Ford Presidential Foundation Mourns the Passing of Chairman Emeritus Martin J. Allen, Jr.
“Marty” Allen, beloved Chairman Emeritus of our Foundation, passed away on May 31.
A nation or a community cannot be great unless they possess within their midst persons capable of greatness. Marty achieved that and something even more consequential: goodness. That goodness revealed itself interpersonally, to be sure, but also in his contributions to public life. Marty made an early mark as manager of Notre Dame’s football team, indicative of his commitment to a team without needing to have the cameras on him. It also indicated his capacity for love, a love that manifested itself in service to others. Marty loved Notre Dame and its football team.
Marty’s mode of service was apparent early on in his service to the country in the Navy, in his service to the city of Grand Rapids, his service to President Ford, and his service to the Foundation. He neither sought nor shirked the spotlight; he was content to work behind the scenes so long as good was accomplished. His focus always remained on the ends aspired to and not the agent by which they were accomplished.
We on staff revered him, not simply for all the good that he did but because he was as kind as he was humble and as wise as he was self-effacing. On hearing of his passing I immediately admonished myself for not taking greater advantage of the opportunity to spend time with him. Those in our office who did repaid his gift, giving back to a man who gave so much. That, too, should be a lesson for all of us, a mark of the faith Marty confessed and lived: “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Marty indicated — for many of us the measure.
Below we publish the Foundation’s announcement on Marty’s passing. Requiescat In Pace.
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The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation announces with deep sadness the passing of Chairman Emeritus Martin J. Allen, Jr., a devoted leader, trusted friend of President and Mrs. Ford, and a guiding force behind the Foundation for decades. He died on May 31, 2026 at age 90.
A native of Grand Rapids, Allen played a central role in shaping and strengthening the Foundation and advancing the legacy of Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. Serving as chairman from 1985 to 2005 and continuing afterward as chairman emeritus and a lifetime trustee, he helped guide the organization through years of growth, expanding its national reach while keeping its mission firmly rooted in the values President Ford championed—integrity, honesty, and public service.
Allen’s relationship with the Fords spanned decades and was built on genuine friendship and mutual respect. Marty Allen was proud to be a United States Navy veteran, like President Ford. He was a trusted supporter of the President’s work and remained deeply committed to preserving both President Ford’s public legacy and Mrs. Ford’s humanitarian impact. His leadership helped ensure that future generations would understand and appreciate the character and example set by the Ford family. For decades, Marty dedicated his time, energy, and wisdom to carrying those ideals forward. His guidance helped shape the Foundation into what it is today.
“Marty and his wife Sue were cherished friends of our parents,” said Mike and Steve Ford, on behalf of the Ford family. “Dad and mom so respected Marty’s leadership and service to his family, the Foundation, the community of West Michigan and beyond.”
“For many decades, Marty Allen faithfully served the family and foundation he loved. President and Mrs. Ford could always count on him. Well into his eighties, he was coming to our Ford Presidential Foundation offices every day. The staff loved him, and he returned their affection with wisdom, insight, coaching, and encouragement,” said Gleaves Whitney, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.
Beyond the Foundation, Allen was widely known throughout West Michigan for his extraordinary civic leadership and generosity. His career in banking and his involvement in numerous educational, charitable, and cultural organizations reflected a lifelong commitment to strengthening the Grand Rapids community he loved.
Allen also played a meaningful role in honoring President Ford personally, including serving as an honorary pallbearer at the President’s state funeral. Those who worked with him remember not only his leadership but also his warmth, loyalty, and unwavering belief in service to others.
The Ford Presidential Foundation extends its deepest condolences to his wife, Susan, and to the entire Allen family. His legacy will endure through the institution he helped build and the values he worked tirelessly to promote.
The Notre Dame Monogram Club honored former President Gerald R. Ford with an honorary monogram in October 1997. From left: Sue Allen, President Ford, and Marty Allen.
Trustees chat at the Foundation Annual Dinner Reception in Washington, DC on June 7, 2010. (L-R) Henry Kissinger, Danny Gaydou, Marty Allen, and Peter Secchia. (Photo Courtesy of Dr. Robert M. Humphries)
Trustees gather at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation annual board meeting in June 2018. From left: Steve Ford, Red Cavaney, Marty Allen, Mike Ford.
Director of the Ford Leadership Forum, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
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