Donald J. Ford

Donald J. “Don” Ford, 91, of Lake Barrington, former longtime resident of Lake Forest, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 9, 2022. He was born on October 18, 1930 in Marshfield, OR to Austin and Lillian (Rasmus) Ford.

Don graduated from Eugene HS where he was named “Future First Citizen of Eugene”. He attended the University of OR (B.S. 1952) and was a member and president of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He was also a member of  Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Delta Phi honorary societies. Don proudly served as First LT. of the U.S. Army, Korea (1952-54). While attending U. of O Law School (J.D. 1956), Don went on a blind date with Bonnie Brackin, to whom he was married just 3 months later at her sorority house at the U. of O. Don began his law practice in McMinnville, OR (1956-58), and he also acted as deputy district attorney before becoming an attorney for Allstate Insurance Co. During his tenure there, Don held numerous positions within the claims department in CA before relocating to the Allstate home office in Northbrook in 1973. After an illustrious career with Allstate, he retired in 1989 as an officer and the Vice President of Claims. Over the next several years, Don went on to act as a consultant and board member for various insurance-related corporations.

Don was an avid stamp collector and sports aficionado, holding a special penchant for his beloved Oregon Ducks. He also thrived on knowing something about everything, and it was an expectation that he receive a new World Almanac every Christmas (along with at least one bottle of good Scotch). Don was a selfless and giving husband, father, and grandfather, and his work ethic was second to none. Don loved attending his local grandkids’ sporting events, dance recitals, school-related activities; you name it, he was there, oftentimes one of the only grandpas in attendance.

Don will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 67 years, Bonnie; daughters Jennifer Ralston (Mark), Karen Malec (Dennis), Andrea Malec (Kevin); grandchildren Emilia Kingham (Christian), Adrienne (partner Ryan), Alissa (fiance Jeff), Sean, Jessica, Jarrett; great-grandson Roland Kingham. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his younger brother, Robert.

A private family interment was held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 in Lake Forest. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 www.heart.org or to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org .