John Ward Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Oct. 30 to Oct. 31, 2009.

WARD, John Passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at the age of 82 years. Survived by the love of his life, Marion Elizabeth (Betty), daughters Geraldine (Nigel) and Catherine, grandson Brandon, and nieces, Carol, Helen and Annette in Ireland. Predeceased by his son Glenn. John was the Editor of "The Donegal Vindicator" newspaper in Ireland, an official reporter in Dail Eireann-the Irish Parliament, and served Canada for 35 years as a reporter, then Editor of Debates in the Canadian House of Commons. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Family and friends may attend a mass in memory of John on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Saint Patrick`s Basilica (corner of Kent and Nepean Streets). The family will be in attendance at 9:30 a.m. to receive condolences. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Special thanks for the wonderful care from the Civic Hospital B4 Staff. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home. Online tributes may be sent to www.mem.com

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9 Entries

January 19, 2010

Ken Laird

I am so sorry to hear of John's death... I first became acquainted when I "discovered" his many and varied writings about Ballyshannon and the Erne on-line. I would seek out his latest tale or observations, and it would awaken many fond memories of people, places and events.
Thank you for sharing him with us, and may you also have wonderful memories of him.
Sincerely, Ken Laird

December 9, 2009

We met John at the Irish Seniors Drop-In Centre and found him to be a very interesting, pleasant man. We would like to have known him longer.
Our sympathies to his wife and family.

Margo and Felix Connolly

November 24, 2009

noel carr

I compliment Paddy Donagher's on his piece on John in the Donegal Post. On behalf of Irish anglers and wild salmon conservationalist I offer my deepest sympathy to John's wife Betty, daughters Geraldine and Catherine, may you all find peace in accepting your great loss during this time of sorrow.

It may seem very impersonal to your family that our sympathies are sent to you down the digital line accross the wild Atlanic where Canada and Ireland share the king of fish, the salmon.
But John embraced this medium to share the fruit of his rich mind and to reinvent the Donegal Vindicator (it closed the year I was born) once again. So, I feel there is nothing wrong with having a wee bit of an internet wake for him now. Sadly we never met. My communication with John was by email and phone during 2003 when he greatly assisted Paul Rohleder and myself developing a salmon project on the Sminver river. Sadly, Paul died tragically in 2004. I am sure their inspiration will now give us an added impetus to realise their vision of the rare wild Atlantic salmon getting back into the Erne once again. It would be the culmination of our dream if young Brandon came sometime to the Erne to catch one of those elusive salmon once again. We should all continue to strive to make that happen. That would please many more than just John.

Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam dhilis.

Mise le bron,
Noel Carr Gleann Cholm Cille [email protected]

November 2, 2009

Dear Betty, Geraldine and Catherine,

Our deepest sympathy on the death of John. I am not sure you will remember our family but our eldest son Michael went to Bayshore Catholic with Catherine and Betty, we worked on some school events.
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Margaret and Dave Thomas

November 2, 2009

Paddy Donagher

I feel that we have lost one of our most wonderful ambassador's in John Ward, he was a friend to Ballyshannon Co Donegal Ireland I offer my deepest sympathy to John's wife Betty, daughters Geraldine and Catherine, may God Bless you all during this time of great sorrow,
Mise
Paddy Donagher, Ballyshannon Co Donegal Ireland

November 1, 2009

Remembering the day John picked us up at Dorval airport on oct 24 1964 in the cold. It was the beginning of our understanding of the kindness and loyalty of Lorcan's very best friend. We grew to respect and know that through thick and thin that the one thing to be counted on was an unswerving trust and kindness. John Ward; friend, husband, father, journalist, writer, thought leader, enthusiast, author, and much more. We shall not see his likes again and much is the pity. His intensity of intellect was only exceeded by his many many kindnesses.
Dara and Colm

October 31, 2009

Liz Laplante

Mrs. Ward, Geraldine and Catherine;
I'm so sorry for your loss. May your memories comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Liz Clarke-Laplante

October 30, 2009

Jack Dyer

Eileen and I send our deepest condolences to Betty and girls at this sad time of John's passing. We share your grief and wish you strength and comfort.
John and I worked together in the House of Commons for over 30 years and have been the best of friends for almost 50 years. A finer man I have never known and a better more loyal friend I have never had. I will miss John terribly as I am sure will all of you and his friends and acquaintances.I hope John will put in a good word for me with the Lord as I know that is with whom John is now. God bless you, Betty, Geraldine and Catherine.

October 30, 2009

Jack Dyer

Eileen and I send our deepest condolences to Betty and girls at this sad time of John's passing. We share your grief and wish you strength and comfort.
John and I worked together in the House of Commons for over 30 years and have been the best of friends for almost 50 years. A finer man I have never known and a better more loyal friend I have never had. I will miss John terribly as I am sure will all of you and his friends and acquaintances.I hope John will put in a good word for me with the Lord as I know that is whith whom John is now. God bless you, Betty, Geraldine and Catherine.

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