Obituary of Don James WARD

The family of Don Ward is saddened to announce his unexpected passing on Labour Day.  Every day was Labour Day in Don’s world, where there was always a project to work on.  His wit, sense of humour and love of puns were legendary.

Don was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan to Bill and Jean Ward.  Because of the passing of his mother when he was only five, his paternal grandparents and older sister, Gerry, were strong influences in his early years.  At the age of 11, Don moved to Calgary and spent three years as a resident of Wood’s Christian Home.  From there he entered Crescent Heights High School and after graduation joined the Royal Canadian Navy, stationed in Halifax.  Upon release he returned to Calgary and began a long and storied career in the glass industry.

Don was heavily involved in committees and boards in the Calgary, Alberta, and Canadian Construction Associations, as well as numerous other industry organizations.  He worked tirelessly toward the betterment of the industry, and was honoured many times for his commitment and dedication.

Photography was his favourite pastime.  He was an accomplished and prolific photographer.  Just one more shot…

But, above all, his priority was his family.  Married to Dianne (Hocking) for 52 years, he was a husband who was still very much in love.  He was immensely proud of his children and their many accomplishments.  His distinctive whistle was heard at every game, much to the embarrassment of his sons.  Seven years as a Cub Scout leader provided a wealth of opportunity for more story material.

In later years Don welcomed with open arms his children’s chosen spouses and became a father to them as well.  Later, his grandchildren became his pride and joy.

Don will be forever missed by his wife, Dianne; his sons and their families - Jeff, Katyuska, and their daughter Ariani (Coquitlam, BC); Travis and Julie (Calgary); Kevin, Janis, and their sons Dylan and Riley (Calgary); and his daughter Shelly Billard, her husband Shawn and their daughters Katie and Kellie (Halifax, NS).  He is also survived by his sister, Gerry Moen of Red Deer and her family, as well as nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nephews.  Don was predeceased by his parents, his stepmother Beth Ward, his brother-in-law Robert Moen, and Dianne’s parents, Bud and Beryl Hocking.

Don will also be missed by the countless people whose lives were touched by his humour and kindness.

Celebration of Life and Reception will be held at Southview Alliance Church (20200 Walden Boulevard S.E., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Follow the laughter…..

 

 

 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to S.T.A.R.S. (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society), Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7 Telephone: (403) 295-1811, www.stars.ca. , or to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, 600 – 60th Street Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1N5, Telephone: 1 (800) 387-1479 crohnsandcolitis.ca