“He signed on to build a better faculty and curriculum, to advance work that he had begun earlier in his career to develop a broader and more diverse student body. He did not relish that time,” Stephen Ford said.

Though he tended to stay out of the political fray on campus, Ford spoke out against the Vietnam war in a Commencement speech in 1967, and was one of several top American educators to pay a visit to President Johnson that year to express concern for the repercussions of the war on foreign policy, the nation and higher education.

Despite the chaos that marked Harvard during the 1960s, Ford’s tenure was also a time of pronounced growth for Harvard.

“Many remember his time particularly because of 1969, with the occupation of University Hall and the great debates in the faculty on the Vietnam war,” Kirby said. “But we should also remember that he was dean for eight years and oversaw a great period of expansion—in many ways, he helped to create what is now modern Harvard.”

The most visible remnant of Ford’s deanship is the physical expansion he oversaw.

Ford also worked to expand Harvard’s student body. In 1960, he chaired a committee that recommended a diversification of Harvard students, and he worked tirelessly to broaden recruitment practices and provide more financial aid opportunities throughout his tenure as dean.

Indeed, Ford was a committee enthusiast—not only did he sit on several committees, including the Educational Policy Committee, during his 40 year career at Harvard, but he also authorized and presided over many as a dean. In 1964, Ford set up a committee to review and amend the 20-year-old General Education program. While he concluded that the system was still adequate, he helped to modernize the curriculum by allowing faculty members more freedom in their courses.

Ford retired in 1991, but remained a professor emeritus at the University.

Because of his non-confrontational style and willingness to listen, Ford commanded the respect of Harvard’s professors and students alike, earning a reputation as a diplomat rather than an agitator. Above all, he appeared to be a voice of reason in an era of upheaval, keeping a cool head despite the noise around him.

Ford is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eleanor R. Ford, two sisters, two sons and a granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held at Harvard in the fall, according to University officials.

—Staff writer Rebecca D. O’Brien can be reached at robrien@fas.harvard.edu.