Russell Andrew Ward

Russell (Russ) Andrew Ward, age 94 of Wheat Ridge, CO passed away on October 10, 2019. As was his wish, he passed away in his long-time home of 58 years. Russ was born in Council Bluffs, IA in the family home on February 18, 1925. Russ is preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia (Pat) Ward, age 89, to whom he was married to for nearly 62 years. Russ was introduced to Pat on a blind date and they were married later in Omaha, NE in December of 1957. Shortly thereafter they moved to Denver, CO where Russ pursued his aviation career. He is also preceded in death by his brother Leslie M. Ward, Jr. and his wife Dorothy who have been laid to rest in Iowa. Additionally Russ is survived by his loving children and in-laws; Scott Ward of Wheat Ridge, CO, Cheryl Dorr and her husband Bruce of Highlands Ranch, CO and his youngest Todd Ward and his wife Donna of Houston, TX. Russ is also survived by his loving grandchildren; Courtney Ward of Denver, CO, Nicole Dorr of Ft. Collins, CO, Alex Dorr of Ft. Collins, CO, Kendall Ward of San Marcos, TX and Megan Ward of Houston, TX.

Russ attended high school in Council Bluffs and upon graduation later entered in to active duty service in the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1944. Russ flew a P-38 Lightning aircraft in WW II which was equipped with cameras for photo reconnaissance. During his service he flew some 70 amazing missions including filming the German Autobahn from north to south through the heart of that country. On one particular mission he was involved in a brief exchange of gunfire in support of a group of British Spitfires which were engaged with a group of German Luftwaffe planes. While dropping off film to Army Intelligence for analysis at a temporary landing strip in France he had the privilege to dine at General Patton’s lunch table. Although he was informally dressed in his flight suit, he mentioned he was hungry and they accommodated him by allowing him to have lunch in the general’s mess tent. After being honorably discharged from his service duty he worked in construction for cement contractors. Having the GI Bill available to him he entered and earned a degree from Oregon State College (Now Oregon State University) in a related area of study. He was later promoted to Captain USAF after serving in the Reserves.

Russ loved flying and it had been a passion of his since we was a child watching the crop dusters and barnburners fly above the Iowa cornfields. He was hired by United Airlines and enjoyed a career of over 32 years finally retiring as a Boeing 747 captain. He was a member of Airline Pilots Association and the Retired United Airline Pilots Association. His love of flying also resulted in him owing small aircraft and he was an active member of the Ten-Hi Flyers flying club based out of what is now Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. Russ owned a twin engine Cessna 310 which allowed his youngest son Todd attain his multi-engine rating as part of his Commercial Pilot License.

In his spare time Russ was also actively involved with his Masonic Lodge Highlands 82 and was a member of the El Jebel Shrine Air Patrol. He acted as a board member for the Bel Aire Improvement Association which was the local irrigation water governance entity. Russ loved the holidays and would carry a lantern on a pole to aid the Christmas Carolers as they walked around Field Drive singing to their neighbors. He had a true passion for skiing and taught his children and grandchildren to ski. He co-owned a restaurant in Aspen for a brief period of time to help out an extended family member. He was occasionally known to play a round of golf in warm weather. Russ was very mechanically inclined and would perform the maintenance and repairs on the family cars. He was especially fond of the various Mercedes-Benzes he owned; actually going to Germany to purchase the vehicles and have them shipped back to the U.S. Russ was also very handy around the house – he could fix just about anything! Russ loved to travel and go on cruises with his wife Pat and their children. Russ especially enjoyed a hearty meal including a dessert or two, or three, and the cruise ships were an opportunity for him to indulge his sweet tooth. One of their favorite trips across the wide, blue ocean was to visit with their very close and long time friends the Cotton Family in Hawaii.

Russ’ life will be memorialized and remembered in a service on Saturday November 23rd, 2019 at 10:00 AM in the Olinger Crown Hill Chapel located at 7777 W. 29th Ave. in Wheat Ridge, CO. Russ will subsequently be laid to rest with honorary proceedings at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Wednesday November 27th, 2019 at 1:00 PM in Denver, CO.

Please feel free to send flowers, or make a donation in his honor to Shriners Hospitals for Children at lovetotherescue.org or call 1-855-401-4897.