Malcolm L. Ward

After living his best life of 94 years, Malcolm L. Ward passed away peacefully on November 5, 2020 in Chatham, MA. Malcolm was part of the “greatest generation” and he exemplified the patriotism, selflessness and personal responsibility of that era.

He was born in Lynn on June 29, 1926, the only child of the late George and Gladys (Owen) Ward and raised in Saugus. As a proud Eagle Scout, the associated scout values of service, leadership and a powerful code of conduct were the hallmarks of his life. He graduated from Saugus High School and was valedictorian of his class of 1944.

Upon graduation Malcolm entered the United States Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point and graduated from the academy in 1947 with bachelor of science degrees in marine and mechanical engineering. He served seven months in the Pacific war zone, including Okinawa as an Ensign during WW2. Malcolm continued his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) graduating with bachelor of science degrees in business and engineering in 1951.

Malcolm then embarked on a long and successful management career in the footwear industry and eventually bought a large shoe last molding manufacturer, owning and operating it until his retirement in 1963.

It was Malcolm’s first job, at GTE Sylvania, where he met the love of his life, Eleanor. After a six month courtship they married in 1952 and were devoted to each other for 42 years until her untimely death in 1994. They settled in Weymouth to raise their two children and he was actively involved in all their activities, hands on all the way and was always their cheerleader. He loved his family and instilled his values in his children, teaching them to live by the Golden Rule----not just in words but by his actions and deeds. He never missed a Sunday church service and taught Sunday School for many years. He and Eleanor began summering in Chatham in 1965. Upon Malcolm’s retirement in 1993 they moved permanently to Chatham.

Widowed and newly retired, Malcolm became active in the community. He chaired the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library, was a Chatham Railroad Museum docent and active on the Friends Board of the Chatham Council on Aging, delivered Meals on Wheels, tutored math to elementary school students and presided over the Memoirs Group, which he founded, at the Eldredge Public Library. He was on the Chatham First Night Committee for many years, participated in the Road to Recovery program and built homes for Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of the Chatham Retired Men’s Association and would entertain children as Pockets the Clown on First Night and at the town’s Fourth of July parade. He learned Italian and pursued his passion for gardening. Malcolm enjoyed the beach, riding his bike, hiking, reading and watching his beloved Red Sox. He enjoyed weekly breakfasts with his walking buddies at Larry’s PX, downing an ice cold beer and fried clam plate at the Squire and would often dig into a large bowl of ice cream with lots of chocolate sauce in the evening.

He met Kay Cima through shared volunteer activities and they formed a special bond and were constant companions the last 20 years of their lives until Kay died this past July. Together they traveled Europe, Mexico and South America and enjoyed their mutual passion for opera and classical music.

Always physically active, Malcolm was power walking three miles most mornings with the Chatham Walkers when he wasn’t swimming laps at the health club. He power walked the 5K Chatham Harbor Road Race at the age of 90!

Malcolm leaves his daughter, Pamela G. Ward (Edward Collins) of Boston, his son, Geoffrey M. Ward of Winchester and three granddaughters, Eleanora, Alexandra and Victoria. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor. We will all miss his words of wisdom, his stories and the twinkle in his eye.

Malcolm’s life was marked by his kindness, generosity, unparalleled integrity and his ability to connect with anyone and everyone. He created deep, lasting relationships with people in all areas of his life. The world would be a much better place if it was more full of Malcolm’s.

We want to thank the outstanding staff of Liberty Commons and Broad Reach Hospice for the excellent, loving care and support so generously provided to Malcolm and his family. You are all blessings from above.

Donations in Malcolm’s name and memory can be made to the Eldredge Public Library online at www.eldredgelibrary.org or mailed to 564 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633.

For online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.