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MICHAEL WARD Obituary
MICHAEL R. WARD 3/18/1951 - 8/27/2014
On August 27, 2014, Michael Ward died in his home in Washington, DC with his wife at his side as she has been since his catastrophic stroke in 2008. In addition to his wife Maureen, Michael is survived by his beloved mother, Eileen Schuett Ward, brothers, John, Dick (Sue), Steve (Martha) as well as devoted nephews, nieces, in-laws and lifelong friends. Michael had an illustrious career as a television executive in Chicago, Philadelphia, Raleigh and Washington, DC, but there was no place like home - Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was passionate about golf, photography, gardening and sports. Friends are invited to his memorial on Thursday, September 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Joseph Gawler's Funeral Home, 5130 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016. Donations in his name can be made to either of his invaluable stroke recovery teams: George Washington Division of General Internal Medicine, https://www.gwdocs.com/online-giving or Medstar National Rehabilitation Network, Office of Philanthropy, 102 Irving St. NW, Washington, DC 20010.
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Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL WARD
Allan S Horlick
August 23, 2024
I´ll always remember Michael´s intense love of the news profession, second only to his love for Maureen.
Allan S Horlick
August 23, 2023
Michael was a fabulous News Director, but even more importantly, he was a terrific person who cared deeply about others.
Allan Horlick
August 23, 2020
Mike was smart, funny, and passionate about Journalism. The only think more important to him than his work, was his forever love of Maureen. To most colleagues he was Mike, but to Maureen, he will always be Michael.
Judy Kautz
September 28, 2014
Maureen, I am Eileen's cousin, Judy, from Colorado. I know you and Mike have been through so much over the years, and you have been a very strong and loving wife and caretaker. Our comfort is that he is now at peace.
Eric Eifrig
September 5, 2014
A dedicated journalist, a talented motivator, and a fellow Firesign Theater fan: what more could one want from a boss? It was an honor to work with Mike at NBC Chicago. My sympathies to Maureen and his family.
September 3, 2014
Maureen,
I enjoyed working for Michael as you know. I was never shy about sharing my admiration for your husband and your best friend. I respected Michael so much and all that he had accomplished in his lifetime. He left this earth too soon, as we all know.
My sincere condolences to you and your family and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Shila Mallard - Raleigh NC
September 3, 2014
It's still very hard for me to believe. Mike was a best friend...my "best man" and and a "brother". I send my thoughts, prayers and deep sympathy to Maureen, Eileen, John, Steve & Dick. Mike will remain with me in my heart until I see him again, in a much better place.
Tim Carlson
Mimmi Mathis
September 2, 2014
Mike Ward was a mensch. He was, for me, a good boss and a better friend. He had a HUGE brain and a pure heart and I am lucky to have known him. But the greatest luck of HIS life was finding you, Maureen. I'm just sure that Mike the philosophy major would agree with me--life is short and you're still here. Now go find some fun. If you're ever in Atlanta, I will help you do that. Meanwhile, take care of yourself.
Tim Burden
September 2, 2014
Maureen, I am so sad to hear of Mike's passing. He was a fine colleague and mentor, and an even better friend (and golf partner). My thoughts are with you.
Mark Casey
September 2, 2014
Mike was an all star and a class act. Very sorry to hear of his passing. Maureen, you and Mike are in our thoughts.
MJ Roark
September 1, 2014
They don't make 'em like they used to....a true professional who knew what journalistic integrity meant...
From Chicago to Raleigh to DC, he always had time to share a good story. RIP Mike.
Kathy Dancy
September 1, 2014
My sincerest condolences to Mike's family. I know Mike only through work at NBC Chicago back in the 80's and remember him as a compassionate and hard working boss, a man who knew the news business and truly cared about all of us, union and non-union. Rest In Peace, Mike.
Chris Blackman
September 1, 2014
Mike was my first EP when I arrived at WMAQ in 1986. It was his support and encouragement that helped me believe I belonged there. My deepest condolences to Maureen and the rest of Mike's family.
