David G. Ward

David G. Ward

David G. Ward, after a courageous battle with cancer, died on Saturday, April 10, 2010, in Charlottesville, Virginia. He faced death fearlessly, just as he had lived, with unwavering hope in Christ. Known for his love of family and community, he was surrounded by a multitude of friends to the very end. He was 46.

Born June 20, 1963, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Dick and Margo Ward, he graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1981. In 1986, he married his "High School Sweetheart", Joanne Underwood. The couple moved to the Charlottesville area in 1991.

David Ward held engineering degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was the Senior Technical Director and President of Barron Associates in Charlottesville. Highly respected in his field, he authored numerous publications and served as the Chair of important national and international committees and conferences. Mr. Ward's research was concentrated in stochastic optimization of complex systems, robust on-line parameter identification, and receding-horizon optimal control. In 1996, Mr. Ward spearheaded the development of an adaptive flight control system that was the first ever to be successfully flight tested.

An avid outdoors person, David's life was full of adventure. From piloting small aircraft to mountain biking, playing squash, zip-lining, riding motorcycles, and whitewater rafting, he was always moving. A committed Christian, he was a highly influential leader and skillful Bible teacher who served on the board of Elders in the churches he attended over the years. Dozens of men considered him their "best friend". Intensely humorous, loyal and honest, David was known for his direct but relational style of communicating, loving people enough to tell them the truth and buy them a beer.

David Ward was a faithful husband and a loving father. He is survived by his wife; four children, Danielle, Karisa, Caleb, and Nicole; his parents; his brother, Tom Ward, and sister-in-law, Michele, all of Earlysville.

A time of viewing and public visitation will be hosted from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2010, with an open microphone for sharing memories from 7 until 8 p.m. at the Blue Ridge Community Church, 5372 Lake Saponi Terrace, Barboursville.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, April 15, 2010, at the Christ Community Church, 329 Riverside Avenue, in Charlottesville, Virginia, with a reception following. There will be a private interment for immediate family members only.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable contributions be made to Rivanna Community Church Prague Fund (a rehabilitation mission for drug and alcohol abusers in the Czech Republic), c/o Rivanna Community Church, P.O. Box 587, Ruckersville, VA 22968.

Friends may sign the guest book at www.hillandwood.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.