Rexford "Ford" Titus

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Rexford Titus Obituary

Rexford "Ford" Titus

Oconomowoc - Rexford W. "Ford" Titus, III, age 74, of Oconomowoc, Wis., and Naples, Fla., died Nov. 16, 2020, at AngelsGrace Hospice, Oconomowoc, from complications of COVID-19. Ford is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Roberta "Bobbe" Titus, as well as brother Kent (Sherry) Titus, sister Betsy Titus, children Jeff (Susan) Robinson and Jill (Jeff) Dickson, and grandchildren Ali, Jessica and Drake Dickson and Noah Trieber and Sarah Vida.

Ford came to ProHealth Care's Waukesha Memorial Hospital in 1969 from Xavier University in Cincinnati to complete his MBA with a focus on hospital administration. He found that he loved the work and community, and never left. A formational, approachable, innovative and generous leader in Waukesha County, Ford served the community as president and CEO of ProHealth Care, where he spent his career of 42 years. Ford's success in building the organization was rooted in the strong partnerships he fostered with physicians, employees and the community. During his tenure, the organization grew to become a regional health network that included three hospitals, 26 health centers, home health care, assisted and independent living communities and West Wood Health and Fitness Center. In 2004, per Ford's vision, the system opened AngelsGrace Hospice, now an even more significant chapter in his life's story.

Throughout his career, Ford was a force behind many civic organizations. He chaired the boards of the Waukesha County Business Alliance, the Waukesha County Community Foundation, the Waukesha County Technical College Foundation and the Wisconsin Hospital Association Information Center, and served on the boards of La Casa de Esperanza, Waukesha State Bank and the Blood Center of Wisconsin (now Versiti). In 2001, he was recognized with the Waukesha County Business Alliance's Don Richards Award for Leadership.

"It is a noble, noble undertaking," Ford once said about his career in a Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel interview. Family and friends would say he applied this belief to all he did, traveling, telling stories, boating and enjoying long, lingering lunches with friends.

The family will hold a private memorial service, followed by a celebration of Ford's life when all can safely gather again. The family suggests memorials be sent to AngelsGrace Hospice (prohealthcare.org) and the Lake Area Free Clinic (lakeareafreeclinic.org), both in Oconomowoc.

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

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Nov. 19 to Nov. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Rexford Titus

Sponsored by Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services - Oconomowoc.

7 Entries

Robert Ahearn

March 11, 2021

My first friend on the humble Southside of Binghamton, NY. Always ready to engage all in youths games. I remember his explaining to me in kindergarten there were 60 minutes in an hour. I remember Fordy jumping off a picnic table into a laundry basket and promptly losing his two front teeth. Goodbye old friend. You helped make the world a better place. We remember you.

Jerry Worrick

November 25, 2020

I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Ford. Ford was indeed a superb leader in the world of hospital administration. We often worked together through our relationship in the Wisconsin Hospital Association. When Ford spoke everyone would listen. Of course Ford also had great stories to tell from his many experiences. The hospitals in Wisconsin are better today because of Ford. Ford and his family are in our prayers.

Karen Harrass

November 24, 2020

Ford was one of the most
charismatic speakers I had ever heard. I was impressed by him the very first week of starting with ProHealth care.
When someone from ProHealth Care told me about the death today, I felt I had lost one of my own family members.
My sincere sympathy to all of the family.
Ford will be missed by many.

Gregory Banaszynski

November 24, 2020

Ford was a great role model to many of us in healthcare administration and will always be remembered for what he helped create for the citizens of Waukesha.
I am a better administrator because of what he showed and did.
Godspeed Ford

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Theresa H Richards

November 21, 2020

Bobbe and Family
Ford was an outstanding leader and mentor. I appreciated the opportunity to work with him on the WHA Board during our tenure in leadership roles for the board. He has touched many lives and has made a difference in the world.
Bobbe, I could see that you have been there as a strong and caring person to provide that balance and support that he needed.
I know that it has been many years since our paths have crossed. I wish you peace and health. Take care of yourself.

Kristine Jo Young

November 21, 2020

Bobbie and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. May he Rest In Peace. Jo from Zin.

Dave Schultz

November 20, 2020

Ford was an outstanding leader. He was so supportive of all the employees of Waukesha Memorial. He had a great memory for who each person was and made each feel important about their role. Prepared, smart, and decisive, able to make hard decisions with confidence. I also worked under him with the Waukesha County Community Foundation as he served and led the board of directors through growing pains and challenges to set the course for a bright future. He loved life and it's sad that he didn't get to experience even more of it.

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