DERROL (DERRY) FRANCIS WARD

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DERROL (DERRY) FRANCIS WARD February 10, 1935 - May 2, 2010 Peacefully on May 2, 2010 Derrol passed away at his home. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Shirley, his children, Kim (Tony), Steve (Anita), Lori (Garry), Kelly (Brenda) and his best buddy, son David. Grandpa was most proud of his grandchildren, Miss Kris, Jeffrey, Shawn, Devon, Kyle, Matthew, Erin and Connor, also Steven's step-children Jason, Jamie-lee, Ashley and Azura. Also mourning for Derry is his most loyal fan , his mother-in-law Rita Lamblin, his sisters Florence and Eleanor, sisters and brothers-in-law Cecile, Doreen and Walter, Robert and Mary, Marilyn and Dr. Gus and many nieces and nephews. Dad's greatest sorrow was the loss of his youngest son Derrol William, parents Horace and Ellen, brother Kelvin, father-in-law Pierre Lamblin, brothers-in-law Dave and Vern. Dad was born in Vita, Manitoba and spent his early childhood in Woodmore. From there he moved to Erinside, where his mother was the school teacher. Dad was so proud when the Erinside School and teacherage was declared a heritage site. Dad later moved to Winnipeg to complete high school, where his strong work ethic became apparent right from the start. He spent many years in the automobile business: humble beginnings washing Orange Crush trucks at Purves Motors quickly led to becoming their parts manager. Mom and Dad drove one of the first Volkswagen beetles to come to Winnipeg - a test to see if anyone would buy them! Later he joined VW Canada as the Manitoba Parts Representative. His promotion to Sales Rep began many adventures for the Ward family with transfers to Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary and back home all within ten years. Upon the family's return to Winnipeg Dad was Manitoba Zone Manager for American Motors of Canada until they closed the division. At 50 years old Dad began a new career with London Life, excelling at his exams to become a licensed insurance representative. London Life was more than a job for Dad - he worked with passion, respect, honesty and enthusiasm. His job allowed him to do what he liked best: meet people, make friends, help others and tell stories. Dad's family and his cottage, Wee-Mai-Dit were the loves of his life. He was so proud of his cabin, deep in the woods at Wallace Lake, where he could relax, stay warm in front of the fireplace and listen to his favourite music. He loved to share his cabin with those closest to him and it made him very happy to enjoy his surroundings with those who could appreciate all the beauty that the wilderness had to offer. Saturday night bonfires with music and friends were tradition. Dad loved the full moon and the sound of the loons and could talk to the animals . The lake won't be the same without him. Dad had an incredible ability to relate to people, both young and old. If you wanted to talk or just needed someone to listen, Derry always made himself available. Of course you might have to hear a story or two in between. His compassion and commitment to helping others lead him to many volunteer endeavours. He was dedicated to the Manitoba Brain Injury and the Wallace Lake Cottage Associations, working tirelessly for their causes. As per Derry's request there will be no formal funeral. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life with family and friends is planned at the Hitch N Post Ranch, five miles north on Hwy. #6, on Monday May 10, 2010, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (www.thehitchnpost.com for directions). Mass will be dedicated in Derry's memory on May 23, at 11.00 a.m. at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church. If friends so desire, a donation may be made to the Manitoba Brain Injury Association, 825 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5 10-4 BOSSMAN TILL WE MEET AGAIN DESJARDINS FUNERAL CHAPEL 233-4949 1-888-233-4949

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 08, 2010