ROY DAVID WARD

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.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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