William "Buff" Buffington Ward

March 24, 1940 – October 22, 2018

This is the tale of a life well lived. Known as Buff to his friends and his loving wife of many years, Mimi Ward. Pop Pop was his name to his grandchildren, Lyndall (Jason), Elsa, Wesley, Celia, Corbin and Gavin and great grandchildren, Winston and Vivian. Dad was what his two daughters called him, Amy Juall (Gregg Gosch) and Carrie Grant (Jason). Big Brother to his siblings, Mark Ward (Donna) and Cynthia Woolsey (Tom). Head scratcher to his cat Moo Goo. Loved ones that are seeing Buff again include his parents, Helen and Leroy, his rotties, Ike, Beau and Maggie and begrudgingly his cats, Darling, Egg Foo and Lo Mein.

Buff was born in Baltimore, MD and grew up with a love of the water, in particular, the Chesapeake. He excelled at almost every sport he tried. He played lacrosse, football and wrestling in high school while attending the Hill School in Pennsylvania. He went on to letter in college in these same sports at Johns Hopkins University. In particular, he loved the discipline and individual aspect of wrestling and is a member of the Hopkins Sports Hall of Fame. He also enjoyed his fraternity life with Phi Gamma Delta.

Buff was celebrated for his effort in perfecting the “best crab cakes”. Gardening, fishing, crabbing and traveling were life long passions. Pottery became a release in later years as well as working as a docent with the Virginia Military Aviation Museum. His day was not complete without watching British shows and news programs and challenging himself with trivia. With a strong moral compass ingrained in his being, he was passionate with many philanthropic endeavors. Known for his loyalty to his friends and family, you could always count on sound and reliable advice freely given. His words may have been direct at times but all who know him knew of his kind nature and huge heart.

He had the opportunity through work and in retirement to experience life in many different parts of the world. He lived in the U.S. in Baltimore, Atlanta, Richmond, Sandbridge Beach, and Fort Myers. He lived overseas in Lausanne, Switzerland and Puerto Morelos, Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hope Healthcare of Fort Myers or the Virginia Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach, VA would be appreciated. He wants all who are thinking of him to not be sad and to say the Lord's Prayer with any you hold dear.

A tradition started by his mother, Helen, was the term that he carried on, “we are all greatly blessed.” How right they both are!

A celebration of life will be held at the Virginia Military Aviation Museum in Pungo, VA on December 1, 2018 at 4 pm. All are welcome to attend.