Ward Clarence Church

Ward Clarence Church passed peacefully on Saturday, December 15, 2018. His spirit is carried on by those he touched - a son and family in CT and an extended family of friends from every walk of life in the Northwest..

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Ward during his 91 years, among them:

Never throw away a clothes pin, pie pan, or a blank piece of paper; know when the next Blazer game is, and make sure you date everything.

Go to the senior center with 5 bucks every time - there are enough chislers in this world.

Be honest, even if hurts.

Don't cut down a large tree - it took too long for it to grow.....

Go to a nursing home, smile, and say hi to everyone. When you learn someone’s name, listen to their story, and then tell them about WWII.

Litterbugs should be shot.

Invite new friends to participate on a hike in the mountains - even if they have never put on hiking shoes in their life. When they get out there and whine/complain, stay back with them and tell them that they can do it!

If they are from another country and you have trouble understanding them, say that again? and turn up your hearing aid.

If you are not 5 minutes early, you're late.

Never say a bad thing about anybody. Just shake your head and say "damn".

When someone is talking to you - pretend that they have the most important thing in the world to tell you.....

Take pictures and list everybody, where, and when.

Watch the Trailblazers.

Drive 25, 35, 55 or 65 mph. That's why they call it a speed limit.

Stop driving when it’s apparent that there are only crazy people out there.

Pay your bills when you get them and you will never worry about being late.

It’s what you do that counts, not what you say.

Help anyone struggling to open a door or crossing a street because the definition of struggling is that they need help.

In his lifetime, Ward never forgot those closest to him and sacrificed willingly. While in the Merchant Marine, he would send half his pay to his single mother. He could have retired in two years from the Merchant Marine but thought that it was too much time away from a young son in his formative years.

He is survived by his best friend and companion Virginia Wilson and her family; and his son, Manly (wife Sharon), grandchildren Melissa, Manly II and Morgan and 4 great-grandchildren.

Ward will be reunited with his wife of 49 years, Nobu, at the Willamette National Cemetery with military honors July, 3.

The family appreciates those that befriended him over the years (Gresham High School Wrestling, The Gresham Senior Center and Hiking Club, Olympic and Power lifters at Olympic Gym) and especially the staff at Mountain View RCF and Mount Hood Hospice of Sandy that kept him comfortable and safe in his last days.

If you would like to reach out with a story to share with the family - [email protected]