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Rewi Ward Obituary
Rewi James WARD Rewi Ward passed away at the age of 36 on May 24th, leaving a dark cloud over a world that held him as a shining light. He was one of the strongest, most original, intelligent, philosophical and athletic individuals one could ever hope to know. His charismatic personality carried an uncanny ability to drag humor, fun and excitement everywhere he went. We will miss him more than he could ever know. Rewi loved the sea, forest and mountains. He loved to make people laugh and help us navigate life, and he did this with wisdom, humor and respect. He was a school teacher for 11 years; mostly at George Middle School in Portland, OR, where he taught Science, Spanish, and "how to be a decent person". For many of us, he was a teacher for much longer than this, and he leaves behind a beautiful legacy in his influence on our lives. Rewi was born in Ann Arbor, MI on December 7, 1970. He grew up in Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., and Salt Lake City, and he married Kim Loovis in 1996. He is survived by his mother, Maria Ramirez, and siblings, Kimiora, Reniera and Ricardo Tane Ward, as well as Kim and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Ryk Ward, and his biological mother, Jennifer Milne, both from New Zealand. Memorial Service at Willamette Park in Portland, OR on Saturday June 30th at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by Heritage Memorial, 503-231-1400. Remembrances to Defenders of Wildlife or Surfrider Foundation.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rewi Ward
Mariela Perez
September 22, 2022
Rewi Ward, it's been so long since you left this world but I still remember being your student. I remember losing ability to speak Spanish and how you pushed me in ways nobody ever has to keep my native language.. Until this day I will always be grateful for having a teacher like yourself. Now as a parent I teach my kids Spanish. It is all thanks to you. Sincerely your former student from 2004
jotge ramirez
June 18, 2019
Toda la familia Ramirez recuerda con cariño aRewi.
Kenneth Nelson
August 5, 2009
Oh Rewi, my childhood friend. I mourne that you are no longer with us. I wish I could see you again. I feel that I have lost a true friend, and a truly passionate and caring person. I remember after we graduated highschool and you were leaving to go to Washington and we embraced and cried. I wish I had been a larger part of your life since that time. You were my best friend, for a time. You had a great impact upon my life and I will never forget. We did so much and enjoyed so much. Canyonlands will always remind me of you and the times we spent there. I have faith that we will meet again someday and I look forward to another embrace. Much love, your dear friend, Ken Nelson.
Chris and Joy Ward
July 24, 2007
We will always remember Rewi with love and affection - he was a fun loving nephew to us, and he will always be in our minds. Hopefully he is now at peace with the world. His spirit will always live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved him.
Jeff, Bec and Finley Ward
July 23, 2007
Thanks for the memories Rewi. The times in New Zealand and in Salt Lake especially. You'll never be forgotton and we're all the richer for knowing you. All our love to Maria, Kimiora, Reniera and Ricardo Tane.
Marjorie Wonham
July 16, 2007
It was an privilege to get to know Rewi through his family and friends in Portland. I wish I had met him in person. All my sympathy to his family.
Kishore Pandey
July 9, 2007
Rewi,
My memories of you include kicking a Hacky-Sack in Seattle, grooving’ out on Beale Street in Memphis, camping & canoeing in Arkansas and finally hanging out in Portland. When we were living far from home it always felt good to have a friend nearby.
Now you have left us. . . But then, you have left so much behind for all of us to remember you by. . . Enthusiasm, Humor, Drama, Intellect and always a playful dose of Sarcasm to keep it real! You have made your mark on this world and made many friends along the way.
What we learn in this life only makes us wiser in the next life. You will live on with your wealth of knowledge and experience that you shared with all of us in this world.
On the mountaintop, in the forest and on the sea . . . I know you will find peace my friend. . .
Kim, Kimiora, Reniera & Tane,
Rewi was truly blessed to have all of you in his life. May all of you find peace despite your sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you. . .
The memorial in Portland and the trip to the Beach were the right ways to honor Rewi. After all that has happened, a sunny day on the Oregon Coast is a fine way to put Rewi’s life into its true context. . .
Sarah Ottewell
July 8, 2007
Rewi - My mad, fun loving American cousin! Thank you for all the wonderful memories of your trip to NZ and my trip to see you in Seattle. I doubt that Raglan will ever be the same for me.
My heart and love are with Kimiora, Reniera, Ricardo Tane and Maria.
January Bastian-Crane
July 7, 2007
I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Rewi's death. I knew him well many years ago (we dated)then we discovered recently we were living within blocks of each other in Portland. I am sending my best wishes to his family and friends. I hope he has found peace.
Russell Baker
July 6, 2007
I send my most sincere condolences to the Ward family for their loss. You are all in my thoughts, although miles and years apart. I am blessed to have known Rewi's benevolent spirit.
