John Ward
courtesy photo
John Ward
POLSON — Our Dad, John Ward, age 69, quietly left this world Thursday, May 19, 2016. He “left his footprints on our heart and our lives will never quite be the same.”
Dad was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, March 4, 1947. In his youth he enjoyed surfing and he was a US Navy and Vietnam veteran. He met his wife, Gail M. Holm in California and they were married March 13, 1970. In 1972 they moved to Polson, which became their home and where they raised us five children.
Dad took pride in his work and in his healthier years worked long hours at Flathead Lumber/ Pack River. He was mechanically inclined and enjoyed working on the family vehicles; as well as hunting and fishing with his brother, son, and friends. He enjoyed just being outdoors. He looked forward to the trips to Westport, Washington, to fish the charters with Uncle Leroy. Dad was a private person and never cared for people making a fuss over him. Dad had health issues including extensive back surgery, stomach surgery, knee replacement and cancer for thirty years, and he handled them like a true Irish-man and was ornery to the very end.
Dad loved his family, was kind hearted, and would help anyone in need. He enjoyed watching the Seahawk games with his son, Jeff, and found amusement in blasting his music, cruising around in his Mustang, and playing on the computer. For the past five years, he also enjoyed going on outings and spending time with his new partner and best friend, Grace.
John’s parents and his brother, Kevin Ward, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Ward; his children, Janette Muth, John (Jodi) Ward, Jeff Ward, Justin (Amanda) Ward, and Julie (Danny) Alexander; and his granddaughters Jenny and Jami Usher, Skyler Muth, and Patience Alexander; his sister Linda (Dave) Henderson; his nephews Dale (Kathy), Donny (Monica) Triplett, and his niece Dalena Triplett; his brother Clayton (Naomi) Ward, nieces Jill and Glorianna, and nephews Matthew and Wesley Ward, and his many great nieces and nephews;
Dad, “Papa,” brother, uncle, friend, John, we love and miss you.
To honor Dad’s request, there is no service planned. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
