Robert Lee Ward

Robert Lee Ward, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend, passed away quietly at home in Centennial, Colorado, on January 19, 2025. He was born on May 16, 1939 to Rena and Louis Arthur Ward in Chicago, Illinois.

Robert was raised and attended schools in Chicago. He graduated from John Marshall High School and Roosevelt University. From Roosevelt, he received his degree in business administration in 1970. After working as an accountant for federal agencies and private accounting firms, Robert became the financial controller for Child Opportunity, Inc. He retired from that organization to open his own accounting and tax service firm and worked until 2020. He met his wife, Hiroko, in Denver and they were married on December 1, 1984.

Robert was a very social person and enjoyed a myriad of family, friends and acquaintances. As a young person in Chicago, he was active in his church (strongly encouraged by his grandmother, Bessie Marshall) and sang in the choir. His love of music continued with a large collection of jazz and blues albums, cd's and tapes to which he sang along. He maintained his love of fishing and camping throughout the rest of his life. He especially loved speaking and visiting with his family all over the country. Robert, as the eldest of the children, saw himself as the head of the Ward and Polk Families and strove to set an positive example for them. He offered guidance and support so they could each be the best possible version of themselves.

Robert is survived by a large family that includes his wife, Hiroko; children, Daryl Ward, Annette (Smith) and Joseph Kubek and Jennifer Smith; grandchildren, Cylina Metcalf, Tyra (Smith) and Joseph Giovanniello, Tabari Smith, Gabriel Kubek and Nathaniel Kubek; sisters, Zadie Gaines,Patricia Polk, Deborah Gaines, Janice (Trudy) Jackson; brother, Gregory Polk and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Robert was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, aunts, brothers, Devon, Ralph, Petey and Anthony Polk; sister, Michelle Polk and son, Mark Smith.

Robert's visitation and services will be held will be held at Olinger Highland Mortuary, 10201 Grant St. Thornton, Colorado from 9-12 on Friday, February 7, 2025. Burial will be at Olinger Highland following the service.

Please visit olingerhighland.com to share memories and condolences with the Ward Family.