Tierney Diggens
July 5, 2007
Maria, Kimiora, Reniera and Ricardo,
I will always remember Rewi as the sweetest little boy with the huge smile and twinkling eyes who brought so much joy to my family. I have often thought of him over the years and feel privileged to have known him. Even as I write this, though I have shed many tears, I am similing and remembering all those precious moments that can never be taken away. Rest in peace Rewi. You will never be forgotten...Love, Tierney
Jen and Ray Gibbons
July 5, 2007
Dearest Rewi,
How we shall miss you within our family.
A small blond, blue-eyed, serious looking little boy, who came with his big sister Kimi to stay with us all those years ago. Who when you smiled and laughed your whole face lit up like a beacon. We have the lovely memories of you enjoying 3-4 weeks of school in New Zealand, where the best lessons were the swimming times each day!!!! Your jandals were the most favourite foot-wear of all time!!!
Later you returned to NZ for your Grandparents 50th wedding anniversary and all the "cuzzies" got re-acquainted again, You enjoyed the sun, sand and surf. Staying at Raglan by the lagoon was a real highlight. As a family we all enjoyed your zany sense of humour.
You loved your teaching and how proud you were to make a difference to the children you taught.
Rewi, we shall remember you with pride, love and respect, but we shall miss your smile and sense of fun.
With love from Jen, Ray, and your cuzzies....Catherine, Sarah and Jeremy xxxooo
Kathleen Kay
July 2, 2007
My deepest sympathy to Kimiora, Maria, Reneira, Tane, and Kim.
Cheri Stewart-Matthews (Parent of students)
July 2, 2007
My children were deeply touched, inspired and impacked by "Mr. Ward" both in life and in death. My son and my daughter were in Rewi's Science class at George. My son would often come home so flustered because "that Mr. Ward was being so stricked". Never letting him get away with things and pushing him to succeed. In the two years that my son was in his class he grew very fond of Rewi's gentle but stern ability to redirect him and teach him the things that he now loves! Nature! Our family has decided to plant a tree in memoriam of "Mr.Ward". Our deepest sympathy to Rewi's family and friends.
Rebecca Sturges
July 1, 2007
Rewi's inspirational spirit will live on. I will think of him when I next look down over the tip of my snowboard onto a bumpy, tree laden, snow lined mountain.
My thoughts are with his family members and loved ones. May they find peace in this time of anguish.
Shurie Rodriguez
June 30, 2007
Rewi was a great teacher, who when he entered the classroom, you knew he was ready to teach. There was never a day in his class that he didn't want to teach. It was as if he were born in a classroom and was in his natural habitat. He was a natural at what he did and I will never forget him, or the clap routine he made us do before every class. Or how he brought salmon into our 6th grade science class and raised them until they were old enough to be put back in the river. He taught me the importance and beauty of nature and how we all can take it for granted. I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to know him.
Thank you for everything you taught me, Mr. Ward. I will never forget you.
Hope Piantini
June 30, 2007
Mr. Ward, you were one of the only things that made George Middle School bearable for my daughter. You made her laugh and you challenged her to learn. You made her less lonely. She always came home with funny Mr Ward stories. We hope you are at peace now and in a better place.
Cath & Michael Boyle
June 30, 2007
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.
Maria, Kimiora, Reniera and Richardo Tane - Our love and thoughts are with you today and always.
Rosie
June 30, 2007
Mr. Ward was one of the best science/ spanish teachers I ever had. I'll never forget how in spanish he would throw taco bell dogs at my head to answer questions, even after he said I didn't have too. He was also the teacher who was nisect to me and everyone else in that school. He will be missed very much. May he rest in peace.
Nicole Beauchesne (Diggens)
June 29, 2007
Rewi, memories of you will always live on in my heart. You filled many days with laughter and joy for life. Your sudden passing has left a void that cannot be filled and a sadness so hard to overcome. I only hope you have found peace.
Rewi with his sisters ~ Summer 1997
Joe Pinon
June 29, 2007
Rewi, I have so many great memories of the time I spent with you and Kim. I remember the many card games (especially the game at my apartment in Oxford where Angie and I started making a connection), I remember hanging out in Memphis, I remember our cross-country road trip (with Sol)- we drove non-stop - Kim would drive 6 am to 10 am, you would drive from 10 am to 3 am (a cool 15 hours of driving) and I would take the 3rd shift of 3 am to 6 am. I remember how on the way back you came close to kicking me out of the car in the middle of some desert. I remember Canyon Lands and our trip to Vancouver. I remember climbing up that mountain to Lake Rachel and jumping in that cold cold water... and then almost getting lost on the way down and thinking to ourselves as were trekking through the snow in our shorts and the sun is going down, crap... this is why they tell you to always carry a fleece blanket. As I think back to our time in Mississippi, I can think of several times you and I and others in the Teacher Corp. dogded some pain. God knows that my life path could have had wrecks at many different points. My friend, I love you and miss you. I wish there were some way to turn back the clock... some way to stretch those memories and the time spent with you... some way you could have found another path that night. May your spirit rest in peace. Your friend, Joe Pinon
M. E. Donovan
June 29, 2007
I was saddened, shaken, and painfully awakened by the far too early death of Rewi. Rewi represented so much of the best of life -- intelligence, hard work, enthusiasm, interest, passion. I am sorry his early death cut short the realization of his dreams, and the hope he had for his students, for others, and for himself. May Rewi be at peace and those of us who loved him find peace and understanding in his passing. M.E.Donovan
Kimiora Ward
June 27, 2007
I love you Rewi. Always.
