Alfred Harry Ward

Alfred Harry Charles Ward, a man of resilience, intellect, and unyielding determination, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on March 4, 2025, just two weeks shy of his 94th birthday. He succumbed to liver cancer at home, surrounded by his daughter, Andrea, granddaughter Charlotte, and the comforting presence of his beloved parrots and small dogs.

Born on March 19, 1932, in London, England, Alfred's early life was marked by adversity. Raised in poverty, he grew up with few comforts, sharing his childhood with a pet beetle and a passenger pigeon. The family lived in basements with dirt floors in during World War II, and his circumstances were further complicated by personal loss. At the tender age of 8, Alfred lost his mother to breast cancer, a heart-wrenching experience he never forgot—vividly remembering the scar he kissed goodbye as he saw her for the last time. His father, a butcher, struggled with alcoholism and often was absent, leaving Alfred to fend for himself in difficult circumstances. As a result, he was frequently absent from school, often playing in the war-torn rubble that dotted London. However, despite these early hardships, Alfred had a natural aptitude for learning.

One of his greatest joys was collecting butterflies, and he developed a love for painting watercolors. He also enjoyed playing cricket until the age of 14 when his father passed away from lung cancer. Alfred was deeply touched when the owner of the butcher shop—who drove a Rolls Royce—funded his father’s funeral. This act of kindness left a lasting impact on him.

At this challenging crossroads, Alfred was adopted by a loving family, the Cross’, who provided him with the stability he so desperately needed. He was placed at Beechen Cliff School after excellent marks on his exams. Despite his remarkable academic marks, teachers often doubted his potential due to his humble beginnings. But Alfred was determined to prove them wrong. His gift for languages became evident, and he began to teach himself Mandarin Chinese, Russian, French, and German, fueled by a fascination with global cultures. His talents eventually led to a post with the British Army during the Cold War, where he served in intelligence operations in Germany.

After completing advanced studies at Oxford University, Alfred made the move to Toronto, where fate led him to meet the love of his life, Pamela. Pamela, a brilliant woman herself, was decoding Russian messages for the National Research Council, which later became a division of CSIS. Together, they spent over 60 years of marriage. In this time, Alfred adopted Pamela's children from her first marriage, Judy and Richard Fiddes, and together they had two daughters: Deborah in 1964 and Andrea in 1966.

A passionate educator, Alfred became a full professor in East Asian Studies at the University of Toronto, where he served for 30 years, leaving an indelible mark on his students and colleagues alike. In 1989, after selling their beautiful home in Etobicoke, Toronto, Alfred and Pamela moved to Pender Island, British Columbia, where Pamela's relatives lived. They spent many years fishing and exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of their surroundings, including a bald eagle nest near their home. Eventually, for health reasons, they relocated to Victoria, where they settled in the Dean Park community and enjoyed their peaceful lives together.

Alfred's life was forever changed by the loss of his beloved Pamela, who passed away suddenly on November 15, 2021, at the age of 95. Although deeply saddened, Alfred continued to find solace in his family, the nature around him, and the many students he had mentored throughout his career. Professor Hellen Wu, his most inspiring student flew out at a moments notice to say goodbye.

Alfred was a man who overcame incredible challenges to build a life rich in love, learning, and legacy. His intellectual curiosity, kindness, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter Andrea, granddaughter Charlotte, his six grandchildren, his beloved pets, and a legacy of academic and personal achievement that will never be forgotten. Alfred’s family is grateful to have had him in their lives and will cherish his memory forever.