Ronald J. "Sharkey" Ward, 70, of King Street, Parrsboro passed away Friday, November 14, 2008 at South Cumberland Community Care Centre, Parrsboro. Born in Highland Creek, Ontario, he was a son of the late Arthur and Wilma (McGregor) Ward. Prior to joining the navy in 1955, he was employed with Highland Creek Sand and Gravel as a truck driver and with K.J. Beamish Construction building the 401 Highway as a scraper operator. During his career in the navy, he obtained a private pilot's license at Shearwater Flying Club and participated in activities with the Shearwater Sport Parachute Club having completed 7 jumps. The last 14 years of his career was spent in the submarine service and the last six years as chief engineer. He retired in 1982 after 26 1/2 years service. He was employed as security at Sand River Community Correctional Centre for 3 1/2 years and for the next 13 years was employed as Parrsboro Town Jailer. He served as a civilian member and auxiliary constable with the local RCMP detachment and was a casual with the Cumberland County Sherriff's Department. He resigned from all three organizations on March 16, 1999 due to ill health. He was a life member of the Submarine C.P.O.S. Mess and the CFB Halifax C.P.O.S. Mess. He was a member of the Submarine Old Comrades Association, the Atlantic C.P.O.S. Association, Legion Branch #45, Parrsboro and the Chignecto Handgun Club. He is survived by daughters, Cathy Ward (David Fulton), Parrsboro; Sharon Lalonde (Mark), Bathurst, N.B.; sons, Ronald (Susan), Saint John, N.B.; Darrell (Lisa); Larry (Heather), all of Parrsboro; a sister, Margaret "Peggy" Smith, Warkworth, Ont.; 13 grandchildren; 1 great grandson. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Doris Wilcox in 2008. There will be no funeral service by request. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or the Palliative Care Program of South Cumberland Community Care Centre, Parrsboro. Arrangements entrusted to Smith's Funeral Home, Parrsboro. Online condolences at www.smithsfuneralhome.com