After a long, esteemed career as Oakland University’s head athletic trainer, Tom Ford passed away on Thursday morning after a six-year battle with ALS.

Ford served as the university’s head athletic trainer for 30 years.

“No one in the history of OU Athletics has directly helped more student-athletes and been a trusted colleague to more coaches and staff than Tom. My thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and their family during this difficult time,” Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield said in a statement. “Tom’s legacy will endure through the people he helped, the athletic trainers he mentored, and the athletic training department he built.”

“Though I regret not having the opportunity to work with Tom, I am so fortunate to have met him after I arrived at OU and to get to know him and Kathy for the past five years. Greeting student-athletes each day with ‘Good morning, Golden Grizzlies‘ Tom’s optimism and caring spirit never wavered, even as he faced ALS. True to his selflessness and care for others, Tom donated his organs to help others,” said Waterfield.

Ford was diagnosed with ALS in 2017, at which point he announced he would step away from his duties.

Head basketball coach Greg Kampe shared his thoughts on Ford in an interview with wxyz.com.

“Tom Ford is one of the most significant people that has ever worked at this university,” Kampe said. “He had a long career here. He sat next to me on the bench for over 30 years, and he affected more student athletes than anybody that I’ve ever been in contact with at this university.”