Michael William Ward

Mike was predeceased by his parents Merv and Shirley Ward. Mike is survived by his loving children Johnee and Lucee Ward, their mom, Lisa Ward, sisters Cindy (George) Gaab, Sandi (Warren) Gehring, Carla Peters (Mike Schneider) and several nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by his beloved cats Bojangles and Sydnee Ward.

Mike was born July 13, 1964 in Brandon, MB. His dad’s career led to several moves across the prairies over his childhood which included Saskatoon, Thompson MB, Regina, Calgary, Fort McMurray and back to Regina. Mike made many friends along the way but Regina was mostly home and his love of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Western (Tumblers) pizza always remained part of his roots.

Mike earned his Social Work Certificate at the University of Regina (on a golfing scholarship) and started working with youth at Ranch Ehrlo in Regina. He made the move to Kamloops where he had a long career at Kamloops Youth Resources/Interior Community Services supporting children, youth, and families and teaching Crisis Intervention and Prevention to his co-workers, many of whom became good friends. Hosting, socializing and cooking with and for those around him was always his happy place so eventually he left social work and pursued his dream as owner/operator of Reubin’s Diner in Kamloops. Even in this role Mike was a friend to all and master organizer, helping to create the community fundraising event called Overlander Days, initiatives to feed those who have very little food, sponsored race cars and ball teams as well as promoted bus trips to sporting events. When he had a vision, he connected with others and made things happen.

Mike was very involved with sports activities in his youth, with many an early morning hockey practice and time spent on the ball diamond. His love of sports continued with golf, tennis, slow-pitch, and curling as his games of choice. Mike had a knack for coaching, and though he never played soccer, he coached Lucee’s team for several years and always had a frozen treat for the girls at the end of each game. The Special Olympics softball team went to the Nationals under Mike’s coaching and he could often be found helping out the littles on the tennis courts.

Mike’s children, Lucee and Johnee, were the light of his life. When he talked about them you could hear the pride and adoration in his voice and stories. He gave his best to them and wanted to keep showing them the world.

We would like to thank the emergency team of paramedics and firefighters that responded and worked hard to try and save him. Through his highs and his lows Mike remained larger than life. He will be missed by many and thought of often with much love in our hearts.

Please join us in sharing memories of Michael and celebrating his life “Mike Style” with a BBQ on Saturday, April 30th 2022 from 1pm to 3pm at the Mount Paul Community Food Center, 140 Laburnum St. Kamloops.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the animal charity of your choice or The Canadian Diabetes Association.