September 14, 1958 - December 5, 2024

Henry (Hank) Ward, 66, passed away on December 5, 2024.

He was born in Willows, California to Willis Hal and Roberta (née Ferguson) Ward, younger brother to Jess Ward and Robin (née Ward) Irvine, and older brother to April (née Ward) Brown. After high school he joined the US Marine Corps and served honorably from 1978 to 1982 as a Reconnaissance Marine and earned the rank of Sergeant, during his time in service he also earned a certification as a Navy Scuba Diver.

During his time with the USMC, he witnessed the horrific fire in Camp Fuji in 1979 and decided to enter the medical field to help others. He graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1983 and embarked in his life's work. He was an ER nurse for most of his 35 year career, including almost 20 years with Providence, 12 of which were with St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, MT.

He met his wife, Bridget Johnson, on a blind date set up by his sisters in 1990. Together they raised their two children: William (Billy) Ward and Emily Ward.

Hank calmly and rationally guided his family through what can only be described as a comedy of errors spanning over 3 decades. His medical prowess and ability to face down trauma without flinching served his disastrous wife and children well. In return they provided him with a series of rescue animals he alone had the patience to endure.

Hank leaves behind his wife, son, daughter, sisters, brother, and a collection of vests. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to https://cholangiocarcinoma.org/.

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