Betty Ford Center President Calls Passing ‘Great Loss’

The Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage has helped countless amounts of people recover from addictions, and close friends said Mrs. Ford took great pride and joy in lending a helping hand.

John Schwartzlose, president and CEO of the Betty Ford Center, worked side-by-side along the late Betty Ford for more than 29 years.

He said she had a big heart, with a passion for saving lives.

“The tributes that are being given to her now are so deserved,” he said. “She changed the face of recovery — no question about it.”

While walking down the halls of the Betty Ford Center, Schwarzlose remembered the woman responsible for giving millions of people hope who didn’t have hope.

“When we opened the center in October of 1982, Mrs. Ford really felt this would be a Southern California center, and almost from the beginning, it was international, and she really underestimated the impact she would have.”

Ford’s portrait that hangs on the wall at the center’s entrance brought back fond memories for Schwarzlose — her elegence, calm demeanor and smile.

On the other side of the room were photos of when the center was founded — one of which taken on October 3, 1982 — dedication day.

Then-Vice President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara stood beside the Fords.

Bob Hope gave the Fords the land on which the center now resides, and he was there with his wife Dolores.

The first patients were admitted to the Betty Ford Center the next day.

Ford was a recovering addict herself.

“People admired her and her courage and willingness to really speak up about it,” said Schwarzlose, who also talked about Ford’s close relationship with patients. “She’d go out in the lunch room, right in the middle of lunch and sit with a group of patients. Every month, she would lecture to the patients — all the patients together — but that was what she loved to do.”

As for how Ford’s family is dealing with her death, Schwarlose said, “I think once they get through the funeral and burial, they will also have the chance to celebrate the life of this incredible woman who was their mom.”

The flag in front of Eisenhower Medical Center was flying at half staff on Monday in honor of the late Betty Ford.