MIKE WARD

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MIKE WARD January 16, 1936 - November 24, 2013 Following a lengthy illness he passed away at the Gimli Community Health Centre. He will be missed and loved by his wife, family, and friends. Michael Valentine Winton Ward was born and educated in London, UK. He always wanted to be a journalist and his first job was at a newspaper office in Fleet Street, London, UK. Starting as they did then at the bottom of the ladder, he made the coffee, ran errands and from the senior reporters learnt the art of journalism. He always believed it was the best way. He travelled and worked in many countries before settling in Canada. Winnipeg became his home, working for the Free Press at the only job he knew Journalism. He was offered, at that time, a job with the Tribune but chose the Free Press as he liked the messiness of the office in Carlton Street, said it was as a newsroom should be. He did General reporting, Travel editor, and wrote a Column taking up the fight for people with problems who were being ignored by companies and government departments. Always he said, "why should it have to be a call from a newspaper to get action for these people." Mike also started "Pennies from Heaven" which over the years became a good and supportive cause for the less fortunate people of Winnipeg. Something the Free Press continues each year. These last couple of years Mike's health started to fail, heart problems and COPD. What a lousy disease that is. He went down with pneumonia five times in the last couple of years, but always bounced back, this August he ended up in the hospital again, on 24 hour oxygen. Being allowed out from the hospital for a few hours was a treat, dinner, car rides, or just sitting outside in the sunshine having a drink was something he enjoyed, always wishing he would get well enough to come home. The hospital became almost my second home. It is very hard to watch a person change physically so much, weight loss, strength loss, oxygen depravation, heart and lungs getting worse. To the nurses, nursing aides, what wonderful people you are, the care and kindness he was shown is something I don't think is acknowledged enough. Also the lab and technical people, and many other hospital workers, I thank you. Dr. R. C. Patel, what can I say, you looked after Mike from the time we moved to the Interlake, his monthly surgery visits were made pleasant when time allowed, to talk, discuss, and laugh. You tried so hard to keep Mike with us, but sometimes it just isn't meant to be. All your efforts were truly appreciated. Following Mike's wishes, cremation has taken place, there will be no service, no flowers, and in his words no fuss. Donations if you wish should go to "Pennies from Heaven" or Gimli Humane Society which really could do with extra funds. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 2013