Frederic H Ford

Miss you, Uncle Fred.

Thinking of Fred and the way he sparked my joy for choral music. I admired his passion and dedication. I´m beaming virtual prayers of strength and comfort to Kathy and his family.

Fred was our conductor f the Highland Park Community Chorus in the 80s and 90s. He was a wonderful musician and we had such great fun singing with him.

Fred was our conductor of the Highland Park Community Chorus in the 80s and 90s. He was a wonderful musician and gave us great joy when singing together.

I remember having a picnic at Roger Williams Park (also a zoo) in RI, with my family and Fred and Kathy.

I was blessed to sing and travel with Fred´s 1977-79 Wabash Glee Clubs. Such a warm and committed professional. The experience was so uplifting. New England and European tours were highlights. One pre-concert rehearsal, we nailed a Tchesnikov piece so completely that after about 20 seconds of silence, I looked up to see at least ten fellow glee clubbers in tears with me. I´ll never forget the look on Fred´s face at that instant. Transported. Now that I have joined a community chorale, I reflect on Fred and those formative days from time to time. My grateful sympathy to Kathy and family.

I think when we all think back to high school whether popular or not, athletic or not, complicated or not... our days could always be made better by Dr. Ford's classes and teachings. One of the only classes one was truly able to be themselves regardless of what that meant. You will be sorely missed by those who had the privilege of learning from you and I'm sure it is a big loss for the generations to come after. Rest in peace.

My sincerest condolences to Kathy, Amy, Geoff and the rest of the Ford family. Fred made the Wabash College Glee Club one of the best memories of my college experience. I feel fortunate to have been on a Zoom call with Fred and Kathy during the last Wabash Glee Club Reunion. I recall as a Wabash student watching over Amy and Geoff while Fred and Kathy had some nights out. The 1975 Wabash College Glee Club European Tour was a once in a lifetime experience. I I feel fortunate as a student to have assisted Fred in organizing the National Convention of Glee Clubs held at Wabash College in 1977. It is so wonderful reading all of the kind remarks by the people whose lives have been so influenced by this great man. Loved by everyone that he taught, Fred was a true professional. "Long shall we sing thy praises"...Fred Ford. Rest in peace.

I was saddened to hear of Fred Ford's death today. I wish the best for Kathy and the extended family. I was a 4 year member of the Wabash College Glee Club beginning Fred's first year at Wabash. The Glee Club membership was quite small when he started, but after I graduated, it was a large, impressive chorale. I recall spring tours to Boston/NYC, Cleveland/Erie/Pittsburgh, and a European tour for about a month - all were memorable experiences. I got to see him after he left Wabash when he returned for some Glee Club reunions and another time we shared a lunch at the Rutgers campus. I was always impressed with his piano and organ skills, also. If he didn't become an honorary Wabash graduate along the way, he should have been! Good memories!

My sincere sympathy goes out to Fred's family and the friends he left behind. I was one of Fred's pupils in the late 1970s when he led the Wabash College Glee Club. We all have fond memories of Fred and his leadership. Thank you, Fred!

Fred was one of the most influential professors I had at Wabash. His inspired leadership of the Glee Club, infectious curiosity about a wide range of music and genuine warmth and humanity left an enduring mark on all of us at Wabash. In the words of our beloved Carmina Burana, "So at this hour without delay pluck the vibrating strings; since Fate strikes down the strong man, everyone weep with me!"

The imprint this amazing teacher and mentor has made on countless lives will carry on his legacy beyond our generation. I am so incredibly grateful to have spent my 4 years with Doc at BRHS because they were some of my happiest memories then. He inspired me to pursue my upper education in opera and although my career never took off... I owe him a great thanks because I think he instilled within me this great love of classical music. I always think of him in quiet moments when I hear some of the most breathtaking choral pieces. Rest in peace Doc, you´ve done well.

My sincerest condolences to Dr. Ford´s family. He was one of my most memorable teachers at BRHS and I still hear him after all these years (helpful when I try with absolutely no formal music education of my own to give notes to my own daughter). We were lucky and blessed to have his instruction and passion for music of all genres!

When he was the Eastern Division president of ACDA. I was president of Maryland/DC. After that our group of eastern presidents from those years stayed bonded in music and friendship.
Meeting Kathy at numerous conferences over the years has been a great pleasure.
My deepest condolences to Kathy and her family. I will always remember Fred with a smile. Judy DuBose

My deepest condolences to Kathy and his family. I was one of his many BRHS choral students in the early 00s. Doc´s mentorship was instrumental in shaping my journey towards law. His guidance helped me secure a spot at NJPAC studying vocals where I connected with young artists facing challenges in their industry dealings. His passing hits hard, but I'll carry on his legacy by advocating for others in his memory.

On the way to Lawton, OK for the national meeting of ACDA officers. It was at this time the presidents on NJ, MD, MA and NY met and became good friends and partners in many ACDA related activities. I remember Fred always smiling, laughing and ever so kind. Such a tremendous loss.

