Ward Carter Sr.

Ward CARTER Sr. Ward Carter Sr. passed away peacefully with his family at his side in Bellevue, WA. on Jan. 21, 2011 at the age of 87. Born in Spokane to Richard Bert and Lula Carter, Ward grew up with siblings Bert, Barbara, Phyllis and Paul. While attending Washington State College as a member of Phi Delta Theta, he met Joan Peterson, on the steps of Cougar Cottage, who was the love of his life for 67 years. In late 1942, Ward enlisted in the Army Air Corps for flight training. Joan and Ward were married in Tucson, AZ in December 1943. While Ward was a flight instructor they enjoyed 18 months together before he was sent overseas shortly after the birth of their son, Ward Jr. He served heroically as an officer and pilot of C-46s, flying 82 missions over the Himalayas (the "Hump") into China from his base in Chittagong, India. Over the years, he shared many stories of his harrowing flights, memorable friendships and unique adventures experienced in the service of his country. After discharge in April 1946, Ward rejoined his family in Yakima, WA where his daughter Sue was born. Ward worked for Yakima First Federal Savings, the Yakima Valley Herald and the American Red Cross before joining Allstate Insurance and moving to Bellevue WA. After 30 years with Allstate, including travel to Hollywood to be in an Allstate "Good Hands" TV commercial, he took early retirement due to Parkinson's Disease. He remained active, traveling to Europe, cruising and enjoying golf with Joan and his many friends at Sahalee, where they were members for 35 years. He served as vice president, secretary and as historian for the PGA Championship in 1998 at Sahalee. Ward and Joan were charter members of the First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue in 1956, where he was an Elder and Deacon and made treasured lasting friendships. He was a member of a coffee klatch for over 25 years with long time friends who met daily to solve the world's problems. Ward is survived by his loving wife Joan, son Ward Carter Jr. (Susan), daughter Sue Sturgell (Tom), grandchildren Lauren Ridgeway (Mike), Jason Carter, and Ryan Sturgell (April), two great grandchildren, Logan and Skyler Ridgeway, sister Phyllis Perrine, brother Paul E. Carter, and many nieces and nephews. Ward will be remembered for his loving and gentle nature and the joy he felt when surrounded by his family and friends. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 1:00pm. Remembrances to Northwest Parkinson's Foundation, 400 Mercer St. #504, Seattle, WA 98109, or Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, P.O. Box 202, Seattle, WA 98111