David John Ward

WARD, David John - 83, of Woodstock, Ontario, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 15th while at the Woodstock hospital after being diagnosed with Lymphoma. David graduated from Western University in London, Ontario, and went on to become one of the most popular, admired, and inspirational teachers at the Dryden High School. He traveled the world with his wife, Mary Lou Ward, and appreciated spending time with friends around the globe, connecting with the young at heart in a youthful manner.  His backyard was full of trees, flowers, birds, and four-legged visitors. Watching them in action brought him joy. David was a voracious reader and would always encourage you to look up that word if you didn’t know it. He inspired many students to grow beyond their own expectations and achieve fulfilling lives. He brought humor to both challenging and simple situations. David was fond of saying that you should never back someone into a corner; instead, leave a way for a person to exit and maintain his or her dignity.  He left his English students, his exchange students, his golf and traveling buddies, his mentees, his friends, his family, and the world in a better place.  He exited with his dignity. David is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Lou, and his daughter Ann, her husband Jim, and their daughters, Samantha Hailey James and Hunter Ann James. He was preceded in death by his son, John Ryan Ward. Friends are invited to join the family at Brock and Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock (519-539-0004), on Saturday, July 2nd, 2022, from 10 to 11 am. The memorial service to follow in the chapel at 11:00 am. Cremation has taken place. If desired, memorial contributions to the Woodstock Art Gallery or to the Trans Canada Trail would be greatly appreciated. Condolences and donations may be made and viewed online at www.brockandvisser.com