Gerald Ward

WARD, Gerald

It is with profound joy for the certainty of God’s love, which we learned from our father, that we share God’s welcoming home Gerald Ward on January 20^th, 2018.

Gerald passed peacefully in his 88th year at home enjoying his favourite music in the suite he shared with Freida, his loving wife of 64 years, at the Bob Rumball Long Term Care Home in Barrie. His genuine warm smile, so familiar to all who knew him, broke out just before he passed.

Throughout an exemplary, devoted, nurturing life and eventual struggle with dementia, he maintained the most positive outlook we know, insisting everyday, “I refuse to be negative!”

Born in Hamilton, he was predeceased by his parents, and his sister Muriel.  Gerald is survived by his dear wife Freida; his sister Marian; his brother-in-law Robert; three loving children; Brian, Bruce, and Susan; daughter-in-law Lydia; 7 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.  

Gerald fully and completely loved life, his wife, family, church (belonging to the congregation of Trinity United Church in Kitchener for over 50 years -including over 25 years as Church Treasurer), friends, community, work, (actuary with Mutual Life of Canada for 39 years), sports (badminton, golf, tennis, curling, fishing, cycling) and country.

Gerald was a devoted husband, amazing father, outstanding person and remarkable friend. Generous to a fault, he was extremely modest of his own needs and totally giving of his time, assistance and listening ear when a patient, steady, objective and thoughtful perspective was desired. His warmth, good-natured friendliness, reassuring voice, bright eyes and smile were always awaiting your return, including his giving of the very best hugs.  

An accomplished gamesman, Gerald enjoyed board games, puzzles, and brain teasers. He especially enjoyed and excelled at chess. He embraced an active lifestyle, introducing his family to his love of camping and fellowship, and giving back to the community.

Although they enjoyed vacationing in Florida, bus excursions, theatre and the symphony, Gerald was happiest at home with Freida enjoying the company of family and friends.

His love of Scouting was passed on to his children through his leadership and decades of participation as a group committee member at the Sixth Kitchener Scout programme.

While attending McMaster University in Hamilton Gerald met the love of his life Freida and married soon after graduating and settled in Kitchener where they lived for almost sixty years, before relocating to Alliston (Kingsmere Retirement’s assisted living floor) and then Barrie’s Bob Rumball Home, where they enjoyed compassionate loving care. In recognition and appreciation of that, we ask that you consider a donation to the Bob Rumball Foundation or charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

The Bob Rumball Foundation for the Deaf

2395 Bayview Avenue

Toronto, ON M2L 1A2

416-449-9651 ext 111

www.bobrumball.org

Please specify that the donation go to: The Bob Rumball Long Term Care Home (Barrie)

Arrangements entrusted to Peaceful Transition in Barrie,ON. A celebration of Gerald’s life is anticipated, later in the spring, with details to be shared as determined.