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Roy Ward

Image by Nick Andréka

ROY DAVID WARD

September 28 1945 - April 19 2024

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father, and daddo (grandfather) Roy. He passed away peacefully at home on April 19 at the age of 78. 


Left to mourn are his loving wife Tanyss; son Garth; daughter in law Dot; his greatest treasures: granddaughters, Anna and Astrid; brothers, Garnet and his children, Charlene (Manny) and Raymond, as well as Blane (Beverly) and their children Nicole, who was like a daughter to Roy, Kathy (Dave), and Chris (Annie).


Roy lived his early years in St Vital. He attended UND in Grand Forks, where he met the love of his life, Tanyss Ramsay of Waskada, Manitoba. They were married in Boissevain in 1970.


Roy found a career in information technology and worked for The Liquor Commission and Manitoba Highways. For several years he taught a night school course in Project Management for the U of M. Summers were spent visiting the Ramsay Farm in Waskada, and the Lake at Ingolf ON with his parents Charlie and Edith, where his love of canoeing and wilderness camping blossomed into many family trips.


When Garth arrived in 1978 the trips carried on as soon as he could sit up in the canoe. Travels involved eastern MB and northern ON. Quetico wilderness park became a favourite playground. 


Winter was all about cross country skiing. Roy founded and chaired the family program and a very successful jackrabbit ski program for the Manitoba Naturalists society (Nature Manitoba). Roy was a certified instructor, coach, ski patrol, and tour leader. 


He was chair of Jackrabbit youth programs at Club, provincial, and national levels, and often attended meetings across Canada. His volunteer board member duties included Nature Manitoba, Boreal Shores, Ingolf Campers Association, Volunteer firefighter and Ingolf fire Chief for 6 years.


Ingolf was a cherished place and he took over his parent’s property after they passed, and where he and Tanyss moved full time upon retirement in 2001.


More adventurous travel started soon after, visiting places around the world every winter. Adventures included the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and New Zealand to which they were drawn multiple times. 


He was a talented woodworker, interested in turning, carving, joinery, and advanced painting and finishing methods. He attended many craft and art sales and shows under the name “Knot For Sale”. The “Boreal Shores Art Tour” was his favourite as an artist, and as a volunteer. He managed the website and social media as a board member.


The family extends heartfelt thanks to the HSC Interventional Radiology Team, and the caregivers from Palliative Care MB, who were all extremely caring, devoted and compassionate in their roles. 


A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.


Donations can be made to Cancer Care MB or an organization of your choice.


Roy's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Kim Czechmeister (Pypka)

May 30, 2024 at 11:54 AM

My deepest condolences to Tanyss and family. Roy was my boss and friend at Manitoba Department of Highways and Transportation He was a wonderful person. I will cherish the many memories and am grateful to know Roy and Tanyss. My favourite memory is when Roy and Tanyss came for a visit to Saskatchewan when my children were small. Knot for Sale was not created yet but he made a bond with my son and carved him a carpenter's pencil , which he still has today. rest in peace Roy.

Lori Meisner Neufeld

May 19, 2024 at 9:14 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. You and Roy shared a love that was so beautiful and rare inspiring all those around you. Tanyss, May your great love for each other and all the many adventures you shared help bring you comfort in the days ahead...and a smile or two as you remember the life you shared together. *hugs*

Jennifer Matthews

May 18, 2024 at 4:05 AM

Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Bob & Tedda Grimshaw

May 15, 2024 at 4:47 PM

Lots of good times and we made wonderful memories....RIP Roy.

Gerry and Marge

May 9, 2024 at 12:37 PM

Sincere sympathy Tanyss and family

Heather Mackereth

May 9, 2024 at 12:35 PM

So sorry for your loss Tanyss and family. May he rest in peace 🙏

Kim and Don Chroniak

May 9, 2024 at 12:34 PM

Don and I are so sorry to hear about his passing..  We have so many unbelievably great memories with you and him when we rented your cottage at Ingolf.

He is truly going to be missed.

Our deepest condolences.

Shannon, Keith and Willow

May 9, 2024 at 12:32 PM

Oh we are so sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. He is truly a legend in my books. He displayed such a great outlook and patients with all on his presence. He loved Tanyss in such a beautiful way, and was a great granddad. May he be peaceful in his passing. Big hugs to you guys!

Gary and Lesley Wilson

May 9, 2024 at 12:32 PM

Roy was a very skilled woodworker and artist and we will always treasure the wooden sign he created for our cottage. It was a replica fence with the eyes of ‘Wilson’ peeking over the top. We also enjoyed watching him create his homemade pasta to be paired with a tasty Italian sauce prepared by Tanyys. This summer, we will fondly remember the times when both Roy and Tanyys kayaked by our cottage, often with a bag of their homegrown herbs to drop off. He will surely be missed.

Russ Haight

May 9, 2024 at 12:30 PM

was a great person to know and be party of his life. Sorry for your loss

Linda (Lowe)Ford

May 9, 2024 at 12:30 PM

I never met Roy but he was obviously a treasure and you will surely miss him sorely, but what wonderful years you shared. Hugs to you all.

Jan and Jim Ramsay-Redenbarger

May 9, 2024 at 12:29 PM

So happy we connected and got to spend some time together over the last few years. Wonderful, kind, funny, talented and knew his way around the outdoors. You have an encyclopedia of memories to revisit. Love to you, Tanyss and the family.

Lynn Tallon

May 9, 2024 at 12:28 PM

You and Roy were a magical couple from the moment you met. You both knew you were meant to be together.  So many hugs to you.

Sandy Beatty

May 9, 2024 at 12:24 PM

Roy was my adopted brother.  We grew up together in St. Vital and Ingolf.  He was our best man at our wedding and we had the pleasure of watching him marry the love of his life, Tanyss.

A truly magical couple that we’re fortunate enough to share some of life’s gifts.

Tanya’s, I hope all the fond memories help you and yours through this tough time.

Don, Jeri, Claire, Megan, Nick

May 9, 2024 at 12:22 PM

Tanyss, Garth, Dot, Such great memories of our families catchin' up at the Trout. Remembering those days chillin' around our wacky encampment havin' the best times!


Thinking of You

John & Monique

May 9, 2024 at 12:20 PM

Our deepest Sympathies to Tanyss, Garth & Dot, and family. Monique and I were very sorry to hear about the recent passing of Roy. We enjoyed our times at Ingolf with Roy & Tanyss. Roy was always a gentleman and will be missed.

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