Samara Martin Ewing
September 1, 2014
Maureen: Mike was an incredible spirit. A genuine soul--which is hard to say at times about this world we call television journalism. I will never forget the support he gave me during a very a difficult period of my life. He nailed everything going through my head without me ever uttering a word. Mike spoke of you often with such love and devotion. You made him so happy! May he be finding the peace he so deserves.
September 1, 2014
I wil never forget our cross country trip from Denver to LA in the summer of 1969.Mike promised his parents that no one but him would drive. He kept that promise. What a week we had in Newport Beach. Talented, smart, handsome, articulate, and a great photographer and musician.
Jocko Kaliszewski
Joe Duke
September 1, 2014
Mike was an excellent journalist and colleague but I will remember most a round of golf in New Orleans at a long ago RTNDA. I learned a lot of TV in a short 18 holes with a kindred spirit. God speed, Mike.
August 31, 2014
Mike was always tough but always fair and he came through for me personally in a big way more than once. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. He will not be forgotten.
Mimmi Mathis
August 31, 2014
Mike Ward was a mensch. I'm lucky to have known him and he was lucky to have had you in his life, Maureen. I'm sure Mike the philosophy major would agree with me--life is short and you're still here, now go find some fun. If you find yourself in Atlanta ever, I'll help you do that. Sending you all the good karma I can muster...
August 31, 2014
Maureen, there are no words....just know that we love you so very much and hold you and Michael in our hearts. Thoughts and prayers are with you always, hoping to offer condolences in person one day soon, Marybeth and Vic
August 31, 2014
No one was more loved then our Michael. He will be missed more than I can say. Love, Jan
Bill Gaines
August 30, 2014
Hearing of Michael's passing saddens me deeply. I worked for him in Raleigh, NC. He was tough, always fought to win and I hope people remember him for the compassion, professionalism and dedication he exhibited in every undertaking. Michael you were original, always your own man and will be missed. Safe travels my friend.
August 30, 2014
So very sad to learn of Michael's passing. He was one of a kind. Condolences to you, Maureen. Debbi Huggett (former NBC Chicago)
Michael and Maureen in Cleveland
August 30, 2014
August 30, 2014
Diane
Cichon Maureen, I am thinking about you and will be in touch soon.
Janice Jones
August 30, 2014
I will always remember Mike's passion and encouragement. I am grateful to have known him and grown under his leadership. My condolences to you, Maureen, and family.
Beverly Pigford
August 30, 2014
You both are in our thoughts and prayers.
Turner & Beverly Pigford
Susan Kennedy
August 30, 2014
Maureen
My condolences on your loss.
Pat Curry
August 29, 2014
Always wearing his heart on his sleeve, he showed me a boss could be your friend. Well, maybe only Mike could transcend that relationship. But there was no doubt who was the boss. I always think about Mike and always will. He was solid by me.
August 29, 2014
May the Father of tender mercies provide you comfort and strength.
Michael and Maureen in Chicago
August 29, 2014
Catherine Snyder
August 29, 2014
Maureen, I am so sorry to hear about Mike. He was such a unique and kind person. I really enjoyed working for him. Rest in peace Mike.
Michael and Maureen in Chicago
August 29, 2014
Dovie and Craig Turner
August 29, 2014
Our sincere condolences.
Martin Gould
August 29, 2014
To say that Mike Ward impacted a generation of television news professionals is not an overstatement. He mentored, taught, cultivated and celebrated the professional development of dozens--maybe hundreds--of people whose work was made better under his tutelage. May his memory be for a blessing.
Elizabeth
August 29, 2014
Thank you for believing in me.
Nancy LaNoce
August 29, 2014
My favorite song is "Take your Candle and Go Light your World" I admire your strength and the love you shared with Maureen. God Bless You.
