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It is with a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our father, partner, brother and friend, Claude Ward, who passed away on December 1 st , 2024, in Atikokan, at the age of 71.
Claude was born on April 21, 1953, in Timmins, to Edgar and Armande (Girouard). He was one of eight children. When he was young, the family moved to Atikokan and lived out on Highway 11B, where the rest of his siblings were born and raised in the family home. If you have ever heard the saying, “In my day, we had to walk to school up hill both ways, and in winter!” this was certainly true for the Ward family, as it was a hard but rewarding life with the large family out on the Highway.
Claude attended Atikokan High School. He married Elizabeth (Liz) Shine, and they welcomed two children together, Steven and Aaron. They instilled a strong worth ethic in both their boys, that carries on today. Much
time was spent tent camping at Clearwater and Windigoostigwan (Windy) lakes with friends and family, and fishing and hunting throughout the Atikokan area – even if he had to bribe his youngest with an Archie comic book and a bag of Oreo’s. Claude and Liz were also involved in providing foster care for many children over their years together.
Claude held many jobs over the years, but his most rewarding was his time at Atikokan High School working with teenagers, and introducing many of them to music, work in the trades, and providing support and guidance. He remained in touch with many of his former students over the years, and any time you walked by his room, there was music being played, or wisdom and advice being shared. With such a large family, many a family holiday was spent travelling across northwestern Ontario, or out west to Alberta. Each Ward family gathering always included guitars, singing, wooden spoons, and dancing an east-coast jig.
In the latter half of his life, Claude met his partner Shelley Dion and welcomed her family and children as they enjoyed 20+ years together. They spent much of their time at their own “slice of paradise,” the log cabin at Nym Lake. While their cabin was not accessible by car or truck, this did not stop them from spending as much time as possible out at Nym during any season – although they may have gotten stuck in the slush or in the swamp from time to time! But it was all worth it as they made this their second home. It was a tough decision as he got older and his health declined, but eventually they had to sell the cabin, but he was incredibly happy to be able to sell it to a life-long friend, knowing the cabin was in good hands. Claude and Shelley filled their time with music, crafts, and time with friends and family. He continued to play the guitar and sing, right to the end.
Claude was pre-deceased by his mom, dad, and brother Lawrence, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He leaves behind his two sons, Steven (Laura) and Aaron (Cheryl), as well as his partner, Shelley and their family, his sisters Lorraine, Armande (Tibi), Denise, Carol and Theresa, his brother Maurice (Moe), several grandchildren, and many friends and extended family.
Cremation has taken place and a gathering to share stories, music, laughter and tears will be planned for the future. In lieu of flowers donations to the Atikokan General Hospital would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Everest Funeral Home, 299 Waverley Street, Thunder Bay.
Those who love us,
never truly leave us.
We carry them in our hearts.
The Ward & Dion Families
Sunday December 1st 2024
Death notice for the town of: Thunder Bay, Province: Ontario
death notice Claude Ward Sunday December 1st 2024
obituaries notice Claude Ward Sunday December 1st 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Claude Ward Sunday December 1st 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.