I am deeply moved by the loss of an amazing mentor and influential leader that I was given the great honor to work with over 21 years. What must be added to his list of major accomplishments was his conviction and strong support of physician education through the creation and hands-on support of the Waukesha Family Practice Residency Program. Despite many challenges with state medical schools and the need for his sustained effort, it was Ford who nurtured a small program created with the support of the program’s first director, John Raschbacher, MD. Despite the difficulty of attracting high quality medical students, in 1977, the program began recruiting impressive individuals willing to take a chance on an upstart program. These grads impacted smaller communities mostly in Wisconsin but also nationally. They also helped the program evolve into a nationally recognized training site. Expanding to an 18 resident 3-year program in 1995, at one point, it had over 2/3 of the trainees that graduated in the top 10 percent of their med school. Many of these program grads stayed on as medical staff of ProHealth Care, becoming leaders in Waukesha County. And this was the vision Ford brought to our community.. His vision and sustained support transformed a small, struggling program, to become a program where the best medical students nationally competed to train. Many have entered underserved communities, offering full spectrum primary care services.
Ford’s vision and conviction directly supported the growth of his own community’s health system bringing outstanding primary care providers from around the country but also impacting significantly on the shortage of primary care Family Physicians in many communities in dire need of high quality practitioners and leaders. What an amazing legacy!
I offer my sincerest sympathy to all those close to Ford. He has touched so many lives. His many achievements and collegial support should never be forgotten.
Richard Lewan, MD
Kalaheo, HI
Posted: 6/25/2021
I am deeply moved by the loss of an amazing mentor and influential leader that I was given the great honor to work with over 21 years. What must be added to his list of major accomplishments was his conviction and strong support of physician education through the creation and hands-on support of the Waukesha Family Practice Residency Program. Despite many challenges with state medical schools and the need for his sustained effort, it was Ford who nurtured a small program created with the support of the program’s first director, John Raschbacher, MD. Despite the difficulty of attracting high quality medical students, in 1977, the program began recruiting impressive individuals willing to take a chance on an upstart program. These grads impacted smaller communities mostly in Wisconsin but also nationally. They also helped the program evolve into a nationally recognized training site. Expanding to an 18 resident 3-year program in 1995, at one point, it had over 2/3 of the trainees that graduated in the top 10 percent of their med school. Many of these program grads stayed on as medical staff of ProHealth Care, becoming leaders in Waukesha County. And this was the vision Ford brought to our community.. His vision and sustained support transformed a small, struggling program, to become a program where the best medical students nationally competed to train. Many have entered underserved communities, offering full spectrum primary care services.
Ford’s vision and conviction directly supported the growth of his own community’s health system bringing outstanding primary care providers from around the country but also impacting significantly on the shortage of primary care Family Physicians in many communities in dire need of high quality practitioners and leaders. What an amazing legacy!
I offer my sincerest sympathy to all those close to Ford. He has touched so many lives. His many achievements and collegial support should never be forgotten.
Richard Lewan, MD
Kalaheo, HI
Posted: 6/25/2021
My deepest sympathies to the Family, we shall greatly miss you my friend,you always inspired me, and have left a void that cannot be filled !!
sanjay singh
waukesha, WI
Posted: 11/24/2020
I agree Ford was great to work with and through him to meet you. Thoughts and prayers are with you
Jane Neumann
Hartland, WI
Posted: 11/23/2020
My sincerest condolences to you on the loss of a remarkable man. I was honored to know Ford through working at Empathia/Prohealth. He will always be remembered as an incredible leader and kind, kind soul.
catherine wilkins
milwaukee, WI
Posted: 11/23/2020
Dear Bobbe,
with great sadness we have learned today that Ford passed away monday nov 16th on Covid-19 complications. Our thoughts are with you and with your beloved ones. We are soo greatful to have met you when living in Oconomowoc and being your neighbors. You both have been so kind to us. We have great laughs, lots of fun, nice meals, deep conversations, boating on La Belle. We have the best memories about these years 1996-1999. Great times spent together in Florida, but also in Europe when you visited our country, together with Jerry and Carol. We have been really fortunate to be part of your lives and weill remember Ford as a great storyteller, making jokes, captain, friend, husband for Bobbe and generous man to all of his family, friends and staff. May Ford rest in peace. Lots of love from Simone and Peter Verbeek and their daughter Esmee from The Netherlands
Simone and Peter Verbeek
Netherlands
Posted: 11/22/2020
Dear Bobbe,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ford was a kind, generous man.
