Ford and CCBL executives gained support from Major League Baseball to switch from aluminum to wooden bats, the use of which continues to this day. In 2002 Ford was elected to the CCBL Hall of Fame along with fellow inductees, Buck Showalter, Ron Darling, Nomar Garciaparra and Jason Varitek. The outstanding relief pitcher in the CCBL is called the Russ Ford Award in his honor.
From 1958 to 1961 Mr. Ford served as City Planning Director at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill where he worked on the early phase of development of the World Trade Center. A graduate of Yale University, class of ’45, and the Yale School of Architecture, Class of 1951, Mr. Ford and the late Taylor Gates, partners in the firm of Gates & Ford, designed homes in New Canaan, CT, several of which are on Connecticut’s current list of Historical Mid-Century homes. Mr. Ford is a past president of the Ox Ridge Hunt Club in Darien, CT.
During World War II, at age 22 Lieutenant Russell Ford piloted an A-26 bomber in the European campaign, earning the Air Medal for meritorious achievement and heroism, the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and the Purple Heart.
His wife of 57 years, Hope McWilliam Ford, died in September, 2002. He is survived by his son Russell, Jr of Westport, CT and daughters Holly Ridgway of Chester, CT, Lucia Ford of West Groton, MA and Catharine Daly of Dover, MA; and six grandchildren.
Mr. Ford generously supported numerous national and local charities. In lieu of flowers the family suggests one of the two following charities: 1) the Orleans Athletic Association/Cardinals, c/o Dave Mitchell, PO Box 521, Orleans, MA 02653 to benefit the players and coaches of the baseball team. 2) The Orleans Conservation Trust, PO Box 1078, East Orleans, MA 02643-1078.
Services will be held at Church of the Holy Spirit, 204 Monument Road in Orleans on December 17, 2011 at 11am.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
A beautiful service on December 17th at the Church of the Holy Spirit with
inspiring words from his family, a U.S. Air Force flag ceremony, playing of
Taps, meaningful hymns, and a large turnout from his family and friends
to remember and give thanks for a long life well lived.