I´m saddened to learn about Fred´s passing. I was a member of the Wabash College Glee Club during his tenure there, including several memorable spring break tours. While a tour of Europe after my senior year was a definite highlight, a midwestern tour was a true bonding experience. I still find myself singing some of the songs he introduced to us. Condolences to Kathy and his family; I hope fond memories help ease their sorrow.

My sincere condolences to your family. I was a choral student of Dr. Ford´s at EBHS and he was one of the few teachers who I remember so fondly so many years later. His love of music was apparent and contagious. He was supportive and motivating and I always loved singing under his direction. He was such a light.

I am in total shock hearing this news. Dr. Ford was one of my favorite teachers in high school. I took his class all 4 years at BRHS and he always always greeted you with a smile and had the magic to make all things music fun and exciting. He took the time to help me be a better singer and helped me discover I was in fact not an alto but a soprano. I will never forget the countless concerts and all of the competitions we had. My deepest condolences to the Ford family. Rest easy Dr. Ford.

I attended Rutgers when Fred was Glee Club director and had him as a music theory professor as well. Only good memories.

I was part of the 2007 All-State Choir and because of Dr. Ford's direction, those songs have continued to stay with me throughout my life. His dedication to choral music will forever be in my memory.

As a colleague of Fred at Bridgewater H.S., I felt that he stood out as an ideal model as to what a great teacher should be. His enthusiasm, his dedication and his love for his students was evident in his accomplishments as well as his warm and friendly rapport with fellow teachers and students. The loss of Fred although sad, his character and impact will not be forgotten.

Many condolences to the Ford family. I was lucky to have Dr Ford has a teacher at BRHS. He saw potential in me even when I couldn´t. I remember him very fondly, and I will always remember him introducing me as a great alto (even years later!).

It was an honor to have Dr. Ford as my choir teacher in my four years at BRHS. To this day, he remains one of my favorite teachers. He taught us through his passion for music and in turn we developed the same love. He was an amazing teacher and man. May he rest in peace.

I was so lucky to have Dr Ford as my choir instructor for 3 years at BRHS. One of my favorite teachers. Such a warm, funny, talented man. My condolences to his wife and family. I know he will be missed.

Grateful to have Dr Ford as my choir teacher and director at Bridgewater HS. His faces would light up the choir and always knew if we were where we were supposed to be (or not!). Send much love to all his loved ones. Know he was a one of a kind teacher and warmly remembered by many.

Dr. Ford was my cooperating teacher at BRHS in 1998. He was so generous in opening up his classroom to me. I carry those pearls of wisdom from my experience working with him in my early years of teaching in Bridgewater. I will miss him accompanying my chorus ensembles in East Brunswick followed by a nice cold Yuengling Lager. My the choirs of angels sing him to eternal peace. My condolences to Cathy, his children, grandchildren, and friends.

My deepest condolences to Kathy and the rest of the family. Fred was one of the finest individuals I have ever met in my lifetime. I am very fortunate to have worked with him at Bridgewater-Raritan HS. He taught me and guided me as a colleague and as a friend. The world certainly is a lesser place without him.

I taught with Fred at BRHS for all of his 15 years there. He was a kind man who did marvelous things with the young singers at the high school motivating them to new heights. I am proud to have introduced The Roches to Fred. Rest in Peace.

Fred was a wonderful choral conductor, and had a real impact on the choral music music world in Central NJ. I had the pleasure of singing in three Rutgers groups that he directed - the Queen´s Chorale, Collegium Musicum and University Choir. He then honored my request to be the director of my wedding choir at Kirkpatrick Chapel. Observing his choral practices over the years taught me much, as I went on to direct my own choirs. He left behind a wonderful musical legacy here in NJ, and will be remembered by so many of us, for years to come.

I was a Bridgewater raritan graduate in 1995. DR. FORD Will be cheerished by many. He set the tone for my 4 year chior experience and exposure to singing and pushing us but not to much to accomplish what our voices where capable. I will always cheerish every winter chior concert and singing hallelujah at the end and the audience would clap as Drs firds face would gleam as we reached those high notes that gave us all chills. Those are the memories of what Dr ford gave us. He was a true gem A treasure to all. May he rest in peace harmonizing with all the angels

Rip, we had so much fun with you and you taught us so much. You will be listed a lot by your students.

Sending love and prayers of comfort to the Ford family and all who loved Dr. Ford. I am a music teacher today (of 20+ years) in good part due to the influence of Dr. Ford. He was a wonderful inspiration and mentor.

Dr. Ford was my music teacher when I was in women´s choir. He was so nice, funny, compassionate, and a fantastic teacher. One of the best. He was so passionate about what he did, and did it with all his heart. Sending prayers to his family. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Choir was one of my favorite classes during the day thanks to Dr. Ford. He was truly an amazing person and wonderful teacher who loved what he did and loved his students. He will most certainly be missed!

Singing in University Choir and being manager for many concerts. Fred was a great conductor and teacher! He will be missed!