Troy Ford—pictured here with his mother, Haridell Ford—was a mover and shaker in political circles. He passed away Feb. 2.________
Troy Ford, a social individual who was probably best known as then-Senator Carol Moseley Braun's liaison to the LGBT community, passed away Feb. 2 at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. He was 43.
Ford had been seriously ill and had been comatose for two weeks.
Besides serving as Moseley Braun's liaison, he also served in other roles, such as being a member of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations' Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues. Ford also supported numerous organizations and was seen at many functions.
In a statement to Windy City Times, mayoral liaison Bill Greaves said that ' [ h ] is fellow members of the Advisory Council and the Commission greatly appreciated Troy's support and contributions, and they treasured the joy he brought to their lives. Troy had many friends and was well respected in the LGBT communities. He will be missed.'
State Rep. Greg Harris also weighed in. 'Troy was a great leader for our community, taking bold and proud stances on all our behalf for years,' he said. 'The loss of his leadership will be felt by all of us who work politically to improve Chicago and to fight for equality for all Illinoisians.'
Jackie Anderson—a friend of Ford who has supported numerous causes herself, including Mountain Moving Coffeehouse and Gerber/Hart Library—remembered Ford as having strong personal qualities. 'Troy was a great deal of fun and a very loyal friend,' she told Windy City Times. 'I think that he was one of the very nicest fellows that I've ever known and we actually had some very good times together.'
Ford's mom, Haridell, has remained a remarkably strong figure in light of the loss she has suffered, and she attributes that strength to a higher power. 'I'm OK,' she said. 'I have a lot of faith.'
A service to remember Troy Ford's life will take place within the next few weeks. Those who would like to send cards or flowers to Haridell Ford can have them sent to 8229 S. Harper, Chicago, IL 60619.
