Gary Thomas Ward

Gary was born July, 13, 1954 in Tillamook, Oregon, while his family was spending the summer at his grandparent’s dairy farm. He was the 2nd of three children of Thomas Ward and Rose Ward. Gary spent most of his childhood in Lake Oswego, Oregon, attending Lake Grove Grade School, Waluga Jr. High and graduating from Lakeridge High School in 1972. As a young boy he enjoyed riding his bike, swimming at Lake Grove Swim Park and playing football and other sports with his brother, Dennis, and sister, Cecilia, and the neighborhood kids. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad in the Tillamook area where his dad grew up. Gary joined the Army as a 20 year old and spent most of his 2 year tour in Germany. As an adult Gary was diagnosed with a mental disorder that was the biggest challenge of his life. He worked for a few years as a laborer, and after training, as a welder before his mental disorder made working too challenging. He had a lot of support from his family throughout his life. His mother and father worked tirelessly to help Gary navigate through the most challenging times in his life. Gary made friends wherever he lived but being close to his family was most important to him. The last four years Gary enjoyed living at Milwaukie Care Center and his daily walks and bus rides throughout the Milwaukie area. We are very thankful to the care givers at Milwaukie Care Center and the local businesses in Milwaukie that treated Gary with dignity and respect.

Donations can be made to Portland VA Research Foundation.