Ronald David Ward

Dave was predeceased by his parents Ronald Frederick Ward and Winnie Irene Ward. Dave is survived by sisters Brenda (Frank) and Susan (Wayne) and brother Paul (Phil). Dave was married to Judy (nee Roe) from 1972-2022. They had 3 sons, Colin (Summer), Shane (Kelly), and Ryan (Laurel). He was Grandad to 4 grandchildren Zachary, Lucas, Ainsley and Connor. He was also an uncle to Scott Basham, Krista Bradley (Jeff), Courtney Bradley (J.P.), and brother-in-law to Linda Bradley.

Dave had a very distinguished career in the fire service in Greater Victoria. Dave started out as a probationary firefighter with Saanich Fire in February 1975 and worked his way through the ranks until he retired in April 2010 after 35 years with the department. He served on Local 967 union executive for 16 years from 1983 to 1999 in positions of trustee, secretary treasurer and President. He was part of the executive that lobbied politicians at the provincial and federal levels to get certain cancers recognized as a presumptive workplace hazard associated with firefighting. Dave was promoted to Deputy Chief January 1, 2002, and to Fire Chief December 1, 2003, where he served in that role until he retired. Dave’s retirement was short lived as on June 21, 2010, he took a job with the Esquimalt Fire Department. He served as the Fire Chief for just under 4 years, leaving the department and the fire service for good February 5, 2014. During his tenure he showed true leadership navigating the department through some challenges, improving morale, and making several important personnel hires during his time with the department.

Dave was very involved in the community. Dave was one of the original founders of the Braefoot Athletic Association, and was project lead building the large addition on to the existing clubhouse. He was also involved with Lakehill soccer, where he served as President of the association for some time, as well as coach of Colin and Shane’s early teams. Dave was involved with Saanich lacrosse, which all 3 boys played growing up. He served as manager alongside coach Mike Game on Ryan’s early teams, even having a hitting bag fabricated out of pocket to teach the boys how to cross-check. Dave also built the wooden stands which were on the south side of the box for many years. Dave was a proud supporter of the Victoria Shamrocks and served on the executive for many years as a Director and Treasurer for some time. He also put in 5 years with the Victoria Junior Shamrock’s, serving as President of the Executive in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Dave was honoured with the Distinguished Service Award for exemplary contribution to the community by the Kiwanis Club of Victoria.

Dave was very generous with others and could always be counted on to show up when help was needed. He had a good sense of humour, and enjoying being on both sides of a good prank. He was an avid builder in his off time, building many homes around town as well as the clubhouse for Beacon Hill Little League at Pemberton Park and Hollywood Park. In his later years, he spent time volunteering with Santa’s Anonymous. In his very limited spare time, Dave enjoyed fishing with old friends Evan Chaplin, John McKenzie, Gerry Kustaski, Butch Foster and Mike Game. Many fun summers were spent at Saratoga Beach, Costa Lotta and Port Renfrew with all those characters.

The family would like to thank longtime friends Tak Niketas, Butch Foster, John Van Munster, and Mike Game who continued to support Dad throughout his journey with dementia.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30^th in the Sequoia Centre at McCalls, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you attend a local sporting event in Dave’s memory.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens

www.mccallgardens.com

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