Andrei Lubomudrov
June 27, 2007
Rewi. Never shall the wind blow, nor the lightning strike, without carrying an echo of your name. Your spirit remains strong in all you touched. May we all share our peace one day beneath a pale sky, on the soft beaches of our pacific ocean. There you live on in the tumbling surf.
Heather Edens (Elman)
June 27, 2007
I am very saddened to hear about Rewi passing. Our older sisters are very good friends and we were friends in highschool. I remember Rewi as being a very sweet and funny person. My sympathy and prayers go out to all of his family.
Bill and Marlene Johnson
June 26, 2007
We've met Kim; however, we were never blessed with the opportunity to meet Rewi - the son-in-law of dear friends of ours - Mary and Carl Loovis. The words and sadness we feel for all of your family make us cry for the anquish you must feel. May you find Peace within.
Rachel Fumia
June 26, 2007
Rewi was such a delightful person to know; he added so much to the Teacher Corps and to all of us who met him there. Kim, you and your family are in my thoughts.
Samantha Davis
June 26, 2007
Mr. Ward was an amazing teacher and I was glad to have him as my homeroom teacher all through out my three years in middle school. He was a good friend and a great mentor. I'll never forget the fun times when he would take the mean things people said to me and make them funny to where I could laugh at them and feel better about myself. He was a good friend and will be sorely missed. God speed.
Steve Teget
June 26, 2007
Kim-
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I always remember our time in Mississippi with fondness--Rewi could always make me laugh. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brian Daugherity
June 26, 2007
Rewi was a good friend and a happy spirit for all of us in the Mississippi Teacher Corps. All the best to his family during this difficult time.
Greg Powell
June 26, 2007
Kim--I'm fortunate for having had the chance to know you and Rewi through the MS Teacher's Corps. Rewi always had a sparkle in his eyes and a twinkle on his teeth. It's good to hear that he kept teaching after the Teacher's Corps! I'm still teaching high school in Jackson.
Staff @ Portsmouth Dental Care
June 26, 2007
We will all miss your friendly smile!
Hillary Hayden
June 26, 2007
Kimiora - I was so sorry to hear such sad news. You and your family are in my thoughts.
jorge ramirez
June 26, 2007
Reciban todo nuestro cariño.Por siempre recordaremos a Rewi.
Jorge,Maty,Tilly y Jorge Ramirez.
Bonnie Grant
June 26, 2007
Maria,
I was very sorry to read about your son passing. Please accept my deepest sympothy.
Bonnie Grant
Matthew Milne
June 26, 2007
Rewi was a cousin I never met, but from what I have heard of him, I am sorry I never had the chance. Our family shares many loves in this world, and I am sad we could not have shared some of those together.
Linda Enns
June 26, 2007
Kimiora, my deepest sympathy.
Donny Sullivan
June 26, 2007
Rewi,
One of the most giving, willing and caring people I have crossed paths with. Only my tears can express my loss. A loss to all.
With eternal love and celebration of your life,
Donny
Jeremy and Kyla Gibbons
June 25, 2007
Rewi - you will be sadly missed; however, you will always be remembered as the smiling, out-going, fun-loving, care-free American cousin. Our love to all the Wards.
Koutou kua wheturangitia
Ki te korowai o Raninui
Koutou kua wehe atu ki te po
Haere ki te kainga tuturu
Ki te okiokinga
I o tatou tupuna
Haere, haere, haere
(You who have been adorned as stars,
In the heavens,
You who have departed to the night,
Go to the true home,
To the resting place,
Of our ancestors,
Farewell, farewell, farewell)
Ginny Catania
June 25, 2007
Kimiora and family - my deepest sympathy for the loss of Rewi. I know he will be missed. Please let me know if there is anything I can do!
Kim Loovis
June 25, 2007
Rewi was an amazing person. I will always cherish the memories of our time spent together. I will miss him very much.
Dodson(Dee) Thompson
June 25, 2007
I am sorry to hear of Rewi's death. Please send my regards to Kim and the rest of his family.
Katy Spinks and Ian Smith
June 25, 2007
It just isn't home without you...we miss you dearly. Thank you for being such a warm, wonderful friend.
Mary and Carl Loovis
June 25, 2007
We send our deepest sympathy to the Ward family.
Amy Cowan
June 25, 2007
You are missed.
Teresa J
June 25, 2007
Rewi was funny, smart, deep, caring and sweet. I will miss him.
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