Left - President Gerald R. Ford being sworn in as the 38th President of the United States by Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger on August 9, 1974 with his wife Betty looking on.   Right - Gerald R. Ford in 1933 as a young man on the college football field at the University of Michigan where he played center.  [Photos Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Library]

Why is a Realtor in Sacramento writing about the passing of President Gerald R. Ford? Simply put, because I once met the man and he left a wonderful impression on me. 

In October of 1984 while working for a major Amercian political party I attended a fundraising event in Beaver Creek, CO for a congressional candidate.  Beaver Creek was also where the President had a home at the time.  The experience provided me a unique opportunity to meet President Gerald R. Ford.  He was the draw to get the faithful to open their wallets and help out the candidate. 

Well, since I was technically working at the event I was watching the President and listening to many of the older folks asking his opinion about all of the major world events of the day.  I observed he seemed somewhat less than enthusiastic about the conversations, after all he was no longer in a position to do anything about interest rates, the peace process in the middle East or dealing with despots in far flung parts of the globe. 

As perhaps the youngest in the room at a mere 23, I decided to try a different tack.  I approached the President and asked him something to the effect, "Mr. President, what do think the chances are of Michigan getting to the Rose Bowl this year?"  His expression went from one of "all business" to one almost of relief.  A big grin came to his face and his eyes looked excited.  Admittedly I was pleased with myself for providing a lighter moment and to have a chance to talk some college football with a great man.  A man who hiked the football in college and spent his tenure in the White House never far from the nuclear "football" carried constantly during the Cold War era. 

Surely President Ford never recalled that simple conversation with me but I will always have a special memory of my brief conversation with him and of his warmth and sincerity as we spoke that day.  I was humbled by his humanness and I am truly grateful for the experience.

There are a lot of tributes to President Ford but if you have any interest in his life I suggest you visit the Gerald R. Ford Library.  It is a wonderful source of information, photos and history.  Of course, another great source of information on our 38th President is at the official website of The White House.