Lisa Churchville
August 29, 2014
Oh Maureen - you were the love of his life --- his eyes lit up when you entered the room. Those of us who knew him so well in Chicago were awed at the transformation in him in your presence. And the magic of watching you two fall in love. What a wonderful gift it has been - for Michael and all of us - to have you in our lives.
Michael knew everything and had a perspective on it all that was fresh, unique and cut through the noise. I remember his discussing television news with a pretty hostile audience: "The role of television news is to create a vicarious experience for the viewer" lifting the conversation to a higher plane and deftly softening the conversation. And the Friday's in Lincoln Park playing 5am golf with Mike and Don ... wow were we terrible. What a privilege to know him, work with him, argue with him, pick his brain and play a few rounds. That peace that passeth all understanding ... it's on the other side. Safe travels MRW ... we will join you soon ... LGC
Maureen and mom, Skip and Lisa 1996
August 29, 2014
Mike and Lisa Philly, 1996
August 29, 2014
Michael on August 21, 2003
August 29, 2014
Mike & Maureen with Pat, Lida and Susan 2003
Lisa Churchville
August 29, 2014
Allan Horlick
August 29, 2014
With skills ranging from photojournalism to producing to News Director to Creative Director to General Manager, Mike was amazing. Add passions ranging from golfing to gardening, but never forget with all he did and all he accomplished, his greatest passion.....his one true and devoted love, Maureen. Mike, you will be missed.
Jack Marschall
August 29, 2014
Mike was truly The Giver in sharing his talents, time and friendship with those who learned from him at WEWS in Cleveland. The memories are all good and our prayers for Mike and family are eternal. May he rest in peace.
~ Jack Marschall (Cleveland, OH)
Doug Jones
August 29, 2014
Maureen...Mike was truly one of my favorites...and the things he taught me at CAU have made a difference in my life and career. I remember when the two of you "found" each other...and how you woke up the softer side of Mike...the side that all of us in marketing and design got a kick out of. You both were blessed to have each other. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the families. I will miss the occasional FB note from him. Please know that I'm thinking about you.
Mike WALTER
August 29, 2014
Maureen,
My heart goes out to you. I heard the news this morning. I was crestfallen. Michael was a special guy. A rarity in our business, cerebral, thoughtful, and principled.
Wendy and Herb Bloom
August 29, 2014
Herb and I send our deepest condolences. We know that you have been his rock and strongest advocate throughout his journey. We will miss him. Please take care of yourself.You and your family are in our thoughts.
Cindy Crowne Barnes
August 29, 2014
Maureen ... I was so sorry to hear about Michael's passing. I had heard how devoted you were to him through these years. Your strength is amazing as your love was for real. Please know Larry and my whole family send you our love and prayers. I hope memories of happier times will always help you smile. xo
Renee Chenault Fattah
August 29, 2014
Maureen ,I have so many wonderful memories of you and Mike at WCAU Channel 10 Philadelphia . It was the best of times. Mike was so talented and his love for you so obvious . You are always in our hearts. Renee Chenault Fattah NBC10 Philadelphia
August 29, 2014
Dear Maureen: My prayers and thoughts are with you. Always, Sue
Jeanne Schuett
August 29, 2014
Maureen,
He was such a very special person. I am sure that he and rod are enjoying a most remarkable round of golf and are at peace. This is my wish for you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeanne Schuett
Art Norman
August 29, 2014
We at NBC Chicago are saddened following the loss of your husband, Mike Michael Ward. He was a great photojournalist in Cleveland, an excellent newsman and General Manager in North Carolina, and a dynamic boss at WMAQ Chicago.
Lord hear our prayers!
August 29, 2014
Michael - you were my trusted right hand when I joined NBC. I will cherish our times together. God bless you and your family. Lyle
August 29, 2014
Dear Maureen....we are so truly sorry and sending you love and friendship...xo Julie and Mike Weick and family
nancy kelly moessner
August 29, 2014
Maureen you are wrapped in the loving embrace of the Kelly family
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