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Brian Ward

Brian Ward

Passed on: April 14th, 2015

Brian Stafford Ward – December 11, 1928 to April 14, 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Stafford Ward, age 86, on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, with his family at his side. Brian, or Brain as his childhood friends would call him, was born on December 11, 1928, and was raised in Regina, SK. He graduated from Central High School and attended Moose Jaw Teachers’ College in the summers of 1947-1949 while rounding out the rest of these years as a teacher in Herbert and Big River, SK. Brian convoked with a Bachelor of Education from the U of S in 1953. He was a Huskie athlete on both the basketball and football teams, receiving a major athletic award every year. Thus earning the illustrious Rusty MacDonald Cup, an award for the male athlete who exhibited the highest qualities of sportsmanship and citizenship. Brian completed his Masters of Education from the U of S in 1960, and sat as the SK Teachers’ Association representation on the U of S Senate. Brian taught with the Swift Current School Division from 1953-1961. He was Vice-Principal of W.A. Beatty Collegiate until 1969, Academic Director for the Comprehensive High School until 1971, and Principal until 1976. Brian retired as Director of Education in 1984 and was awarded an Honorary Life Membership with the SK Teachers’ Federation. Never one for idleness, he served as Directions Coordinator with SK Education and Associate Deputy Minister of Education with the SK government. He worked with SK Education as mediator with various school divisions within the province and spoke at numerous educations conferences. Brian believed in the power of education and the importance thereof. Brian married his great love, Jean Young, on August 14, 1954, and they remained in Swift Current for 58 years. Declining health prompted a move to Regina in 2012. Brian spent many summers camping and travelling with his family across Canada. An avid historian, these trips ensured Brian’s “girls” saw every significant historical/educational site along the way. Later, family holidays were enjoyed in Fernie, BC. Brian’s travels were not limited to Canada. He and Jean were avid travelers enjoying many cruises and trips to Arizona, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, and Great Britain. Brian cherished his annual fishing trips with teachers and hiking trips with friends. He enjoyed golf and was a committed fan of all sports – though the SK Roughriders likely took top honors. Brian loved SK – the people, the education system and the athletics organizations. This deep appreciation was expressed through service as President of the Swift Current City Teachers’ Association, a counselor for the SK Teachers’ Federation (STF), Chairman of the STF Advisory Committee, President of High Schools Athletic Association, President of Swift Current Minor Hockey Association, and numerous other community organizations. Heartfelt thanks to Bill Horbach for providing a great home, special support and friendship to Brian and his family: and also to Leanne Winter who provided support to our family including many visits with Brian. Brian was predeceased by wife, Jean, 2013; his parents, Evelyn (Buckley) Laurence and Alfred Laurence; his sisters, Jeanne Griffiths and Shirley Yeo; his brothers, Lionel (Ed) Fulcher, Louis Fulcher; sister-in-laws, Orlean Fulcher and Lois Sandstrom; brother-in-law, Garth Sandstrom; and niece, Lianne Gusway. Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Nancy Samis, (Kelly Troyer), Pat (Roger) Zelinski, Dawna (Wayne) Nielson; grandchildren, Krista (Jennings) Martin, Kori (Garfield) Parke, Kelly (Natalie) Samis, Erin Zelinski, Andrew Zelinski, Carley (Michael) Olfert, and Kailyn (Blair) Stengler; great-grandchildren, Ephrem Martin, Rylan and Kingston Parke, Layla and Svana Samis, Kadyn and Callyn Olfert; son-in-law, Dean Samis; brother-in-law, Bill Yeo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Celebration of Life Service was held on Monday, April 20, 2015, at 11:00 am from the East Side Church of God, Swift Current, SK with Lay Pastor Jill Cavanagh officiating. The soloist for the service was Sharon Veer with Erin Zelinski bringing a reading. Tributes were brought by a PowerPoint presentation and the eulogy was shared by Carley Olfert and Kailyn Stengler. The ushers in the church were Susan Dietz (niece) and Bill Yeo (nephew). The Private Family Interment Service was held at the Mount Pleasant Burial Park Columbarium, Swift Current, SK with Tom Fulcher (nephew) serving as urn bearer. In memory of Brian Ward, donations made to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to leave a personal message of condolence on the family‘s obituary page, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com

 

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