Garnet Ward

Sadly, on March 30th 2026, Charles Garnet (known always as Garnet) Ward passed away at the Holy Family Home at the age of 86, leaving behind his two children Charlene (Manuel), Ray, five grandsons, Steven, Nick, Bryce, Taylor and Alex, along with three great grandchildren, Ivy, Dean and Ellie; brother Blane (Bev), brother in law Barry (Susan), sister in law Tanyss to mourn his death and celebrate his life.

Born in Winnipeg on July 28, 1939. He was predeceased by his loving wife Susan (Hunt), his parents Charles E. M. Ward, Edith (Easton)and his brother Roy (Tanyss).

Garnet grew up in St. Vital and attended University of Manitoba to study to become an Electrical Engineer. He started his career with Manitoba Hydro and worked there for many years. In 1987 he decided on a little more adventure for him and his family and accepted a position in Tehran and travelled there ahead of his family. Although his adventure didn’t last too long, because of the turmoil there, it left a lasting impression with him and many interesting stories to tell family and friends when he returned. He then continued his career with the City of Winnipeg in their communication department until he retired.

In retirement Garnet traveled with the love of his life, Susan, every fall heading off to Texas and neighbouring states in their trailer, and returning every spring. Enjoying the scenery, looking for birds and flowers to photograph and of course the warm weather.

Photography was only one of Garnet’s many passions, which also included nurturing dozens of orchids in his home built greenhouse, gardening, hiking, and collecting things that interested him. Garnet enjoyed discussing all of his passions and sharing his wisdom about them to whoever would listen.

Many will remember the elaborate rock gardens he planned and built at his homes, the evenings of slide shows of his travels, flowers and scenery, the art that beautifully covered all the walls of the house.

Life eventually slowed him down a bit but his passion to learn moved more to listening to music, reading and learning with Creative Retirement Manitoba, outings to art gallery to see the Inuit and native art that he loved so much. When living at home became to much. Garnet moved to Amber Meadows where he made new friends in staff and other residents.

Garnet had an appreciation for the finer things in life and his passion for these things came through in his collections and stories shared about them. Garnet will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Amber Meadows, home care aids and the staff at Holy Family who helped care and support Garnet over the last few years.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.