Ronald John Ward

Ronald John Ward, 82, of Wake Forest, passed away June 12, 2023 at Duke Raleigh Hospital.  He was born in Sydney, Australia to the late John McGregor Ward and Joan Turner Ward.

In his early years, Ronald served in the Royal Australian Navy followed by the Active Reserve. He also was a member of the St.Johns Ambulance Brigade in New South Wales providing for the well-being of all. Besides being a member of the Freshwater Life Saving Club and Sydney Golf Club, he was an avid sports fan.  Following sports, regardless of it being Australia’s National or local teams, Tennis or Swimming, was one of his passions. 

Upon moving to Melbourne, Australia he volunteered at Malvern Theatre in various roles and was a member of the Kooyong Tennis Club.  For 42 years he worked at AIG (American International Group), traveling to over 50 countries and retired as SVP, Worldwide Direct Marketing. His career and expertise is what brought him and his family to the United States of America. In his retirement his love of history, photography, gardening and travel, both domestic and abroad, fulfilled him.  He enjoyed his time being part of St.Andrews, loved being with family and in the company of his friends.  

A service was held at 1 o’clock Friday afternoon, June 16, 2023, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, NC.  A burial followed in Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, Wake Forest, NC.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lissa Ward; children, Colin Ward and his wife Kristin of Wake Forest, Pia Law of Raleigh; grandchildren, Liam Ward, Madeline Ward, and Maya Law Davis; brother, Graeme Ward of Canberra, Australia; brother-in-law, Colin Johnston of Sydney, Australia. He was preceded in death by his sister Evelyn Baker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either:

St. Andrew’s Church (https://sapc.com/give/)

St. John Ambulance Brigade (https://www.stjohnsa.com.au/donate)

Duke Cancer Center (https://www.gifts.duke.edu/)

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC. (919)556-7400

www.cswfuneralhome.com