KANSAS CITY, MO.- Ralph T. Coe, the third Director of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and one of the nation’s foremost authorities on American Indian art, died Tuesday in Santa Fe, N.M. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ted Coe,” said Julián Zugazagoitia, who began Sept. 1 as the fifth Director & CEO of the Nelson-Atkins. “He was an excellent leader during his years at the Museum, and his time here was distinguished by his vast knowledge of the art world. He leaves behind a legacy of genuine enthusiasm for art.” Coe was an exceptional curator and collector whose passion for European art, Native American art and contemporary art inspired a host of other collectors. Among those were Marion and Henry Bloch, who carefully acquired Impressionist masterpieces over the course of 20 years with Coe’s assistance. Their collection is now considered one of the finest collections in private hands