Johnny Ray Ward's Obituary
Johnny Ray Ward, 68, beloved husband, father and grandfather, coach, and friend, died peacefully in Hilo, HI on July 22, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. John was born November 28, 1953 in Texas to Elmer "Buck" Ward and Sarah Harrington (Cleghorn). John moved to Alaska at a very young age due to his father’s work career. John lived in Anchorage, North Pole, Fairbanks Alaska, and Hawaii. At the age of 10, he was in Anchorage during the 1964 earthquake and he loved to tell the tale. He later moved to Fairbanks where he graduated from Lathrop High School. After high school he joined Laborer’s Local 392. John was always a very hard worker and was dedicated. On December 21, 1979 he married Lorraine, the love of his life, in Fairbanks, Alaska. They ended up having 4 children. John coached girls IGSA softball in Fairbanks and he loved watching his children play sports and enjoyed sharing his knowledge and many fishing stories with everyone. Dad loved to travel he was always planning an adventure. Every year when living in Alaska he would go camping and fishing all over the state; in Hawaii he would plant a garden year around. He loved his animals and treated them very well. He volunteered at the Red Cross of Hawaii after the Kilauea Volcano eruption in 2018. John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lorraine Wardh; his three daughters Jessica, Marty and Audrey Ward. His brothers Bobby Ward, Danny and John Gish; grandchild Starla Moon Ward; sister-in-law Linda “Barney" Roberts; and too many nieces, nephews, family, and friends to mention them all. John is proceeded in death by his father and mother, his son Mason Buck Ward and brother Doug Ward and sister Sandra Hart. The family is planning a memorial at Johnny’s home In Mountain View Hawaii. There will be a celebration of life in Fairbanks Alaska, date to be determined.
What’s your fondest memory of Johnny?
What’s a lesson you learned from Johnny?
Share a story where Johnny's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Johnny you’ll never forget.
How did Johnny make you smile?