Obituary of WARD – Arthur Leslie

June 3, 1915 – September 27, 2009 Arthur’s death came suddenly on Sunday, September 27, 2009. He was amazing despite his 94 years; seldom ill, mobile, alert and interested in life and people around him so that old age took him gently. He was born on June 3, 1915 in Merlin, Ontario, and spent his early years in Tilbury where he received piano and organ training. In 1942, he enlisted in the RCAF and was posted to London, England, serving with the clerical staff. His wartime experiences were a time of cultural enrichment in London where his love of music, art and the theatre flourished. This led to post-war studies in London as an organ student where he received the Fellowship Diploma from the Royal College of Organists. Returning to Canada, he began his musical career at Christ Church Elbow Park where he met Betty Calvert as a choir member, and where they were married in December, 1959. Arthur’s vocation led him to many churches, and his love of teaching took him to Mount Royal Conservatory for a lengthy stay to instruct many students in musical theory. As a mature student he received the degree of Master of Music in Composition from the University of Calgary, and wrote mainly choral and organ and latterly, recorder music for the Kerby Recorder Group. Arthur and Betty shared a mutual love which included music, art, literature and travel and the companionship of many widely scattered friends. Funeral Services will be held at Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (corner of 7th Avenue and 1st Street S.E.) on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Mustard Seed Street Ministry (102 – 11 Avenue S.E. Calgary, AB T2G 0X5), Glenbow Museum, (130 – 9 Avenue S.E. Calgary, AB T2G 0P3), Cathedral Church of The Redeemer Maintenance Fund (604 – 1st Street SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5H8) or the charity of your choice. Betty wished to extend thanks to all who knew Arthur: to relatives, friends and colleagues, medical staff, those with church, university, fine arts connections, those generous Scarboro neighbours, and to all who knew and were touched by Arthur. In living memory of Arthur Ward, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.