Richard Ward

Richard David Ward, age 88, of Cascade, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2016, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Ward, known to his friends and colleagues as Dick, was born in Grand Rapids, MI on August 27, 1927, the son of John Patrick and Florence (Cowan) Ward. He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1946. He then entered the University of Michigan where he earned a B.A. from the College of Literature, Science and the Arts in 1951 and graduated from the Law School in 1954.

On September 12, 1953, he married Phyllis A. Mathias, who survives him. Also surviving are his children Patricia (and Thomas) Murdoch, John (and Suzanne) Ward, Carol Ward, and Mary (and Christopher) Fountain as well as his grandchildren, John, Ann and Emma Murdoch, Richard, Jack and Kathryn Ward, and Andrew, Meagan and William Fountain and his several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his only sibling, John C. Ward.

He practiced law briefly in Detroit before returning to his hometown of Grand Rapids to join the law firm of Cholette, Perkins and Buchanan in 1956, where he later became a partner. During his tenure there, he served as mentor to many young attorneys. After he retired from the law firm in 1986, he served as Assistant Prosecutor in Newaygo County and later in Kent County.

He was a lifelong student of history and politics, an avid reader, an accomplished cook, and a devoted Tigers fan.  He enjoyed domestic and international travel with his wife and spending time at the family cottage on Emerald Lake. He will be remembered for his storytelling, sense of humor, and command of the English language.  He had great compassion for the less fortunate and was active in his community, serving on the Board of, and for many years supporting, D.A. Blodgett Homes for Children.

Burial will be private. At a later date, the family will share details regarding an August 28 memorial reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends consider a donation to either the John P. Steketee Fund at D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s at 2355 Knapp Street, N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49505, Attn: Jim Visser, or the Florence Cowan Ward Scholarship for Nursing (established in honor of Dick’s mother, a nurse) at Kirkhof College of Nursing, Grand Valley State University, Development Office, 301 Fulton Street West, P.O. Box 1945, Grand Rapids, MI 49501.

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