Alfred H. Ward

Al was born in Providence, R.I. on August 28, 1933, the son of Luther H. Ward and V. Christine (Nyberg) Ward. Growing up he lived in East Providence, R.I. and was a graduate of East Providence High School, Class of 1951. On July 28, 1956, Al married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Johnson. In 1962 they moved to Burlington, Vermont, and in 1965 Bow became their home.

During Al's junior high and high school years he was active in band and orchestra, and was also drum major of the marching band. At Norwich University he continued playing the French horn and was drum major in the regimental band. He was a member of the First Army ROTC national championship rifle team and was a distinguished military student. He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. Al graduated from Norwich University in 1955 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Commission in the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. He served six months active duty and six and a half years active reserve, receiving an honorable discharge in 1965, with the rank of Captain.

Al went to work for New England Telephone and Telegraph in Outside Plant Engineering and worked as a manager in Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire. He retired in 1986 after 31 years of service. He enjoyed working in retirement as a courier for Waste Inc. and as a school bus driver for the Bow School District. His punctuality endeared him to the parents on his routes. His long-time crew cut and military bearing helped him with discipline, but he had a soft place in his heart for all the kids.

Al was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and was active at Wesley United Methodist Church in Concord until his illness. He was very involved in the Bow community as a member of the Bow Men's Club, president in 1970, and a charter member of Bow Rotary Club, president in 1979. He was a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on numerous town committees and was elected to the budget committee for 16 years, serving as chairman for 11 years. Al served one term as Selectman 1987-1990 and was named Bow's Citizen of the Year in 1987. Al was a 32nd degree Mason and 50 year member of Blazing Star Eureka Lodge 11 F&AM Concord and a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Concord and Nashua. He was a member of the Bektash Shrine and a lifetime member of the Bektash Temple Drum & Bugle Corps., Shriners International. Al was also a life member of the Fairpoint Pioneers and a member of the Association of BelTel Retirees Inc.

Al was a faithful husband, devoted father and grandfather, and loyal friend. He spent countless hours creating and executing home improvement projects, puttering in his workshops, gardening, and landscaping. He enjoyed family vacation trips, skiing, and in his retirement years, camping and RVing. He was generous with his knowledge and his time and especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren. During these last years of illness he never lost his sense of humor and truly lived by the Norwich motto, “I will try”.

Al was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara (Johnson) Ward of Bow and their three daughters, Paula Thompson of Keene, Donna Edwards and her husband, Jay, of Tiverton, R.I., and Wendy Robards and her husband, Kip, of Shingletown, CA.; and five grandchildren, John, Kelsey, and Mae Edwards, and Samantha and Abigail Thompson. Al is also survived by his brother, Kendall Ward and his wife, Pat, of La Plata, Md.; two nieces and their families; and one cousin.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St., Concord, with a Masonic service at 7 p.m.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 28, 2012

at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 79 Clinton St., Concord. A reception and time for fellowship and remembrance will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CRVNA Hospice Program, 30 Pillsbury St., Concord, NH 03301 or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA. 02114.

The family expresses their deep appreciation to the Concord Regional Visiting Nurses Association for many years of extraordinary care and support, with special thanks to Michelle and Betty, and most recently to all the Hospice staff. Thanks also to Dr. B.J. Entwisle and her dedicated staff at The Frail Elders Program of Concord Hospital.

The Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of the arrangements.