Richard David Ward (Dick) May 22,1934- December 19, 2025

The hardest working man we know, Dick Ward, finally retired his aching body. On Friday, surrounded by some of his caregivers, Lorie, Amysue, Kristy and Halie, Papa left us to reunite with his Dutch.

Dick's work ethic probably started from being born during the Great Depression. The second of five sons (Robert, Richard, Lawrence, Dale and David) they spent their early years working hard on the family farm. If they had any free time at the end of the day, it would be spent fishing or in the woods hunting. In high school Dick made state champion in wrestling and in cross country. He graduated from Vestal in 1953 and only four years later he married the love of his life Emmy. Dick and Emmy went on to build a home right down the road from his parents and raise a family. They had a son Richard and a daughter Lorie. Times weren't always easy, working three jobs leaves little time for family, but Dick always made sure they warm, safe, and with food in their bellies. When he had any free time, he spent it with his family. Dick taught us many things, but one of the biggest lessons he taught us was to always be kind to animals. Dick was that kind of man that every dog ran up to, every horse nuzzled, even wild ducks came right up to him. He had many unique pets over the years. He even tried to win an elephant for his daughter once, but as long as it wasn't a cat, he would love it. (Truth be told he loved his grand daughter's one cat) On top of working numerous jobs, he was also a volunteer Firefighter for many years and the Assistant Fire Chief of Vestal Company 2 for 10 years. Instead of listing all of his jobs, I'd like to tell you about how he spent his free time. Dick was an adrenaline junkie. He loved stock car racing, racing cars on the ice and show skiing. He also enjoyed more leisure activities like hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, wood working, making the best pancakes in the world, and goofing around with his grandkids and great grandkids.

Lorie and Amysue would like to thank the many friends and family who helped care for him and us during these past 7 months. Dave, Kristi, Halie, Tim, Don, Debby, Dale, Leona, Lennon for all the laughter therapy, Melanie for all the doggy therapy, Brittany from Hospice, and all the friends who checked in on all of us. We are so incredibly grateful to all of you.

Calling hours will be at Coleman and Daniels (Main St. in Vestal) on Tuesday December 23rd, from 2:00-3:00, service to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital as he and his wife donated to them regularly.