WARD, Donald "Pat" A. On February 26, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Of Voorhees, NJ. Age 79. Beloved husband of the late Joan (Keough). Devoted father of Patrick M. (Christina), Connie J. McGarry, Joseph T. (Jennifer) and Kathleen T. Armistead (Rob). Caring grandfather of Christine, Kelly, Erin, Bridget, Joey, Colin and Danny. Caring brother of William Ward and dear cousin of Leonard Ward (Mary). Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing on Tuesday March 1st from 9:00-10:30am at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 27 Kresson Gibbsboro Rd. Gibbsboro, NJ 08026. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 Tuesday at the church. Interment St. Joseph's Cemetery, Blackwood NJ. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made through In Memory Of for the St. Jude Counsel #6551 Knights of Columbus - St. Andrew the Apostle Church at www.inmemoryof-memo rial.org
Losing a friend and brother knight is always hard. Recently, Saint Jude Council, K of C, lost one of its most involved members, Pat Ward. Pat was the Recorder for the Council as well as Fund raising chairman. He always was of good spirit and dedication to the council as well as to St Andrew’s parish.
Pat joined our Council a little over two years ago seeking solace and companionship after the death of his beloved wife, Joan. Pat immediately immersed himself in the activities of the Council and completed his 2nd & 3rd Degrees in just over a year. He was scheduled to complete his 4th Degree but was unable to attend due to his failing health.
After Pat completed his degrees, he agreed to become the Chairman of our Fund-Raising Committee. It was through his efforts that Football Mania became a reality and our # 1 fund raising event. His next endeavor was establishing a Coach Purse Bingo. He would ride Tom Mullen and I relentlessly because we had not received the appropriate License soon enough to allow this endeavor to move forward last year. Pat also agreed to become the Council Recorder. He was also passionate about the Solidarity Cross initiative to benefit persecuted Christians in the Middle East & Ukraine. When I presented the idea of the endeavor to the Council, Pat pulled out one of the Crosses that he had previously ordered from Supreme in the hope that the Council would take on this project. He was visible at many of our events including Hoagie Sales, Breakfast with Santa, Easter Egg Hunt, etc. Although his health was obviously failing, Pat also made an appearance at this past year’s Breakfast with Santa.
Pat was deeply disappointed that he was not able to complete his 4th Degree. However, thanks to the efforts of Brother Joe Turt, he made his 4th Degree privately, while under Hospice Care at home. Pat being Pat, he took the Master, who performed the Ceremony to task for certain things that he thought the Order needed to do to improve itself regarding membership. Pat was touched by Joe’s efforts and it was a moving ceremony for the few in attendance.
I had stopped by to see Pat at home on a number of occasions and I thank those of us who also saw fit to do so. I can tell you that Pat was overwhelmed by the support he received from the Council. His daughter, Connie, would express her appreciation to him regarding the Council and a tear would fall down his cheek each time before responding how much it meant to him. I saw him last on Monday night, his health had deteriorated enough that he was sleeping over 20 hours per day and he was asleep when I came in. His daughter Connie woke him up, his eyes no more than slits. He said Hi, Dan! and reached out to shake my hand. Although he could barely open his eyes he found enough energy to greet a friend. At this time, I presented the Family with the Baptismal stone that had been blessed by Msgr. Mannion and presented to me by District Deputy Mike Querubin. We said a prayer and placed the stone over his heart. Pat fell asleep shortly thereafter, but did so with the stone tightly clutched in his hand. There is no better way to present Pat’s profound character then by mentioning these two events to you.
I was also able to witness Pat’s devotion to his Family, Faith and our Council. He sat down with each member of his family members, individually, and explained to them that this was the end for him; that he had enjoyed his life, had no regrets and looked forward to being reunited with his wife.
His last job before Pat passed included fund raising. His instructions was to make sure that at his funeral, "in lieu of flowers", donations are to be made to our council. Pat’s passing leaves a big hole in our Council but an even bigger hole in our hearts.
Dan Worstall GK |