Obituary of Ronald Ward

It is with great sadness that we announce Ron’s passing on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at the age of 79 years. Ron was born in England in 1927 and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1929. Much of his youth was spent in Prince Rupert, BC and he ultimately graduated from U.B.C. in his chosen field of geology. After graduation he worked as a geologist in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. While working in Manitoba, he met and married his beloved Irene who became his soul mate for the next fifty-four years. Early in their marriage they moved to Brazil where he worked for Petrobras and that period of time was one of the happiest times in their married life. After moving back to Calgary, Ron began a successful career as an independent producer, having founded Frobisher Petroleums (Ltd.) and Lorne Resources. His lifelong passion to find oil and gas never left him and he was always looking for the next prospect to drill. Ron and Rene traveled extensively throughout the world and for many years took great joy in spending their winters in Florida. As avid golfers, they especially enjoyed their membership at the Longboat Key Golf and Country Club. Ron also loved to play golf at Earl Grey Golf Club where he was a long-time member and permanent fixture on the driving range. As a single digit handicapper for much of his life, he was always working on improving his game. The annual Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists golf tournament was a yearly favourite of Ron’s. Ron was also an avid skier, both in the backcountry and downhill. He found a love for powder skiing after his first helicopter skiing trip to the CMH Bugaboos in 1979 and he continued powder skiing for many years. In earlier days he always looked forward to upland game hunting trips with family and friends. He was also a keen fisherman, particularly enjoying his many salmon fishing trips to BC. Ron was also a long-time member of the Calgary Petroleum Club. Left to mourn are his wife, Rene; his sister Kathy Fortune of Victoria, BC; his brother Joseph Ward of Ancaster, ON; as well as many nieces, nephews, and members of his extended family. At Ron’s request, no service will be held. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Telephone: (403) 943-7211. In living memory of Ron 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.