Ronald Frederick Ward
December 11, 1921 to September 21, 2013
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our father, Ronald Frederick Ward, who peacefully passed away with family at his side in Nanaimo, British Columbia on September 21, 2013. The youngest of ten children, Dad was born to parents Albert Edward and Ada Elizabeth and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. He was predeceased by four brothers and four sisters, his first wife, Irene (mother of his children), and earlier this year by his second wife, Velda.
Noted for his quick wit, generous nature, and positive attitude, Dad will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Dad is survived by two daughters and two sons: Brenda Basham (Frank), David Ward (Judy), Susan Carroll (Wayne), and Paul Ward; as well as four grandsons: Colin Ward (Summer), Scott Basham (Sarah), Shane Ward (Kelly), Ryan Ward (Laurel); three great granddaughters: Evangeline, Abigail, and Ainsley; and three great grandsons, Henry, Zachary, and Lucas. He is also survived by his sister, Lillian MacMillan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Dad served as a cook in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War, seeing action on a Corvette in the North Atlantic. After the war, Dad returned to his home in Victoria where he was soon married and started his family.
Dad worked for Neon Products of Canada for over 20 years installing signs in Victoria and on the mainland. Dad then started his sales career with Bayliss Neon where he worked for another 20 years until his retirement. During his time with Bayliss Neon, Dad travelled the Island extensively, assisting customers with their advertising sign requirements and making life-long friends along the way. After retiring from Bayliss, he enjoyed many years of swimming and fitness at the pool in Parksville, gardening in his yard, and walking with his dog, Teesha. He was an active member in many service groups including the Kiwanis and the Royal Canadian Legion. The service group to which he devoted most of his time was the Parksville and Qualicum Shrine Club where he served as President for one term. He was a regular on the grill for years at the “pancake breakfasts” on the beach in Qualicum or Parksville, raising money for the Shriners’ Children Fund. He also could be seen in countless parades on a Shriner mini bike.
This summer at the Shriners’ annual fish fry (an event to thank members for their dedication and hard work throughout the year), the Shrine honoured Dad by calling their event the “Ron Ward Fish Fry”.
His family would like to thank the staff at Woodgrove Manor for their care and compassion for Dad during the last 15 months of his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Dad at 1:00pm, October 19, 2013 at the Quality Inn Bayside in Parksville. While Dad loved flowers, a donation would be preferred to benefit the Children’s’ ward at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital: Nanaimo Regional Hospital, c/o Parksville/Qualicum Shrine Club #34, P.O. Box 511, Qualicum, B.C. V9K 1T1.
First Memorial Funeral Services
(250)754-8333