I was doing family research for my family tree.  Ross's Mother was Margaret Black, my Grandfather Russell Black's sister.   I called Ross up out of the blue, about 3 years ago.  I introduced myself to him and told him that I was his cousin Roy's daughter.  I told him I was doing family research, and asked if he could tell me anything about his Mom and Dad.  He was quite nice and spoke to me about 20-30 minutes until he had to go to a meeting.  I always meant to call him back, and now I am so unhappy and regret that time slipped away.  He told me about his military service, how he met his wife, and about his sons.  I wish I could have visited with him longer.  I seriously was going to try to call him today, but just learned of his passing.  I am very sorry.  He told me that my Dad Roy Black had left Michigan for CA when he was just a kid, but he did remember my Dad .  My deep, sincere condolences to the family and all of his friends.  From that brief conversation I had with him, he sincerely affected my life. May he RIP.  Aimee Black

Carry on Chief...We got the watch ShipMate. Fair Seas

I will miss the Chief.  At EVERY Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra concert, he would give me a big hug hello, then proudly introduce me to his guest-- often his children or grandchildren. I'll miss his cheery greetings when i would introduce the preconcert lecture.  I will miss his serious and intense descriptions of the music.  I will miss him proudly showing his 50-year sobriety medal.  I will miss his grace and heart.

For as long as I can remember Ross Ward has been at the door of Northside Community Church welcoming each person with a smile, a personal greeting, or a hug.  Ross had a special gift of making each person feel welcome.  During our time of joys and concerns, he would always ask for prayers for our men and women in uniform and their families.  He was always kind, generous, and witty.  His Northside family will miss his warmth, humor, dedication, and unique perspective on life. Heaven just got a little bigger.  From Chief's Northside Community Church family.

He was a great inspiration to me.  He will be missed around the tables.  God Speed my friend!

I loved Ross very much.  He meant so much to me and I learn so much from him.  I can't tell you how much he helped me and I will miss him . There will never be another person that could replace what he meant to me in my recovery.  There will be only One Ross.  He was my friend, Angela Tiano,

you were a inspiration  . i'll never forget life is always different.

God speed Ross! Thank you for helping me find my "sea legs".

Love an Blessings , positive impact at CMIA, Good AA!


                       Joseph A. Tobey.      
Go rest high on that Mountain !

For people who wanted to see the same faces every day could always see Ross everyday at noon at the same table in the same chair with his "go to hell" license plate.  He didn't sugar coat things. He told people what they needed to hear not what they wanted to hear. He was always in the same chair at the same meeting every day from when I met him in 06 till he died. I'm sure many took comfort in the fact that he was always there and he had a lot of sobriety. He helped a lot. He helped a lot of people.

Ross let me live with him when no one else would.  He took me to meetings all over Ann Arbor and he took me to church. He had many friends and he helped many people.

Former Petty Officer Ward, or as I knew him Ross, made an impact in my day to day life in the short couple of years I knew him. He was a kind and generous man, with a kind word of encouragement and a strong streak of individualism in him too. The impact he has was, he showed up. He lead by being a living example of how one can improve ones life and help others, by living and showing up too. Thanks Ross for all you share with me and with all of us. You will be missed.

Ross was a good friend and mentor. He helped many people in many ways,some we won't know until later in our lives. He had a good sense of humor helped make life easier. Ross will always be with me spiritually.He really did live Rule #62.    Don Grimes

Well done, Ross.  You served your country, your community, and your family well.  I miss you.  You were a special friend.  Maybe it is a small appreciation, but you, the teacher of truck drivers, taught me how to actually use my side view mirrors, for the first time in my many years of driving.  I often quote your story of the "Two Rules", especially for newcomers, Rule #1:  Don't take a drink today; Rule #2:  Go to a meeting tonight.  Rest in peace.  God's blessings in Christ Jesus.  Dora R.

I will miss Ross very much. Every time I saw him he would greet me with "hi pretty girl, I'm better now that you're here! You get more beautiful everytime I see you." And our goodbyes consisted of me saying "Don't get in too much trouble" and him saying "okay, as long as you stay beautiful!" I always thought that was so sweet. I'm blessed to have gotten to know him. Rest easy my friend.

I met Ross as he was my patient. He was an awesome man who made me laugh even when I was mad at him for not following my teaching! He taught me to drink black coffee and he always made me a cup when I went to his house. we would watch birds together during my visit, and we would listen to classical music. He told me how much he loved his sons and that he was not always able to show it. I am so saddened by his death, but I know he is watching all of us from up there and he is laughing and at peace finally, and I am sure he is eating all the salty stuff I wanted to throw away just to spite me! You will be missed Ross.
Paola

I knew Ross for several years. I fixed cars for him and he would stop by often to say hi and we would sometimes go to lunch.  Always upbeat and straight to the point.  Thank-you Ross for your service to our country, and your service in the community!  I will miss you my friend!

Ross was an inspiration.  He helped me so much. I sat at many tables with him and he spoke at the district founders day for me in Windsor, Ontario. My deepest condolences to the family. We always heard him speak of the family dinners and events.        Pat h.  Windsor,  on

You taught me Rule # 62...Don't take yourself to seriously. Thanks for all the great advice. Rest In Peace

I am so sorry for your loss.  Ross was a wonder man and he will be missed in our community!  He helped a lot of people lead better lives!  We are heart broken.

Rest in peace Chief.We will stand the watch.

I first met "the Chief" in the 90's. He rapidly became my primary source for spiritual guidance. Ross had a lot of sound and practical experience in the matter of living well, and I listened to every word he spared me. Having known him for three decades, I was pleased to have been able to touch base with him last week. I understood full well his situation. He had described his prognosis -about which I had asked -as "the Great Beyond". That was like him. He had a keen grasp on the practical and a readiness to deal well with all he faced. He was not for everyone, but I know I will miss him, for he was a man who had played his role well; the best thing I can say about anyone. RIP.

I will truly miss Ross (chief). What a great man he was. I sat next to him on Wednesday at the nooner mtg. He always was right to the point and didn't hold back. I will never forget him or his funny saying.  RIP we will meet again.

Jon H. (ann arbor,MI)

I never saw him as much as I wanted to, but he always brought a smile to my face. He helped save my life. 

I got to know Ross this past winter and I'm so sorry to hear that he is gone. I know he was a source of inspiration for many people in our community including me! So sorry for your loss.

OBITUARY

Ross Craig Ward

July 1, 1934 – June 22, 2017

Muehlig Funeral Chapel

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