Eric Michael Ward

Eric was preceded in death by maternal grandmother, Betty Richards, maternal grandfather, Francis Hoversten & Uncle, Joseph Hoversten Eric is survived by his parents, Ann & Ray Ward; sister, Christi Ward [Arroyo Grande, CA]; brother, Bryan Ward [Cross Lanes, WV] & fraternal grandmother, Dorothy Benjamin Nimmo [Stayton, OR].

Eric was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at age 7. It never stopped his adventurous soul! He played, went to camp, public schools, vacations & Las Vegas. He was the 1983 poster child for the MDA. He was the Most Inspirational Athlete of the 1984 San Luis Obispo County Special Olympics. He was a Junior Ranger with the State Parks & Rec. As an adult he was a bookkeeper up until two weeks before his passing. And always & forever a Trekky.

He loved to play video sports games & one of the highlights of his life was meeting John Madden & Emmet Smith. Most importantly though, Eric impacted the life of everyone who loved him, including his caregivers & the numerous foster children that lived with the Ward family for over 30 years. His mental-emotional fortitude & "toughness" & great sense of humor was inspiring & impacted everyone's lives. No matter his physical condition, he never said "Why me," "Woe is me" or "I give up." Being with him motivated you to be a more appreciative person. Being "Eric" was his ministry. He changed people's lives.

Family and friends are invited to Eric's graveside service at Los Osos Valley Memorial Park this Saturday, November 12, from 10am-11am. A celebration of his life will follow at 1pm in his parents' home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eric's honor to The Muscular Dystrophy Association [MDA], Make-a Wish or the Ronald McDonald House of Los Angeles. Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries.