We are sad to inform the industry that Richard Ford F.S.S.F. – Fellow of the Society of Shoe Fitters, long term Tutor and Past President passed away prior to Christmas 2016. His funeral was held in Ipswich on 6th January 2017.
Richard was one in a million. He nursed his wife Yvonne for most of their married life as she was diagnosed with MS on the birth of their second child. Yvonne passed away in March 2013 and Richard was diagnosed with cancer. Richard leaves a son – Simon, daughter Rebecca and a granddaughter.
Richard started in the footwear trade in 1959 (the same year the S.S.F was set up). He began as a trainee sales assistant in Footmans of Ipswich and in 1962 became Assistant Manager of Bowhill Elliot of Ipswich. After 8 years, he became the manager of K Shoes in Ipswich and after 10 years was headhunted back to Bowhill Elliot as Manager. Three years later he became a Director. He loved shoes and the S.S.F.
Richard qualified to be an S.S.F member in 1985 (he passed the exam of the day with Distinction) and some years later became a much loved and respected Tutor. Richard remained a Tutor/Examiner ever since. All this time Richard served voluntarily on our Council (latterly as an Advisor) and became Vice President in 1989-1990. Richard together with the President of the day Alan Hemsley were responsible for recruiting the current Secretary (1989). Richard stepped up to become President between 1990-1991.
Richard was a dear friend to many and will be a great loss to our organisation. Any messages/cards etc. you wish to send to our office will be passed on to his family.
“RIP Richard, you will be welcomed above by many good shoe men and women, as well as your lovely Yvonne.”
Laura West, Secretary of the Society of Shoe Fitters
