It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of
our dear father, husband and grandfather,
Robert Edward Ward (Bob)
at Riverside Healthcare on October 23, 2013.
Bob was born along with his twin brother Leslie on January 29th 1931, at McKenzie Hospital in Fort Frances, to the late Florence and Sidney Ward. He lost his twin brother who was also his very best friend in 2004 which was a very diffi cult time for him. He grew up within a wonderful and loving family of ten children who were, and still are, very close and always have been dear to his heart. Bob began working at the Canadian National Railway at the young age of fi fteen and remained there for 46 years until his retirement. Bob had a very strong work ethic; along with his full time day job he also worked evenings for twenty five years as a bartender.
Right around the same time he landed his first job he met the love of his life, Elsie Macedon and dated her for a number of years before marrying on November 2,1953. During their sixty plus years together they created a home full of love for their three children. Bob loved his family more than anything else in this world and was very proud of his three children, five grandchildren and one great grandson, and would speak of them with great pride.
He was an extremely talented dancer and many people enjoyed watching him guide Elsie effortlessly around the dance fl oor at family weddings and other events.
Even though his cancer affected many years of his retirement, Bob enjoyed and made the best of them. In his early life and right up to retirement he enjoyed curling and was involved in many bonspiels. He also was an avid golfer and he even hit a hole in one, which he was very excited about. He enjoyed going for long laugh filled walks with his buddy Ron for many years until his knee became too sore to continue.
Watching a good western on tv or talking about his favourite baseball team, the Blue Jays, always gave him much enjoyment.
Bob was a long time member and past officer of the Fort Frances Canadian Legion Branch 29 and the Int’ Falls Moose Club.
Bob faced his health woes with great strength and was determined to do what he needed to do to get well. His struggles lasted over twenty one years but even in the end his worries were more for everyone else then himself.
Left to mourn is his loving wife, Elsie and daughters, Diane (Kirk) Camirand, of Mission, B.C. and Janice (George) Harnett and his son, Robert Ward Jr. all of Fort Frances. His grandchildren, Chantel (Brent) Day, Greg Camirand, Taylor Harnett, Blaire Harnett and Beth Ward as well as his great grandson Ryder Day will all miss him.
Bobs best friends; his sisters and brothers, will also miss their coffee chats at the A&W as well as the many phone conversations they would have. His family includes Olive Eisenhauer and her late husband, Ike; Albert Ward and his late wife, Ollie; Stanley (Millie) Ward; Gladys Kerr and her late husband Don; Marjorie (Bert) Smeeth, Violet Lawrence and her late husband Charlie; Sidney Ward and his late wife Joan, and Don (Sybil) Ward. His brother-in-law Richard (Ruth) Macedon and two sister-in-laws; Dorothy Cote and late husband Bob, and Jean Adams and late husband Gerald.
Among his family he also has numerous nieces and nephews.
In respect to Bobs wishes there was a private family service at Riverview Cemetery on Wednesday, October 30th.
In lieu of fl owers, In Memoriam Donations may be made to The Oncology Department, Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc., 110 Victoria Avenue, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 2B7. Online condolences may be offered at northridge@sympatico.ca
Life will never be the same…
“Love you Forever and always”
You will be greatly missed and there
will always be a empty spot in our
hearts without you…
“I am you, You are me;
You are the waves; I am the ocean,
Know this and be free,
be divine”
