FREDRICK JAMES WARD

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FREDRICK JAMES WARD January 22, 1928 October 25, 2013 Peacefully surrounded by his family on October 25, 2013. Fred leaves his wife, Joyce (née Gaston); his daughter Catherine Tronrud (Gary), his sons James, and Peter (Laura Buchan); his grandchildren Tory, Brigit, Mikhail, Nolan and Elise. Fred was born in Alert Bay, BC on January 22, 1928. The only child of older parents who didn't expect to have any children, he was deeply cherished. Their excitement over his birth was recorded for the rest of his life in their hasty misspelling of his first name on the birth certificate. Yes, he would confirm, it is Fredrick, no second "e". Fred's love of the environment the outdoors and its flora and fauna was reflected in his career and in his recreation. He studied zoology, receiving his BA and MA from the University of British Columbia and his PhD from Cornell University. He and Joyce moved to Manitoba in 1964 when Fred accepted a teaching position at the University of Manitoba. Fred had many wonderful experiences in his academic career. He published extensively in Canadian and international scientific journals. He guided many graduate students through their advanced degrees. He loved his work with CIDA and IDRC that took him to Thailand, Laos, Nepal and Fiji. He took advantage of his sabbatical and research opportunities to live abroad giving his children the priceless experience of spending a year in Japan (1970-71), Fiji (1975-76) and New Zealand (1980-81). New Zealand captured both Joyce and Fred's hearts and they returned there often for extended periods as Fred worked and researched. Fred was a man of wide interests and intellectual curiosity. He loved classical music his favourite Mahler symphonies were often booming through the house. He owned (and watched) every season of Dr. Who. He was fascinated by history and cosmology. He was a wine connoisseur who loved to pick out just the right one to complement Joyce's wonderful cooking for the many dinner guests they hosted over the years. He loved to fish and spent as much time outdoors, tromping through the bush or floating on the water that he could manage. When not in New Zealand, he and Joyce would go on fishing excursions in Manitoba, as well as much enjoyed trips to Cuba and to Alberta (to fly fish on the Bow). He was delighted that Joyce was often more successful and proudly displayed many pictures of Joyce holding her latest enormous catch. He made his and Joyce's fishing rods and nets and spent the periods between fishing trips tying flies for the next outing. We will miss Fred, but we take a measure of comfort in knowing that his was a life well-lived. Cremation has taken place; there will be no formal service. We would like to thank the staff of Victoria General Hospital for their kindness towards Fred and his family during his last week. Flowers are gratefully declined. If you would like to make a donation in Fred's memory, please consider the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in honour of Fred's lifelong love of music.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2013