We Remember
WARD, Walter “David”
January 13, 1943 — July 29, 2021
David went to be with the Lord peacefully on July 29, 2021.
Born in Windsor, England on January 13, 1943, he immigrated to British Columbia, Canada in 1967. He lived first in Prince Rupert, Maple Ridge, and then in Kelowna.
David had a 36-year teaching career and also coached rugby and girl’s field hockey. He cherished every girl and every moment that he spent coaching them. He organized tours for the rugby and field hockey teams to Holland and England.
David was known for being a humble, generous, and loving man.
With enthusiasm and passion, David was committed to the service of others: He spent his time doing Cottonwood’s “prayer and praise” every Friday for 17 years. He cared for single parents for 18 years through the ministry “CAR CARE” at Trinity Baptist Church. And, David went on Mexican medical missions in the Baja in Loreto.
David leaves behind his loving wife of 35 years, Leilani; Leilani’s children Gael-Anne (Chad) Hatch and Jaird Hatch; grandchildren Megan, Holly, and Amy; as well as his brother Keith (Sallie) Ward; nephews James (Helen) Ward and Thomas Ward; and niece Lucy (Alex) Dickson. He was predeceased by his parents, Evelyn and Harry Ward.
He will be missed deeply by all who knew him.
The words that he would leave for us all would be these:
May Christ’s peace be in your soul
His presence in your heart
And his power in your life.
There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
I am sad to hear of Mr Wards passing, many times throughout the years I have thought of him as he had a huge impact on my life. He was my teacher and my fieldhockey coach . He always took the time to help , guide and make sure everything was okay…and as a teenager who was going through a lot it meant so much. I am grateful to have known him and thankful for all he did . He was one of those teachers who had such a huge impact in my life. my thoughts and prayers go out to his family .
Leilani and Family: Our sincerest condolences to you all. David was a gem of a man. He touched the hearts of so many.
Always a smile and ready to lend a hand. Rest In Peace David.
Mr. Ward was singularly one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. He will be missed.
“Mr. Ward” was a wonderful teacher and rugby coach when I knew him at OKM in the 1980s. He was a big man with a big personality combined with a very sweet disposition. He gave freely of his time to others and his sense of joy was infectious. I haven’t seen him since 1986 when I graduated, but I was very saddened to hear this morning of his passing. I just want the family to know that he is remembered by so many students with great fondness. Thanks Dave. You are missed. James MacInnis (OKM class of 1986).
Shocked to hear of David’s passing. Remember him from car care at Trinity and other prayer times.
Deepest condolences to Leilani and family.
Mr Ward was more than just my shop teacher and field hockey coach he was a great mentor. He had so much patience and kindness for all of us especially some crazy teenage girls on a high school field hockey team. He helped me write letters to universities hoping to receive a scholarship for hockey and was always reassuring me that good news was in the mail. He was right! WD will always hold a special spot in my heart and he will always be remembered especially when I hear the Beatles song “Hey Jude”!. You will be missed.
Sandra Stewart
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country