Neil Philip Thomas Ward

"It is with profound sadness that the family of Neil Philip Thomas Ward announce his passing at his home in Fanning Brook, PE on Saturday November 18th, 2023, after his battle with cancer, age 60.

 Born July 17th, 1963 in York, Ontario and raised in Alliston, Ontario, Neil is survived by his loving wife and best friend Kelly Ward (nee Gosling) of 38 years. Cherished dad to his sons Jason Ward (Jessica) and Daniel Ward (Katelyne). Loving Poppa to Belle Ward, Athena Ward, Ronan Ward, Abigail Ward and Malik Ward.

Neil will also be lovingly remembered by his loving Mother Norma Ward (nee Barger) and  his sisters Laurie Bradshaw (nee Ward) (Doug) and Deborah Leyden (nee Ward) (Andy).

Sorely missed by his nieces and nephews Jennifer Bradshaw, Alex Bradshaw (Kristen), Matt Leyden (Erica), Sarah Leyden (Ben) and his grandniece Erika Bradshaw and fondly remembered by all his cousins and lifelong friends.

Predeceased by his father Robert Ward and sister Catherine Ward.

Growing up Neil loved to play hockey and had many passions that stayed throughout his life. Camping, hunting, fishing, woodworking, fixing anything that was broken and tinkering in the garage.

 At the age of 16 Neil headed out west and went to Keyano College in Fort Mcmurray, Alberta where he received his Construction Heavy Equipment Operations Certificate. He turned his skill into a career and as a business owner of "Neil Ward Bulldozing." He found his passion shaping award-winning golf courses all over Canada and the United States. He would turn his music on, which was usually the band BOSTON and get lost in his work. He was an amazing artist on the machine and loved it. 

 As time passed, he wanted to stop travelling for work and live in his forever place. In 2015 Neil and Kelly came to PEI and found their home. It didn’t take long before his two sons followed- as they always had.

 Neil’s favourite days were spent with his wife, his sons, daughter-in-laws and five grandchildren, all at the house running around the yard and spending time together. They were all that mattered to him. Everyone could see what a rare gift he was; extremely devoted to his wife, always there for his sons and incredibly involved with his grandchildren. Everything he did was for his family. 

 When someone has cancer it takes a village to help and support the patient and their family. Neil’s family would like to thank, and is grateful for everyone involved in his care including the Cancer Treatment Centre, Home Care, Canadian Red Cross, Palliative doctors and nurses, everyone who contributed to the Go Fund Me and to the businesses, his colleagues, family members and friends who donated their time and materials to help finish projects around the house that he started but could no longer finish himself due to his illness.

 Neil will be cremated and a Celebration Of Life bbq will be held in his honour in the Summer. An announcement on those details will be made at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Royal Canadian Legion, The War Amps, The Canadian Red Cross or towards Cancer Research are greatly appreciated as expressions of sympathy."

Online condolences can be made through www.islandowned.ca