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Donald J. Ward

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University of California Los Angeles

Donald Ward Obituary

Ward, Donald J.
Professor Emeritus of German and Folklore at UCLA, died September 16, 2004 from complications of Alzheimers disease. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Louise Ward, nee Moore, son James of Sherman Oaks, and daughter Natalie Thomas and her two sons of Edwards, CA. He was born March 16, 1930 in Petaluma CA., attended school through Jr. College in Santa Rosa, CA. He spent four years in the USAF as a cryptographer and after his discharge, remained in Germany to study at the University of Mainz. After two years, he returned to California and continued his education at S.F State College and UCLA. He remained at UCLA from 1973 until his retirement in 1991. He was active in both the American and California Folklore Societies and held many professional positions. He was a visiting Professor in Germany, Austria and Israel and was Assoc. Director of the Education Abroad Center in Goettingen, Germany. He will be missed by his family and friends around the world Cremation by the Neptune Soc. A memorial service is pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer Disease research.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Sep. 22, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Ward

10 Entries

Martin Heinrich

September 17, 2023

I remember him often. I liked him very much

Paul Webster

October 21, 2004

I'm surprised and saddened to hear of Don's illness and death. He was my instructor in third-semester German class some forty years ago, became my advisor, mentor, and friend. A genuinely funny sense of himself in the intellectual workshop combined with a sharp intellect to make him an utter pleasure to spend time with. I haven't seen Don for many years, but I can't forget how he sat in the only easychair in our student apartment and held forth to my brothers and me about university and intellectual life while helping us drink our gallons of Cucamunga Red. Don lives on in the wonderful memories he left with us.

John Webster

October 16, 2004

I'm sorry to hear of Don's death. I haven't seen him since I left UCLA for Berkeley many years ago, but I still remember him distinctly. I was introduced to him through my brothers; I studied in his classes, and I picture him in my mind as clearly today as I did in the mid-60's when I actually last saw him. Few of my teachers I had then are so clear in memory as Don. Funny, earnest, patient. A wonderful man.

Wolfgang Nehring

October 15, 2004

I am very sad that Don was struck by Alzheimer and suffered a premature death. I remember him as a good friend in the UCLA Department of Germanic Languages, as a real human being, full of life and ideas. We met in Freiburg/Germany and in Basel/Switzerland where the two of us did research and we had a great time together with Family, Folklore and Fasching. Mary Lou, Natalie, Jim I can imagine what you went through. Let's all keep up the best(!) memories of him. I wish you strength and stress recovery. I hope we will remain connected. Yours Wolfgang, Christa, and Tina

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Earl J. Bell, Ph.D.

October 15, 2004

I knew Don Ward for all of my adult life, except for a period when we lost contact. We played on the same basketball team and were in a small math group in high school. We were the only two from our class who later became academics. Don's career was exceptional for his contributions to knowledge. His command of German was equal to his command of the pun (in two languages!).

Don will be remembered as a sunny person and who was friendly to everyone. He was a lover of life, one who loved to fish and play golf. From youth through his death those who knew him were privileged as he illuminated all with whom he came in contact. I am very grateful that I knew him.

Earl J. Bell

SRHS, '47

Professor Emeritus,

University of Washington

Robert Flaherty

October 3, 2004

It was with great sadness that I heard of Donald Ward's passing. I had the great good fortune to study with him at UCLA. He was the Chairperson for both my MA and PhD in Comparative Folklore and Mythology. He was a true scholar and a wonderful human being. I will never forget his great kindess and his deep insight into what it means to be human. No one who knew/knows Professor Ward will ever forget him. Peace Be With Him Always,

Robert Flaherty

KyungBuk National University

Department of English

Daegu, Republic of Korea

Barbara and Walter Frische

September 24, 2004

Dear Mary Lou and Family, Remembering Don, I recall a lot of things I thank him for---help when needed, good advice, in fact, he definitely influenced the direction my life took. I admired his intelligence, good sense, terrific humor , kindness and generosity and am glad you were both able to visit us here and that Walter had the chance to meet you both. We'll miss Don greatly. We wish you strength and courage to get you through this time of sadness. Our thoughts are with you. Love, Barbara and Walter

Ron Hay

September 23, 2004

I was so saddended to hear of Don's death, the news of which reached me through a former colleague, Barbara Krimsky (Frische) now living in France.

He will be remembered as a scholar with a great sense of humor, definitely NOT an academic in an ivory tower.

May he rest in peace.

Ron Hay

Martin Heinrich

September 23, 2004

Dear Mary L. Ward,

I got the sad message today by Uli Kutter. My father died many years ago after nine years of Alzheimer, so I know what you and Don had to suffer. When you were here in Fridingen the last time, I suppose this to be at least 10 years ago, he was still well and you both had been in Salzburg before. In the meantime Hans Bucher has died in October 2002.

I am so sad that a so intelligent and humorous man had to suffer and die of this disease. I am glad for beeing this over for you and him.

Yours sincerely, Martin Heinrich

Llewellyn Crain

September 22, 2004

Dear Ward family,

I am so saddened to read of Don's death, and equally sorry that he suffered from Alzheimers. I have very fond memories of your entire family and the years I spent knowing all of you. A loving father and husband, a brilliant scholar, a caring man -- he will be deeply missed by you all.

With my very best wishes,

Llewellyn

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