Merrill Jess Ward - 77, of Kentville, passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2012 in the QEII Health Sciences Centre - VG Site, Halifax. Born and raised in Hall’s Harbour on August 11, 1935, he was a son of the late Morton and Eveline (Jess) Ward. He was a dedicated member of the Kentville Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. For many years, Merrill was a valued employee of Hostess Foods in New Minas. He was an avid gardener and loved the outdoors. He especially enjoyed his fishing trips to Newfoundland and camping at Keji. Music and playing cards with his friends were some of his favourite past times. He is survived by his wife, Joy (Woodworth) Ward; daughters, Linda (Chris) Tupper, Scott’s Bay; May (David) Ward, Centreville; son, Jimmy (Claudia) Coleman, Fredericton, New Brunswick; step-children, Bill (Marlene) MacKay, Lakeville; Heather, (John) Armstrong, Lakeville; Anne (Kim) Strong, Canning; Mary (Myles) MacKay, Camrose, Alberta; sisters, Flora (David, deceased) Collins, Centreville; Lucy (Adelbert) Sheffield, Glenmont; Thelma (Phillip) Kazakoff, British Columbia; Marie (Reginald, deceased) Kinsman, British Columbia; brothers, Leon (Wanetta, deceased) Ward, Kentville; Beverly Ward, Greenwich; Robie (Pat) Ward, Canning; Morley (Joanne) Ward, Hall’s Harbour; Clinton Ward, Hall’s Harbour; grandchildren, Joanie Lynn Bezanson, Virginia (Devan) Bezanson, Jesse Bezanson, Tyler and Kyle Tupper, Matthew, Lee, Brandi-Jo, Jake, Harley and Levi Coleman; step-grandchildren, Carlee (Dana) Bryden, Amanda MacKay, Mya (Matthew) Olszewski, Tyler MacKay, Colin MacKay, Sarah Armstrong, Emily Crandall, Jordan Armstrong, Seth Armstrong, Joy Armstrong, Jacob Martin, Micah Millett, Mitchell Millett, Charles Stuart; 12 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Joan Marie (Coleman) Ward; son, Dana Lee Coleman; brother, Illsley (Helen) Ward. Cremation has taken place under the direction of the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. There was no visitation, by request. A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2012 in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Kentville. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the nursing staff of 8A - Victoria General Hospital for their kindness and compassion. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.