Roger Ward was born the youngest of four brothers, John, Laurie and James. He spent most of his childhood in and around the Grand Bend area, where at an early age he met his future wife, Debra Jane, though as children, she found him to be an annoyance. Later on, they fell in love and started their family with four children, Ashley (married Darryl), Amelia (married Fuzz), M’lynn (married Taylor) and Isaac (married Marie). He worked as a journeyman carpenter which took him to many different jobs sites where he befriended many of the people he met. So much so that it really didn’t matter where he was traveling, he always seemed to know someone and always had to take “just a minute to say hi,” which was never just a minute. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for both the Northville Fire Department and the Kingsville North Fire Department. He was an avid golfer and loved to fish, play baseball and was always willing to lend a hand. He was loved as Pops to his 10 grand kids Leah, Jonah, James, Penelope, Charlotte, Elsie, Hugo, Griffin, Archer and Adelaide. In January of 2019, he was diagnosed with a terminal cancer but that didn’t stop him from living out the rest of his life to the fullest. On July 19th, 2021 he took his final breath peacefully at home wrapped in the arms of his wife. Though he will be greatly missed by many, he and his wife (his princess) share in the sentiments perfectly summed in a quote from the Princess Bride – “Death cannot stop true love, all it can do is delay it a while”.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Roger’s life will be held at the Zurich Mennonite Church, 37818 Zurich Hensall Rd, on Friday July 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The service will be held outside so please bring your own lawn chair. The family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your own home. Stream the service live by visiting https://www.kzmc.ca/ Following the service, a private reception will in the park. Donations to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jeanie Pizzati
I attended public and high school with Roger. He was a great guy with a spunky personality! Many great memories. Sincere condolences to all of the family.
Jeanie (Klemke) Pizzati
Mike Bedard
Rodger was one of those guys you can never forget he left his mark for sure …All time long ball hitter of the Zurich Bulldogs and awesome team mate…..
RIP bud…….
Mike Bedard
Debbie Denomme
Sending sincere sympathy Deb and family on the sad loss of your husband and father, Deb and Larry Denomme
Mary Ann Craner
Dear Deb
You and your family have been in our thoughts for a very long time.
We didn’t get to know Roger but he seemed like a kind, gentle man and we are so sorry for your loss.
Take care
Mary Ann , Randy & Kyle
Jeff Baker
Deb and family, so very sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was such a kind, calm man and always a pleasure to have a chat with. Thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Andrew Harvey
I had the pleasure of working and golfing with Roger. We went on a golf trip together and I learned a lot about Roger and his family! What I remember most about Roger was his love for his family! How proud he was of every one of his children and his grandchildren!
He will be missed by so many! The world has lossed a great man !!!
Kat & Ian Gordon
So sorry to hear! As a neighbour on Rosalie, I’ve been jealous of how close the Ward family is… You were blessed with many wonderful years and continue to be blessed by the close family support system you share. Knock on our door if you need anything (or find a stray cat in your yard like your Dad did!). Our condolences.
Gerard and Heather Rempel
So sorry to hear about Roger. Gerard has many good memories of Roger from their school years together. He talks highly of him, so I know you also have wonderful memories to cherish.
Kelly and John Rooney
Spending thoughts of sympathy and support as you begin your journey without Roger. John and I were sorry to hear of his passing. Although it’s been a few years we have many great memories of the time we spent with you and Roger and the kids.
Joseph & Diane Kaak
Dear Family.
Our sympathy in the loss of your loved one
Joe & Diane Kaak
Justin & Heather Regier
Our sympathies to you all
Erich & Cheryl Freiter
Cheryl and I are very saddened with the passing of Roger..
To me, he always seemed to bring a measure of peace in our presence at family gatherings with his quiet smile.. God works in mysterious ways and has his angels at work in the people around each one of us. Embrace the warmth from your family and feel the peace that’s bestowed on you in the times to come..
Adam and Stephanie Gascho
So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was always so friendly and I know Adam loved their little chats. Please know we are praying for you all and are sending our love!
