Editorial

DONALD FORD WAS AN EXAMPLE FOR ALL OF US

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Donald K. Ford superbly exemplified the will within all of us to live a full and rewarding life regardless of the grim circumstances that may grip us.

Ford, 52, died Aug. 7 after a lengthy struggle with bone marrow cancer. Despite the many setbacks brought on by the disease, Ford kept his hopes and his head high, determined to make the best of things for himself, his family and his community.

Ford, who grew up in Cape Girardeau, was a talented athlete and musician. His professional career spanned a number of fields. Most recently he directed university development at Southeast Missouri State University and was chief operating officer of the University Foundation from 1991 until the disease forced him to retire in 1995.

He underwent two bone marrow transplants and was determined to live long enough to walk his daughter Kate down the aisle at her wedding. He did so July 12, less than a month before he died.

Ford displayed bravery throughout his ordeal with cancer. As the cancer program coordinator at Southeast Missouri Hospital Cancer Center described him: "When he was getting treatments he always talked with the other patients and shared stories. He became quite a patient advocate."

Ford always carried a positive attitude that didn't escape him toward the end. He had a unique way of transmitting that attitude to everyone he was around.

Don Ford will be deeply missed by everyone he touched.