Raymond D. Ward

Raymond Douglas Ward passed away Friday, May 31 surrounded by his family after abrief illness; he was 92. Beloved husband to Patricia (Driscoll) of Bourne, MA. Cherished father to Donald and his wife Monique (Seguin) of Bourne, MA. His three grandchildren will miss him dearly: Johanna of Boston, MA; Ben of West Hartford, CT; and Tom of Bourne, MA. Ray was an adored uncle, great-uncle, half-brother; dear friend and neighbor.Ray was born in Newton, MA on December 3, 1920 to the late Jessie (Thomas) and Frank Ward. He moved to Abington, MA in the 5th grade and graduated from Abington High School in 1938, where he was a member of the state championship football team. He was drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1942, assigned to Communications in the 307th Bomb Group 13th Air Force. He spent over three years in the Southwest Pacific in World War II, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. When he returned home in 1945, he attended Suffolk University in Boston, MA, and married his bride Patricia, whom he met just before shipping out and whose photo he carried with him during his tour of duty. He worked for several supermarkets before joining Pillsbury Flour Mills Co, spending 33 years as a sales representative for grocery products in southeastern Massachusetts. He lived in North Easton, MA for 18 years and, most recently, spent his last 40 years in the village of Gray Gables in Bourne, MA. Ray was notorious for his unmatched sense of humor, had a definite sweet tooth, loved talking politics, enjoyed all sports especially the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and always looked forward to an occasional trip to the casino. Ray was a strong, positive, smart, compassionate, loyal, and accepting man. The Ward family will always be grateful for the wonderful care from the Royal Cape Cod Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Buzzards Bay, MA – especially Mr. Peter LeBrun and the nurses and aides on staff; their loving care at all times will never be forgotten. As he always said “see ya up at the club.”

Calling Hours will be held on Monday, June 3, 2013 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Blvd, Bourne, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 9:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 841 Shore Rd, Pocasset, MA. Graveside Services will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ray’s memory to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105