Sally Desjardine
Deb and family, May I offer me deepest sympathy to you and your family. Cherish all your wonderful memories .
Sally
Mike Terwoord
Wish to offer my sincere condolences to your family, Roger worked for me up at the Bruce during Restart of Units 1 & 2. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mike Terwoord
Phil & Jen Wagler
That picture of Roger waving captures the welcome and friendliness we remember. Deb & family, we join you in the mix of grief and gratitude you must be experiencing. May the comfort of the Spirit and God’s presence surround you and give you hope. You are loved.
Adam Bourassa
My condolences to Deb and family.
The man who showed me how to drive a par 4.
Over 6 years he thought me how to be true to myself and have fun.
Rest In Peace Rodger, no slices in heaven.
Tracey Masse
So sorry for your loss, sincere sympathy as you go through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cherish all the memories!
Derek and Tracey Masse
Joe and Marilyn Kenda
Dear Deb and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. 🙏🏻
Melvin and Audrey Melick
Deb and family: We remember Roger being very passionate about anything he did, whether it waas renovationg an Air Stream camper or ice fishing. He was very patient, enthusiastic and determined to succeed. Our prayers are with you and your family, that God will give you peace and strength at this time and in the days to come.
Rob Ducharme
I’m so sorry for your loss
Wolfe and Dianne Loerchner
Deb and Family,
Our sincerest sympathies to each person in your family. May God comfort and strengthen you.
Anita & Nick
Thinking of all of you through this hard time and sending our deepest sympathies. Hold all the memories tight..they will last forever
Bob and Elizabeth Merner
Debbie and family: We are sorry to hear of Rogers passing. He has courageously fought his illness and has been a very strong person. This is a very emotional time for all the family he loved so much. Our caring thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow. May the happiness you shared and the memories you have help with the pain of his loss. He will be watching over you all and his will be in your hearts forever. Pip and Tootie Merner
Dave & Kathy Shuttleworth
We are sending condolences to the Ward family in this sad time. Konny has many memories of happy times spent in the Ward home. Peace of Christ to you.
Love, Dave & Kathy Shuttleworth
Norma Grainger
Deb and family Jim and I wish you God’s peace at this time . You are in our prayers. Norma
Dan and Julia Pettapiece
Deb, and family, we are so sorry to hear. We pray you find comfort in the many memories you have of Roger. You are in our prayers Ward family.
Jason Bourne
Ward Family,
So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a great man and I always enjoyed chatting with him. My sincere condolences to the family. He’ll be missed.
Lynelle & Steve Drudge
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Roger. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and the family at this time.
God’s peace & comfort with you all at this time. Hugs.
Steve & Lynelle Drudge
Mahlon & Pearl Ann Martin
To Deb and Family,
Just want you to know, that we are thinking about all of you , as you grief the loss of Roger.
Praying that the Lord will surround all of you ,with His love and peace, as you go through this difficult time…..
Love and Prayers…..
Lynn Baran
As a friend of Deb throughout elementary and high school, I was a witness to the young love of Roger and Deb. Although I never knew him well, I could easily see that his heart was very much devoted to my friend. He was always so personable, kind and I remember him smiling a lot! I am terribly sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Deb and all of your beautiful family.
Paula LaPorte
Deb and family
Sending heartfelt sympathy to you all. I know what a devastating loss this is for your family. Beautiful memories will keep you surrounded with love ..cherish them.
Thinking of you.
Paula laPorte
Cam Steckle
Dear Deb and Family, please know that you in our thoughts and prayers as you walk through this time of loss. When I think of Roger it makes me smile and laugh. We had some great times together in our youth along with when we worked together. He was a very calm, kind and considerate guy. He will be missed by many.
Kevin & Shelley Geoffrey
Deepest sympathies to Rogers family and friends. One very good guys taken from us way to soon
Robert Jeffrey
I’m so sorry for your loss
Marlene Gingerich
Lewis and Marlene Gingerich
So sorry for your loss! We enjoyed our visits with Roger, he was a very
kind and loving man. Our deepest sympathy to Deb and Family. May you
find peace in the many memories you have. We are sending our love and prayers. God Bless!
