A Tribute to Joe Ford
07/16/1952 - 02/04/2007

Sadly, our long-time colleague, Joe Ford, died of complications from cancer on February 4th at his home in Lexington. A Louisville native and a 1974 graduate of the University of Kentucky, Joe joined our firm in 1980. He was one of the three original shareholders of Dean, Dorton & Ford, P.S.C. when we formed that entity in 1982.

Joe was a key contributor to the success of our firm, helping it grow from fewer than five people to its current staffing of over 100. Until the very end of his struggle with cancer, Joe enjoyed being at work, gained strength from his interaction with clients he served, and enjoyed the camaraderie he had with his co-workers. Among clients and colleagues, Joe was known for providing excellent client service. His outstanding business sense benefited both the firm and our clients. Joe was not only a valued business advisor, but he often developed close personal bonds with clients. Whether it was his years of experience, his professional presence, his warm smile, or a combination of these factors, Joe put his clients at ease and gave them confidence that they were being served well. Within our firm, Joe served on our Board of Directors and provided leadership and management to many areas of our practice.

Outside the office, Joe gave invaluable time to St. Joseph HealthCare and Lexington Catholic High School. He was a member of St. Joseph's Board of Directors, chaired its Finance Committee, and was a member of the Executive Committee. Said St. Joseph HealthCare President and Chief Executive Officer, Eugene A. Woods: "Joe truly exemplified the service mission of St. Joseph HealthCare and was a role model in his very unassuming way." At Lexington Catholic, he served in many capacities, including as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. All five of his children graduated from Lexington Catholic, and Joe spent many hours helping the school. He played a significant role in the establishment of its football program-an effort that was recognized in 1999 when the school named its state-of-the-art football facility the Joseph K. Ford Stadium. Lexington Catholic President David Hardin observed that the school and the community had lost a "dear and faithful man" upon Joe's passing.

Joe is survived by his wife Gini; four sons and two daughters-in-law, Kevin and his wife, Mary Ellen, Joey and his wife, Angela, Jeffrey, and Justin; a daughter, Kristin; two sisters; and two grandchildren.

We at Dean, Dorton & Ford and all those who were blessed to know and have a relationship with Joe appreciate his life and will miss him greatly.