Dr. Albert Ford "will leave a hole in many people's lives," a friend says.
Dr. Albert W. Ford, longtime Gainesville dentist and orthodontist, died Sunday of a cancer-related illness. He was 78.
Friends and colleagues remember Ford for his countless quiet contributions to the community.
Dr. Lamar Hatcher practiced dentistry in an office next to Ford's for some 20 years and counts him among his close friends.
"Al was a guy who really did stop to smell the roses," Hatcher said Tuesday. "He was an excellent dentist, but not so wrapped up in his career that he didn't enjoy many other things along the way."
Ford retired from dentistry in 2006, but remained active in the community.
He received his DDS degree from Loyola University College of Dentistry in 1957. After serving in the Air Force, Ford and his wife, Beverly, moved to Gainesville in 1961. He set up his dental office in 1963, and a practice in orthodontics in 1971.
He was active in Gainesville's Rotary Club, where he logged perfect attendance for 27 years.
Rotary member Elena Casson remembered Ford as a steadfast supporter of Sustainable Cambodia, one of Rotary's international projects committed to improving lives of villagers in rural Cambodia.
"He donated money, but he also supported us by e-mailing words of encouragement when we were over there," she said.
"I think he'd like to be remembered as someone who did good things quietly for our community, and would hope that others would follow his example," Casson added.
Hatcher described Ford as a collector of people.
"He loved interacting with people and collected many friends over a lifetime," Hatcher said. "He will leave a hole in many people's lives."
Ford is survived by his wife, Beverly, daughter Susan Ori, son Kelly Ford and two grandsons.
A memorial service is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Sustainable Cambodia or Haven Hospice.
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