It’s hard to believe five years have passed since the beginning of the pandemic and the loss of John Ford, my husband and then President of the Easton Town Council in 2020—and how much has changed since then.
This past February, on the anniversary of his death, I found myself smiling as I remembered watching “John Ford TV,” as our family jokingly called the Easton Town Council meeting nights, broadcast on the local cable channel. I recalled, with fondness, his kindness and attentiveness as he actively listened to the voices of our citizens.
Looking back at the February 2020 articles in the Star Democrat and the Talbot Spy about John gave me hope. Pete Lesher worked with John at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and later served alongside him on the Easton Town Council; he said, “He coached me and provided a compassionate model of supervising people.” Lesher shared that Ford’s leadership was rooted in three principles: “He thought everyone deserved respect, deserved to be heard, and deserved to be given straight answers.”
Rich Scofield, who also worked with John at the museum, said, “He was extremely important to the Town of Easton. His integrity, his honesty, his ability to listen and to make a measured decision—those are rare qualities.”
Ron Engle, who served with John on the Town Council, said Ford had a unique ability to foster cooperation and compromise. As the Talbot Spy wrote, Ford inspired friendship and respect. He was a thoughtful listener. His decisions were deliberative and sensible. As a public official navigating diverse opinions and complex issues, he had a rare talent for building consensus. In his quiet, reserved way, he was remarkably effective.
In these tumultuous times, when everything seems to be shifting, these are qualities we can hold onto and practice every day: show respect, listen well, pause, and respond rather than react.
I have hope that soon we will see more of this spirit in our Town and in our nation.
Peggy Ford
Easton
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John was a kind and caring person who made our town better. I also remember his wit—and love and command of ballroom dancing!
Well said, Peggy.
What a lovely letter and reminder, Peggy. I share the same hope.
Thanks Peggy. It is hard to believe it’s been five years.
I would be glad to lift up your thoughts of hope for our community and that the energy it creates in this community and let it spread outward and continues to grow!!
Eugénie
What a beautiful reminder that all of us, but most especially those who lead and guide our towns, counties, states, and nation, can and should – in fact, MUST, follow and model these “John Ford Values” of respect, thoughtful listening, and deliberative, measured response. John’s impact as an individual and as a community leader remains with us today, may we follow his example and hold ourselves and one another to these standards.
Peggy, what a wonderful reminder. We need more “John Ford” in the way we govern and conduct ourselves.
What a beautiful letter. Unfortunately, I didn’t know Mr. Ford but after reading Peggy’s letter I know he would have been a person I would admire and support. I was embarrassed watching the last town council meeting on our local cable channel. The incivility between the council president and one of its members was most unfortunate. This is not how to build consensus or demonstrate respect. I hope we will see less of this awful behavior in our town and in our country very soon.
John was a wonderful man. I can’t believe it has been five years. I am also hopeful that my hometown can once again have the quality of leadership John possessed.
Thank you, Peggy, for reminding us of the wonderful man John was. When our paths crossed at CBMM, he always had a big smile and friendly greeting, no matter how busy he was. He truly cared about people, the community, and, of course, his family – a rarity today.
Dear Peggy,
Such a beautiful tribute to John. I had the pleasure of serving with him on the boards of both the ALL and Chesapeake Forum. His aptitude for building consensus and developing rapport among various constituents provided a model for interacting with others, especially with those who expressed divergent views. His attentiveness to each participant created an atmosphere of mutual respect and a certain camaraderie. Yes, let us all pause to reflect on John Ford’s manner of leadership and altruistic nature. We have been enhanced both personally and collectively because of his nature.
How thoughtful of you to share your memories and remind us all of the fine qualities your husband John had!
When John “actively listened” he demonstrated what we all should be doing more of. Thank you John for this legacy.
Miss his good humor, wit, leadership and his ability to keep us all down to earth.
Couldn’t have been written better, or by a person most able to see and know our beloved John. He would say, in his humble way, I paraphrase “it’s all about Peg, making her happy and sharing a life with her, gives me the strength and confidence to be the best man I can be”. John’s life was too short, but he would say most emphatically that he had exactly the life he wanted.
I loved reading this Peggy…. I couldn’t agree with you more!
I didn’t know your husband well, but only heard wonderful things about him.
Thanks for posting, and I hope you are doing well!!
Roni ( Brandt Simpkins) Blair
Well said, Peggy. John is truly missed.
What a wonderful reminder of what is really important. I would add to your advice, Peggy, “stop for a moment through your busy day, step back and truly see the blessings of this moment and the presence of the people you love.”
I wish he were still here, Peggy. We need people like John more than ever at this time in our country and world! Thank you for reminding us of John. I hope your memories will keep him alive for us all.
John was a valued colleague and a model public servant.
Peggy you have captured him perfectly.
I value your statement and agree with you about having hope that soon we will see more of this spirit in Easton.
Tracey Johns, who also worked with John Ford at the Maritime Museum and captured the photo in this story, recalls the active listening skills John always brought to each table he served around with other people and the respect and tenacity he showed to everyone. Each response came after pause and consideration. What a lesson! These traits continue with our current Mayor, Megan Cook. Don Abbatiello has this same resolve and quiet kindness, and for that reason, and in respect of John Ford’s legacy, he has my vote.
Thanks, Peggy. John was a mentor to me and friend when I served with him on the Council. I miss him for all the reasons you articulate and have hope that the upcoming May Council election will bring a change in leadership with Don Abbatiello at the helm as President.
Years before John entered his professional career and public service life, he exhibited these very traits as a high school student at SS Peter and Paul – be it on the basketball court, on the stage, or in the ways he interacted with his teachers and fellow students.
As a member of the class that followed him – ultimately stepping into his shoes as class valedictorian – I was in awe of his gentle, respectful and compassionate wisdom, and considered him as a tremendous mentor. Even as a young man John was such a standout – clearly destined to leave an indelible mark on our world.
Thank you, Peggy, for reminding us of his legacy.
Thank you Judy for giving us a glimpse of John as a young person.
Amazing tribute Peggy and thank you for posting it. While I didn’t have the honor of meeting John, to me you exhibit in our community many of the wonderful qualities you describe about him. How wonderful that this community has had the benefit of what both of you so generously have brought to us.
We are a better community thanks to the steady leadership John Ford exhibited for so many years. I benefited from John’s wisdom on many occasions when I served with him on the Easton Town Council.
Thank you, Peggy for keeping his legacy alive.