Talbot County is in a state of mourning after learning the death of Easton’s former Town Council President John Ford. The long-serving public official passed away yesterday morning. He is survived by his wife Peggy, and their son Ben and daughter-in-law Kate. He was 67 years old.
A native of Talbot County, Ford had presided over the Town of Easton Council for over a decade where he had earned the reputation of fairness, integrity, and humor.
Beyond his role on the Town Council, John Ford had a leadership role with the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum for almost thirty years. He served on the boards of the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, Historic Cemeteries of Easton, and the newly formed lifetime learning organization, Chesapeake Forum.
John Ford always served well, whether in his full-time job at CBMM, or as president of the Easton Town Council. Words used by a longtime associate and friend were “fair-minded” and “respectful.”
Ford inspired friendship and respect. He listened well. His decisions were deliberative and sensible.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum benefited greatly from Ford’s 29 years; he provided stability bolstered by a keen institutional memory and undeniable loyalty.
As a public official navigating diverse opinions and sometimes complex issues, he had a superb talent for consensus. In his quiet, reserved way, he was very effective.
Our community will miss John Ford. His death is a serious loss to his family, friends and associates and a community that relies on dedicated, selfless people to grow as a welcoming place to live, work and play.
The Spy will share information about services for John Ford with our readers once plans are made public.
Debbie Leber says
This is a hug loss for the entire community. I will miss seeing he and Peggy waking hand in hand around town.
Scott Jensen says
Thank you for posting these videos. I worked with John during my time serving Ward II on the Easton Council — 2001 through 2008 roughly. Hearing John walk through issues brings back so many memories. Debating how things ought to go off camera is exactly what its like to discuss things with John when he’s off camera! I have always been a big John Ford fan, but his untimely passing really underlines just how decent of a person (and public servant) he really is. Thank you John Ford. Of course John Ford has made Easton a better place, but he also also made me a better person by having had benefit his consistent integrity and decency. Rest in peace, and my heart goes out to Peggy and the rest of the Ford family.