Former TFI President Ford West, 73, passed away on Feb. 14, surrounded by his family, after a 15-year battle with prostate cancer.
“For more than thirty years, Ford West was the face of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI),” the organization said in a statement. “His tireless advocacy for TFI, its members, and the Nutrients For Life Foundation (NFLF) was unmatched, and serves as an inspiration today to all who served with him.
“Under Ford’s leadership, TFI grew its retail membership and expanded its portfolio to include 4R Nutrient Stewardship, the Nutrients for Life Foundation, and ResponsibleAg. Ford’s dedication to the fertilizer industry was eclipsed only by his profound love for his family. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Cathy and his three children.”
An announcement regarding TFI’s plan to memorialize Ford’s life and service to the industry will be forthcoming. In the meantime, TFI said it wants to hear your Ford West stories. You can send them to FBWestremembrance@tfi.org. TFI said it will compile your submissions and send them to the West family.
Ford joined The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) in 1979. He was named President in 2005. He was passionate about the industry, and his legacy of 34 years with TFI lives on through the Ford B. West Center for Responsible Agriculture, a training center in Owensboro, Ky., named in recognition of his efforts with ResponsibleAg. In 2013, he was recognized by the Agricultural Retailers Association with the Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2018 Ford was inducted into the Fertilizer Hall of Fame.
Ford began his professional career with the National Canners Association, located in Washington, D.C.
Born in Murphy, N.C. in 1947, Ford attended Mars Hill College, where he was a member of the Mars Hill football team, tri-captain of the 1969 team, active in student government, and listed in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He joined the U.S. Air Force and received an honorable discharge in May 1974 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He then attended North Carolina State University, where he met the love of his life, Mary Lucas (Cathy), and earned a M.S. in Food Science.
Ford is survived by his wife, two daughters, son, four grandchildren, three sisters, and a brother. A service celebrating his life will be held at a future date.
The family wishes any memorial contributions to be made to The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins or Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis, Md.