Ward was born in Horse Hill, Alberta - the third son of Hector and Harriett Clark. His pioneering family has farmed this area northeast of Edmonton since his grandfather arrived as a homesteader in 1892.
Farm life and a strict upbringing during the Great Depression and Second World War taught Ward to be a hard-working, self-reliant, honest citizen – the kind of man you can rely on.
As a young learner, he excelled at math in a one-room schoolhouse where a single teacher taught nine grades. A stubborn Shetland named “Old Peggy” would carry him from home to school each day.
His problem-solving ability, entrepreneurial spirit, and heavy dose of determination and resourcefulness helped Ward succeed at many jobs throughout his career. He worked on the installation of the very first telephone lines in Alberta. He was a farmer, a plumber, an oilfield worker – he even had a job hauling dynamite – but Ward is best known for his time at Fiberglass Canada where he was a supervisor for 32-years. Find a job you love, he would say, and you’ll never work a day in your life.
At the age of 62, Ward returned to his passion of fulltime work on the farm. He managed a cow-calf operation with his son Darrell. Work with cattle did not reduce the joy Ward experienced eating a well-cooked steak. Alberta beef, of course.
Ward was devoted to his wife Sharon of 38-years. They enjoyed winters in the desert, spring in the mountains, and cruises to exotic locations. They were champions for each other through all of life’s triumphs and challenges.
Although he worked more than he played, he looked forward to fly-in fishing trips to BC with his brother Lloyd, once landing a 41-pound salmon.
Ward’s greatest lifetime achievement is raising six children, each shaped in a unique way by his life lessons. He has influenced many, and his spirit and wisdom lives on in those who love him.
Ward is survived by his wife Sharon; six children, Dale, Debbie, Darrell (Susan), Deanna, Jay (Kelland) and Eric (Kimberley); and his brother Kent (Joan). He had a special place in his heart for six grandchildren, Krista (Greg), Levi (Chantelle), Siobhan, Hannah, Adrianne, and Tyson, three great grandchildren, Vincent, Lincoln, and Elijah. He will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ward is predeceased by three brothers, Bill (Vel), Doug (Fay), and Lloyd (Gerry), and his son-in-laws Louis and Jim.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, due to global circumstances. In honour of Ward, donations may be made to a charity of your choice, or through a simple act of kindness toward a neighbour.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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