PAUL WARD (BRADLEY)

rainyIt is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Paul Ward on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 at the age of 55 after a brief battle with cancer.
Paul will be lovingly missed by his partner, Patricia (DeGagne); mother, Anne (LaRue); brothers, Robert (Denise), Darren, and Steve (Angie); and his extended family.
Paul was born on May 25, 1959 in Winnipeg, Man. and was raised in Selkirk, Man. After graduating from Lord Selkirk Comprehensive School, he pursed a career as a radio broadcaster.
After finishing broadcast school in Saskatoon, Sask., Paul landed his first job at KX96 in Brandon, Man. using the on air name of “Paul Bradley.” After a few years in Brandon, Paul moved to Fort Frances, Ont. and hosted a very successful morning show for many years.
After retuning to Winnipeg to work for a short time at KISS 97, Paul decided to leave broadcasting and embark on his next career: truck driving. He attended driver training school, where he acquired his Class 1 licence.
After a few years of driving long-haul routes, Paul left to work as a driver for McDiarmid Lumber, where he stayed for a number of years.
But when Paul moved from McDiarmid to Olympic Builders, he finally found a place of work that he truly loved. He forged many great friendships at Olympic and these friends continued to shower him with love, kindness, and support throughout his illness.
Paul had many passions, including music, animals, and motorcycles. He loved his Harley and would ride as much as he could. He had oil in his veins from an early age, rebuilding his first bike, a Triumph chopper, in his parents’ basement over a long winter back in the ’70s.
During his time in Fort Frances, Paul helped organize and promote numerous rides for local charities.
Gliding down the highway on his steel horse, with the wind in his face, is what Paul lived for.
Paul and Pat had four dogs, “Sweetpea,” “Miesha,” “Shadow,” and “Shasta.” He loved each of them very much and would talk about them like a proud father. He always had time to hang out and play with each of them.
The furry pack will miss their master greatly.
Paul also was a big sports fan, supporting the Bombers and the Jets. The highlight of his last few weeks was watching the Jet games with his little brother, Steve.
They exchanged many high-fives during this time and the games brought them closer then they had been in a long time.
Although his exterior at times seemed rough, Paul had a kind heart and wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone who needed assistance. He loved classic sci-fi movies and TV shows, and often would stay up late to watch them.
He also loved British comedy such as “Monty Python,” and always would have a joke or jib ready to crack everyone up.
Paul truly will be missed. Race the rain, ride the wind, chase the sunset.
A memorial gathering took place Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at 274 Talbot Ave., beginning at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Humane Society or other animal charity of your choice.