The life and career of William Livingstone Ford (1913-1992), pioneer in the development of Canadian marine science and oceanography

Abstract

Dr. William Livingstone Ford played an important role in the development of Canadian marine science after World War II. Trained as a physical chemist, he spent the early part of his scientific career in the United States with Dupont and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. From 1948 to 1965 he held various positions with the Canadian Defence Research Board across the country. The highlight of his long career was serving as the senior manager of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, NS from 1965 to 1978. He was a prominent leader in the national marine science community and a member of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science. This article summarizes highlights of his distinguished career as a both a scientist and government manager and his many contributions to Canadian oceanography. He was a well-respected science manager who developed a productive and collegial management style that encouraged different agencies to work together on multidisciplinary programs.