Donald Wayne Ward was born in Calgary, Alberta in November 1948 to Helene and Howard Ward. Don was predeceased by his parents and sister, Teresa Ann. He is survived by his wife, Tara, brother, Bob (Jackie), sister Caroline, and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Don had many and varied interests. Chief among them were fishing, playing guitar, chess and photography. While Don was learning to play guitar, he advanced so rapidly that his instructor asked him to teach younger students and as he advanced, he took on more advanced students. At one time he had up to 60 students, even while working full-time at Calgary Power as a draftsman. For chess, Don had to purchase an electronic chess board well before the time of chess apps etc., since his wife was no challenge for him at all. He enjoyed photography very much and took numerous classes to improve his skills. He spent hours after vacations, preparing DVD’s set to music to document the trips.

Don was one of those people that was a bit of a skeptic. His sister and brother first introduced him to the truth, by leaving magazines with him, which he seldom read, until an article about mathematics caught his interest. Don was not one to take anyone’s word for things. His main purpose in looking into the Bible was to prove the Bible and his brother and sister wrong. The book on Evolution or Creation was the turning point because as he read, it made so much sense to him. He began studying seriously, and was baptized in August 1974. In 1976-77 he chose to work part-time in order to spend more time in the ministry, which was a real challenge for him as he was very shy. By 1977, he was appointed as a Ministerial Servant in the congregation and willing accepted whatever assignments that were given to him. He was appointed as an Elder in the congregation in about 1988 and one of his great joys was to give Public Talks. He had developed about 24 outlines and enjoyed going out to deliver talks as a visiting speaker and meeting new Brothers and Sisters.

Don met his future wife, Tara due to a snow storm. In December 1977 Tara’s sister was supposed to come for a visit from Edmonton to Calgary for a Circuit Assembly, but due to a snow storm, was not able to make it. Tara’s Aunt Nel, with whom she was living at the time, decided to cheer her up by inviting someone to supper and a game of cards. Of the two brothers Aunt Nel had in mind, Uncle Bernie put in a vote for Don, because he liked the car Don drove better than the other brother. Aunt Nel wanted to take credit for introducing the pair, but Uncle Bernie said to be cautious about taking credit because if it did not work out, she would also get the blame. That did not happen as that supper was the start of a very loving almost 47-year relationship.

Don took to heart the command to show hospitality. He was generous and ready to share, including commendation. Even as he lay at home listening to the meetings, he still reached out to share praise to various ones who gave meeting parts, made comments or attained various achievements. He especially loved watching the young ones in our midst grow in love and service to Jehovah.

Don also reflected on the remarks of the three Hebrews from the book of Daniel, when they were about to be thrown in the furnace and they said, “If it must be, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us . . . But even if he does not, let it be known . . . we will not serve your god or worship the image of gold that you have set up.” Don had a marginal note on that account which read “No regrets”. And that is how Don felt about his circumstances. He had no regrets about his life course and his service to his God Jehovah.

Further, Don had a marginal note on the scripture at Isa 33:24 where it reads, “No resident will say I am sick.” His study note reads “Future secure” which is certainly how he felt and he shared that with his wife as well as anyone who came to visit with him, right up to his last days.

The time from Don’s diagnosis to the time of his passing was very short. Many have said that they wish they had gotten a chance to say “Good-bye” to Don, but Don’s preference was rather than say “Good-bye”, welcome him in his future home in Paradise on earth, when he is in perfect health and full of vigorous energy!!

As per Donald’s wishes, a private service will be held.