Kenneth W. Ford, a distinguished physicist known for his pivotal role in the development of the hydrogen bomb, passed away on December 5, 2023, at the age of 99. He died from pneumonia at the Foulkeways at Gwynedd retirement community in Pennsylvania, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in research, education, and scientific collaboration.
Dr. Ford’s journey in physics began at Princeton University, where he was a graduate student. In 1950, at the young age of 24, he was recruited to assist in the covert development of the hydrogen bomb, a decision he later reflected on, saying, “I was told if we don’t do it, the Soviet Union will, and the world will become a much more dangerous place.” His work at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico involved critical calculations related to nuclear fusion and fission, contributing to the successful test of the hydrogen bomb in 1952.
A Career Among Giants
Throughout his career, Dr. Ford collaborated with many notable scientists, including Albert Einstein and Robert Oppenheimer. His expertise spanned nuclear structure, particle physics, and mathematical physics. He attended lectures alongside Einstein and worked with prominent figures like Frederick Reines and John Wheeler. His contributions to science extended beyond research; he was a dedicated educator and administrator, serving as president of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology from 1975 to 1982. There, he oversaw significant improvements in enrollment, faculty, and facilities.
In 1986, Dr. Ford became an education officer for the American Physical Society and later served as the executive director of the American Institute of Physics starting in 1987. Michael Moloney, the current CEO of the AIP, praised Ford’s transformative leadership, noting his profound impact on the organization and the field of physics. Ford retired from the AIP in 1993, continuing to influence the next generation as a consultant and teacher at the Academy and Germantown Friends School.
A Legacy of Inquiry and Integrity
Dr. Ford’s commitment to science was matched by his principled stance against the Vietnam War. In 1968, he publicly declined to participate in secret projects or work on weapons, stating, “It was a statement of principle.” His dedication to education and research remained unwavering, as evidenced by his numerous accolades, including a distinguished service citation from the American Association of Physics Teachers in 1976 and the AAPT medal for notable contributions to physics education in 2006.
Born on May 1, 1926, in West Palm Beach, Florida, Dr. Ford graduated as valedictorian from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1944. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physics, summa cum laude, from Harvard University, and completed his doctorate at Princeton in 1953. His early years were spent fostering a love for learning, often frequenting the local library to explore a range of subjects.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Dr. Ford enjoyed a vibrant personal life. He was an avid pilot, a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, and engaged in folk dancing. He had a talent for word games, particularly Scrabble, and was known for his love of ice cream and humor. He became a Quaker and actively promoted peace, often wearing a peace sign button.
Dr. Ford is survived by his children, Paul, Sarah, Caroline, Star, Adam, and Jason, along with 11 grandchildren and a great-grandson. A memorial service will be held on January 24, 2024, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Foulkeways at Gwynedd, marking the passing of a remarkable figure whose contributions to science and education will be remembered for generations.
