Ward, Michael Wayne (1947- 2026)

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father Michael with his girls by his side on Saturday July 18, 2026 at the age of 79 years.

Predeceased by his parents Peter and Margaret (nee MacNeill) Ward as well as by his brothers Peter, Gary, William and the love of his life Doreen (born Smith).

Mike is survived by his daughters Michelle (Jason Farr) and Tammy (Brent Smith), his grandchildren Kevin Smith, Eric Farr, Riley Farr, Noah Smith, Zachary Farr and Madison Smith. He leaves behind many in-laws, nieces and nephews that he treasured like his own.

Mike grew up in Brampton, Ontario with his lifelong friend Fred Burrows. While living in Brampton he met the love of his life Doreen and they later moved to Calgary to start their life together. His love for sports (especially the Toronto Blue jays and Toronto Maple Leafs) led him to become a coach for hockey and baseball. While in Calgary, Mike became a machinist for CP rail and then later for the ONR when they moved to Englehart to be closer to Doreen’s family and the family farm. He loved to help on the farm, taking Doreen on Sunday drives, stopping to throw a line in the lake to see what he could catch, umping baseball, being a ref for broomball, organizing tournaments, making amazing friends, and getting the girls involved in one way or another as family were very important to Mike. The girls would be helping make Chili, scorekeeping, or sharing in each adventure as they arose, leaving never a dull weekend. Mike loved being an entrepreneur. From opening Mike’s Crafts and Things, ABC Television, Gram’s Sewing, or IBS Bookkeeping, he had his girls right by his side learning each new craft as he went.

Everyone was always welcome in the Ward home where all were treated like family, from nieces and nephews to the girls’ friends. He loved each one of them as much as his own children, unconditionally and no matter what. His grandbabies were his pride and joy, each one holding a special piece of Papa’s heart. He always wanted us to remember how special we all were, to love with our whole hearts, and dream as big as the sky doing everything he could to help us attain our dreams.

We would like to thank the ambulance attendants and staff at West Nipissing Hospital, with a special heartfelt thank you to the nurses in the Palliative care wing who helped us through some of the most difficult times.

As per Mike’s wishes, cremation will occur, with no services being held. Funeral arrangements in care of the Theoret-Bourgeois Funeral Home in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army or West Nipissing Hospital.