PORT ORANGE, Fla -- Bob Ford, a feisty political stalwart in municipal government, has lost a longtime battle with cancer. He was 74.
Ford's passing was announced by Mayor Don Burnette in a joint statement with Council members Scott Stiltner, Chase Tramont, and Drew Bastian.
"Some of you may have heard the sad news, as it is already out in the media," Burnette said. "For those that haven't, I have the difficult duty of informing you of the passing of Councilman Bob Ford. Bob has served Port Orange since the 1980s when he first came here as police Chief. After retirement, he worked as a professor of Criminology at the University of Central Florida. I sat next to him for the past eight years on the Port Orange City Council. Whether we agreed or disagreed on issues, he was always passionate and took his job seriously.
Burnette continued, "Serving with him has been a great honor, and it will not be the same without him. I will miss my friend; Port Orange will miss him even more. His family has asked for privacy at this time."
"Some of you may have heard the sad news, as it is already out in the media," Burnette said. "For those that haven't, I have the difficult duty of informing you of the passing of Councilman Bob Ford.
"Bob has served Port Orange since the 1980s when he first came here as police chief. After retirement, he worked as a professor of Criminology at the University of Central Florida. I sat next to him for the past eight years on the Port Orange City Council. Whether we agreed or disagreed on issues, he was always passionate and took his job seriously."
Burnette continued, "Serving with him has been a great honor, and it will not be the same without him. I will miss my friend; Port Orange will miss him even more. His family has asked for privacy at this time.
Shown with Mayor Burnette (middle) in a photo opp earlier this year are from left to right, Councilmen Scott Stiltner, Chase Tramont, Bob Ford and Drew Bastian.
Ford is the third prominent Port Orange official to die this year. State Sen. Dorothy Hukill died Oct. 2 after battling cervical cancer. And Tracey Strott Riehm, the city’s director of finance, died Nov. 16 from complications following a surgical procedure.
Hired in 1986 out of New York City as police chief by then-City Manager Ken Parker, Ford was a 30-year servant, moving seamlessly from top cop to elected politician, serving in that role the latter eight years as a councilman, despite the cancer. A staunch conservative on fiscal matters, Ford often challenged the status quo on the dais.
A special election will be held early in 2019 after. the holiday season, Burnette said, in keeping with the city charter.
“A memorial service will be held at a future date,” Ford’s wife, Marilyn Ford, informed city leaders in a text message, adding, "The family appreciates the support and prayers of friends and requests privacy at this time.”
Volusia County Councilwoman Billie Wheeler was among countless officials expressing sorrow over Ford's passing.
"Bob was a great leader and was respected for his honesty, integrity, and dedication," Wheeler said. "I will miss his wisdom and our great conversations. His support during my campaign and then the loss of my husband will forever be special to me. I am honored to have known him and called him friend. Prayers for Marilyn and their family."
UPDATE: Funeral Services Set for Jan. 12A celebration of life for Robert will be held Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019 at 2 pm at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, 4815 S Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange, Florida 32129. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.VolusiaMemorialFuneral.com for the Ford family.
Editor's Note (first person): On behalf of my wife, Serafina, prayers have been made for Bob Ford's wife, Marilyn, and their entire family. Marilyn Ford shown with her husband, Bob, in this image from the Lincoln Day Dinner in Daytona Beach earlier this year.