William T. Ward
1943 - 2015 William Terry Ward was born Nov. 30, 1943, in Rutland, VT, son of William "Bud" and Sheila (Barrett) Ward; he passed away on August 19, 2015 after a lengthy and valiant struggle with pulmonary disease. Terry's early years were spent in Rutland, VT. He later moved with his family to Attleboro, MA, and graduated from high school there. He served honorably for four years in the United States Navy, much of that time, aboard the USS Independence. Terry attended broadcast and journalism college in Boston, and for a time was a reporter for the Providence Journal in RI and later for the Casper Times in WY. Terry created a popular newsletter entitled Notes from the Dump with numerous subscribers from near and far who were frequently treated to a behind the scenes look at Terry's colorful life along with his social and political views, and filled with his unique humor. His mastery as a wordsmith had no equal. We wish he'd written his own obituary, it would have been memorable. Terry was one of the good guys, who through his many adversities, would remind us with his deep and hearty infectious laugh of his life's mantra which was: ya hafta laff, and life is good. Terry was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Drew; and his former wife, Linda. He is survived by their two children and their granddaughter whom Terry always lovingly referred to as his dear son, Sean Ward; his darling daughter, Cassandra Ward; and his darling granddaughter, Devon Rae Ward. Other loved family who survive him are his sisters, Linda Ward Mattsson and Gay Ward Moreau and their spouses; his sister-in-law, Diane Ward; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many cousins. It should be noted herein that he, too, is survived by many dear friends, most notably his life-long friends (brothers really) Joey Garafano, Charlie Huntington and Jimmy Kane. And his cribbage partner of long standing, Dennis Magoon, with whom he had many heated exchanges about who was the better player! At Terry's request, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. As you remember him, the Ward family invites you to be soothed by the music of his favorite composer, Bach. Of course, as a lifelong avid fan of rock music, you may remember him with this genre as well, that would surely please him, too. Listen to music and wing a prayer his way. Our family extends thanks to the residents and staff at Valley Cares for the friendship and many acts of kindness given to Terry; to the VA and to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for their care and support. A special thanks to all of the staff at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend for their many years of caring for Terry. If you would like to make a contribution in Terry's memory, we suggest you do so by sending it to Grace Cottage Hospital, PO Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353. Your gift will touch many lives and allow Grace Cottage to continue to provide medical care to all who count on them in the hills and valleys of southern Vermont. Terry's family gratefully acknowledges the care and support provided by the Aldous Funeral Home staff.
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Published in Brattleboro Reformer on Aug. 27, 2015
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