Obituary of Murray Ward

Murray Fletcher Ward 91, New Germany, Lunenburg Co., passed away peacefully December 17, 2002 in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Coldbrook, Kings County on October 27, 1911, he was a son of the late Avery and Blanche (Brennen) Ward. Murray attended the Coldbrook Village School and Kings County Academy, graduating in 1929. He obtained his teaching license in July 1930 from the Nova Scotia Normal College. His teaching career took him to the communities of Medford, Kings County; Torbrook Mines, East Clarence, Annapolis County; Centreville, Digby County, Hemford and New Germany of Lunenburg County. Murray proudly served his country in the RCAF and RAF from 1941 - 1945 as a radar officer. He achieved the rank of Flight Lieutenant. From 1942 - 1944 he was Commanding Officer of RAF Station Clee Hill, Shropshire, England. Following the Second World War, he resumed Principal-ship of Rosedale School in New Germany. From 1955 – 1957 he attended Acadia University, receiving a BSc (Honours) degree. Murray returned to teaching in the New Germany Rural High School in 1957 while continuing his University studies. In 1961 he received a MSc in Mathematics from Acadia University. From 1958 – 1971 he led New Germany Schools as Principal, Supervisor and Supervisor of Area Schools. Murray loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, hunter, snowmobiler and gardener. As well as these recreational activities, he spent time in many community leadership roles. He served as the first president of the Royal Canadian Legion, branch 102, member and past treasurer of St. John in the Wilderness Anglican Church, active member and past Director of the New Germany and Area Medical Center, president of the National Campers and Hikers Association, Chairman of the High School Mathematics Curriculum Committee, president of the Lunenburg Local of the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union, Honorary member of New Germany Volunteer Fire Department and life member of the Dawson Memorial Hospital Foundation. Murray was recognized with many awards and medals and was a recipient of the 1967 Centennial Medal as well as the Royal Canadian Legion Meritorious Service Award. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, the former Margaret Dorothy Tipert. Sons, Wendell (Mary), Ottawa; Daryl (Susan), Falkland Ridge. Sister, Onabel Norton, Prospect, Kings County. Grandchildren, Sandra MacPhee, Bruce, Amanda, Carolyn and Beverly. Great grandchildren, Matthew and Erynne. He was predeceased by brothers, Peary, Ackman, Borden and Laurie. Legion memorial service will be 6:45 p.m., Friday evening at Sweeny’s Funeral Home, #4895 route 10, New Germany and where visitation for family and friends will be from 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral service 11 a.m. Saturday in St. John in the Wilderness Anglican Church, New Germany. Rev. Catherine Robar officiating. Cremation will follow the funeral with interment at a later date. Family flowers only, donations in Murray’s memory may be made to St. John in the Wilderness Anglican Church or New Germany & Area Medical Center. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sweenysfuneralhome.com