Gilbert Ford

Naples, FL

Former Olympian, Converse Chairman, and CEO

Gilbert "Gib" Ford, a Gold Medal winner in basketball at the 1956 Olympics and the former Chairman, President, and CEO of Converse, Inc., died Tuesday, January 10, 2017 from Pulmonary Fibrosis.

He has been a resident of Naples, FL since 1996 and previously resided in Lynnfield, Ipswich, and Danvers, MA. Born in Texas, he graduated from the University of Texas in 1955 with a BA in Business Administration. After serving in a variety of executive positions since joining Converse as a member of the sales staff in 1961, Gilbert was appointed to be Chairman, President, and CEO in 1986. Gilbert officially retired December 1, 1996 after 35 years with the company.

Gilbert is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jane of Naples, FL; a daughter Sarah and her wife Michele of Fairfield, CT; a son Jason and his wife Carrie of San Francisco, CA; a daughter from a previous marriage, Michelle Peters, her husband Larry, and three grandchildren in Spring, TX.

During his professional career, Gilbert was affiliated with several sporting goods, footwear organizations, and industry boards. He served two terms as Chairman of the Board of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) in 1982-1985 and 1991-1993. He also was a member of the Board of World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, The New England Sports Hall of Fame, and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. He served a six-year term as member of the Board of Trustees for Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA.

Prior to his years with Converse, Gilbert had an equally successful career in basketball. A native of Texas, he played for Amarillo High School and in 1950 was a participant in the Texas High School All Star Game. He is enshrined in the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame. Following high school, Gilbert played basketball for the University of Texas from 1950-1954 and was the co-Captain of the team his senior year, when the team was Co-Champions of the Southwest Conference. In 1986, he was inducted into the University of Texas Longhorn Hall of Honor. After graduation he served in the Air Force and played on the 1956 All Air Force Team and the All Armed Forced Team, which qualified for the 1956 Olympic Trials. He was selected to be a member of the 1956 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team, which won the Gold Medal at the Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia.

There will be a service on Friday, January 13th at 10:00 AM at the Fuller Funeral Home in Naples followed by lunch at noon at Wyndemere Country Club. The family would appreciate your donations to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Naples Daily News on Jan. 11, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Ford

Sponsored by Fuller Funeral Home & Cremation Service - North Naples.

12 Entries

LIVET Jean Claude

December 7, 2023

RIP Gib,
In the middle of the 80s I was sales manager of Converse France.
I met you in France together with John O neil,, Germany, Miami.
You were a true gentleman, hardly ever met such a lovable and human person especially in these times of violence and intolerance, I mean the present time of course.
i feel very proud to have met you.
Through you and a few other people from Converse I can say retrospectively like in the song : those were the best times of my life.
JC LIVET

Maureen (walsh) leininger

January 19, 2023

I used to work at converse, I worked in the international department, right outside of his office, he would come out every afternoon and joke around and just talk about things! He was amazing! Sorry for your loss. My mother also worked there and had great memories! I have a picture of him presenting a watch to her on the day she retired.

Neal Carpenter

February 11, 2017

A shock of sorrow to my core. One of my best friends in high school where we roomed together on basketball trips. A great athlete; an even greater person.

Jane Bursky

January 14, 2017

Thinking of you, Sarah. Sending you and your family love, hugs and peace. Xox. Jane and Andy Bursky

a loved one

Sent Flowers

a loved one

Sent Flowers

January 11, 2017

To the Ford Family: Please accept my sincerest condolences. I am truly shocked by his passing. Gib was a wonderful friend and neighbor. He was a giving, caring father & husband. And judging by the condolences received, well respected and loved by his employees. He made all around him feel special with his warm smile and soft Texas voice. May the kind thoughts of others who knew him and the loving times you shared, help you through this difficult time. Please know that my thoughts are with you all.
--David Hopper

January 11, 2017

Gib, REST IN PEACE.
The Clark's (John & Marsha) extend our most sincere condolences to Jane & Family.
I always knew "Gib Ford" could be best described as "The Standard Bearer of Excellence" in the Athletic Arena, as well as, the Corporate World.
That is why you were always one of my favorite people.

Thanks for the memories. John & Marsha Clark

Deborah Valenti

Sent Flowers

January 11, 2017

Dear Jane - Hank & I are so sorry to hear of Gibb's passing. You were wonderful Lynnfield neighbors. We think of you with fond memories. Kathy & Hank

Dave Sexton & Nancy Kern

January 11, 2017

Dear The Ford Family, we are so sorry for your loss. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Junie Farese

January 11, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gib. It truly came as a shock to my system. Gib was a really wonderful man, I respected him so much. He was one of the reasons Converse was such a nice place to work. I really liked going in every day. Never a dull minute. I was honored to have known such a man. To call him a friend. Gib was a good man, he will be missed, especially by his family. My heart and prayers go out to his whole family.
With my sincere condolences....

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