DonnaO'Brien
I extend my sincere sympathy to you and your family Deb! May God bless each of you !! Donna
David Desjardine
Deepest sympathy to all the Family.
I just had the honor to meet Roger last year with our group, mens league at the Squirrel on Tuesday nites.
It was like I had known him my whole life. what an awesome guy.
He will be missed BIG TIME!
Heaven got a real good one.
Hittem straight Roger!!!!
Tuesday we will toast you buddy,
Dave and Anmarie….
Rob & Brenda Steckle
So, sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Deb and your family.
Rob & Brenda
RON AND DIANNE DUCHARME
TO RODGERS FAMILY
DEEPEST SVMPATHY RODGER WAS A REAL NICE GUY
REST IN PEACE
Mary Lou Erb
Deepest sympathy to you Deb and your family ,
Love and prayers , Mary Lou
Rick Bedard
Roger will be missed. His obituary describes Roger’s outgoing personality, and desire to accomplish. Roger always made a point to talk with me, and was a great fan of my dad, as he worked for him year’s ago. My deepest sympathy to the Ward family.
Ben bedour
Many condolences, Roger was a great man. He was the first to come over and introduce himself and offer his help or tools when I moved in years ago. Greatly missed but never forgotten
Heidi Klopp
My condolences to the Ward Family.
Jim Oesch
Gone to soon , the Lord will take care of you , RIP Roger
Bailey Shakyaver (Regier)
My most sincere condolences to the family. My Dad had nothing but good things to say about Roger, and I know he will be sorely missed by many – even those you may not know he impacted. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kathy and Jack McCallum
We are so sorry for your loss. Roger was so friendly to us when we began attending church. Our prayers.
Jack and Kathy McCallum
Jannie Van wieren
Dear Debby and family…..My deepest sympathy to you all and I pray for an extra measure of God’s grace as you say your final farewell this day. May our loving Father give you strength and peace……Jannie Van Wieren
paul vanekeren
rest in peace roger
Curtis Ginn
RIP Roger. I always enjoyed working with you and having lots of laughs! You will be missed by many from the Carpenters 1256. My deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time. Curtis Ginn
Elaine Corbett
My deepest sympathies to you Deb and your family! Roger was a nice person. Cherish all your treasured memories to help you through this difficult time!
Marg Gingerich
You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Mike Cybulski
Roger we will miss you on Tuesday men’s league…. your bravery and strength as you battled this awful disease inspired us all. I am very thankful that I got to know you over the past few years….thank you for hosting the fishing day on the Maitland river……if there is a men’s golf league in heaven they have just strengthened their team…..
Sharon Watt
Debbie and family I’m so sorry for the loss of Roger. You and Roger fought hard and tried everything you could to help him fight this terrible battle. I hope all your memories, your family and your faith will help lessen your grief. You are lucky to have your family and your grandchildren near you and children always seem to brighten your day. Love and prayers Sharon Watt
Tim and Donna Cooper
Dear Deb and Family Words can not express the sadness Tim and I feel for you at this time , we have so many fond memories as friends from High school and our MYF days. Our prayers are with you always, in the days, weeks and years ahead we will always remember Rogers smile and warm greeting whenever we would have the opportunity to speak.
Tim and Donna Cooper
Cyr
May we offer our sincere sympathy and condolences at this very difficult time.
Mike and Colleen Cyr
Jenn Ramer
So sorry for your loss! I will remember Roger for many little chats when we ran into each other around town. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Stephen Taylor
So sorry for your loss.
Roger and I worked together at Suncor
In Sarnia and also golfed together at the union golf tournament every year.
He will be missed by many of his coworkers. His golf skills will undoubtedly be missed by his golf team.Rest in peace buddy .
Gord and Cecilia Smith
We are very sorry to hear about Roger. Sounds like he lived his life to the fullest . We send our deepest condolences to you Deb and your family.