My best to you in the coming days and months.
Liz (Babe) Pronold
Liz Pronold
Waukesha, WI
Posted: 11/20/2020
I worked with Mr. Titus when I was the Assistant to Anselmo Villarreal at La Casa. He was so generous, kind and down to earth. Mr. Titus generously sponsored me for a Leadership Program which was such an honor for me. I am so sad to hear of his loss. Although I did not know him well, he left a strong and unforgettable impression on me. I am so sorry for the loss and sadness that his family is going through.
Kelly Colgan
La Crosse, WI
Posted: 11/20/2020
Ford was my leader and dear, dear friend. I am grateful to have been a part of his work and vision at ProHealth Care — work which positively impacted the lives of patients, employees and the community. One of Ford’s many gifts was his ability to make each person feel ownership in the success of the whole. He and Bobbe have always been welcoming, generous, strong, gracious, loving and so much fun. Ford’s legacy and the stories of him, the ultimate story teller, will long be remembered.
Kathy Allen
Oconomowoc, WI
Posted: 11/19/2020
It was an honor to work for Ford at Prohealth. I am so sorry for your loss.
Clare O'Sheel
Tryon, NC
Posted: 11/19/2020
Dear Titus family, I knew Ford from my days at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. He was a visionary for the hospital and a champion for the employees. He treated everyone with great respect. He was missed after his retirement in 2021. There will never be another Ford. May your fond memories bring you comfort, and may Ford rest in peace.
Cheryl Schultze
Waukesha, WI
Posted: 11/18/2020
Thinking of you, Bobbe! And of all the fun times we were fortunate to have with you and Ford. You were both always so welcoming and gracious! Bryon and I will hold fond memories of Ford in our hearts forever.
Jennifer Higgins
Grand Rapids, MI
Posted: 11/18/2020
A fond farewell to a truly remarkable man who was a pleasure to work both for and with!
Anne Kilmartin
Butler, WI
Posted: 11/18/2020
There are leaders in your life that leave a legacy and lasting impact. Ford Titus was that type of leadership mentor ,who taught me the essence of "Servant Leadership" through walking the talk. Ford served those that provided care like no other leader I have worked with. I had the honor for working with Ford for 25 years. Beyond his exceptional leadership style, Ford made a special effort to personally know those who provided care by name and often times their spouse and children's names. He cared about his team. He would always ask about Don Lavrenz and Donny Lavrenz. A leader of this caliber I have yet to meet. I am fortunate today to have been taught by the best which also included taking time as a team to have fun outside of work. His lessons have shaped the leader I am today and am forever thankful. Thank you Ford for your service to our community, so many laughs and great memories.
Dennise Lavrenz
Waukesha, WI
Posted: 11/18/2020
Ford (Poppy) was an extraordinary man who had the sharpest mind/memory of anybody I've ever known. My family is forever grateful for the kindness and generosity he bestowed upon us and he will be missed terribly. I know he is having a ball skiing down that big "milk-run" in the sky. RIP Poppy, we'll all be together again some day. Cheers to that!
Jeffrey Alex Dickson
Westby, WI
Posted: 11/18/2020
Bobbie:
I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Ford. He was a great leader and I considered him a mentor. Be safe and well
Fondly
Toni and Peter metherall
Toni metherall
Bend, OR
Posted: 11/18/2020
Thoughts and prayers to your family. I respected and appreciated his leadership in all the years I knew him working at Waukesha Menorial.
Ann McAllister
Genesee depot, WI
Posted: 11/18/2020
I am honored and blessed to have known and worked with Ford. He was truly a special person in my life and I will miss him.
Nick Argeroudis
Oconomowoc , WI
Posted: 11/18/2020
Dearest Bobby and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ford was a remarkable man who is sorely missed.
Gary & Pamella Gallitz
Calera, AL
Posted: 11/17/2020