Ronald Wayne Ward

Ron was born in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, near the Allegheny River. In the same hospital, on the very same day, his future wife, Donna Rolls, was born. Eventually joined in marriage, Ron and Donna's lives were connected with love and devotion over the next 88 years. After high school, Ron launched off on a prestigious and productive academic career. He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, marrying Donna in his senior year. Ron then graduated from Ohio University with a Master's degree in Zoology, welcoming his first daughter, Jane. Ron went on to attend Johns Hopkins University, where he pursued his doctorate degree. While at Johns Hopkins, his second child, John, was born. After completing his studies and earning his ScD doctorate in Ecology and Behavior, he and Donna moved their family to Jenison, Michigan, and Ron joined the faculty at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) as an Assistant Professor of Biology. Soon afterward, they added their third child to the family, daughter Carol.

In 1974, Ron became a full professor and was asked to take on additional responsibilities for establishing a new water resources research project. Ron thrived in this role and served as the project director for the first 15 years. During this time, Ron integrated the University's gift of a 50-foot, diesel-powered, steel-hulled boat from entrepreneur D.J. Angus into a floating classroom and laboratory program that led GVSU to later create the Water Resources Institute in 1985, which was renamed the R.B. Annis Water Resources Institute in 1997. GVSU is quoted as saying, "Ron's vision of the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI) funneled and channeled its growth." His work set the foundation for an organization whose mission today to integrate research, education, and outreach to enhance and preserve freshwater resources, is one of his greatest achievements.

Ron was an academic, but he was also a man with many hobbies and interests. He loved everything to do with water. A lifelong boater, he spent much of his time on Michigan lakes with family, friends, and colleagues. He and Donna were always traveling! Camping in the summer, touring the country in their RV, and, later in life, snowbirding at Nettles Island, FL where he and Donna eventually settled. Ron especially liked to include his children and grandchildren in his activities. Passing on his fascination with hands-on experimentation and learning to them brought him great joy. Fishing, BB guns, kayaking, and other nature-based adventures were just a few of the activities he loved to share with his family. After an active day outdoors with friends and family, full of teachable moments, he loved to cap it off with a hearty meal! Ron and Donna lived a full and active life together after retirement on Nettles Island, where Ron served on the Nettles Board and the Citizen Observation (COP) Program, and became an active member of the Nettles Island Church. He lived a full life, filled with love and wonder. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Ron is predeceased by his mother Helen, his father Richard, and his brothers, Richard and Fred. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Donna, and his three children, Jane (Mike) Barclift, John (Julie) Ward, Carol (Wael) Shahen. His grandchildren include Cameron Barclift, Sydney (Mark) Brown, Mackay (Brent) Wickenheiser, Elise (Rob) Minneker, and Camden Ward. Great-grandchildren include Abram, Wren, and Sam Wickenheiser. The memorial service will be held at the AWRI in Muskegon, Michigan at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations electronically to the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute at:
gvsu.edu/giving/awrifund

or mail donations to:
Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute
Lake Michigan Center
740 W. Shoreline Dr.
Muskegon, Michigan 49441