Obituaries

ALFRED (BRUCE) WARDAugust 17, 1934 – March 26, 201   Surrounded by his loving wife and family, Bruce passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital on Sunday, March 26, 2017, at the age of 82 years. The passing of our husband, Dad and Papa is a heartfelt loss as he meant so much to the family and anyone who knew Bruce.   Remaining to cherish Bruce’s memory are his loving bride of 61 years, Margaret; his children, Leota, Darryl (Laureen), Mary (Allan), Dean (Jeannie), Jeff (Marianne) and Andy (Michelle); grandchildren, Foster, Jennifer, Joshua, Zachary, Victoria, Samantha, Rebecca, Sara, Johanna and Nathan as well as great-grandchildren, Reuben, Isaiah, Lazarus and Lex. He was predeceased by his daughter Kelly.   Bruce was born in Port Arthur, Ontario to his mother Leota, and lovingly raised by his grandparents Mary and George, for whom he had great respect and admiration. He moved to Nipigon, Ontario where he met his bride Margaret and they quickly began their family that grew to six children. At the same time, he began his long career in the food industry working with his father-in-law Florian at Zechner’s Grocery Store. Bruce moved his family to Winnipeg in 1963 and took a position with Campbell’s Soup where he honed his sales skills. In a bold move, he started his own food brokerage, Richardson and Ward, and successfully grew his company. His first retirement came at age 55, but it didn’t last long as he joined Granny’s Poultry and led their growth until his retirement at age 67. Bruce was an accomplished sales leader and was loved by his customers and people he mentored along the way. A tireless worker, he moved into the full time role of Papa and also worked countless hours for the Catholic Church in a Stewardship capacity.          Bruce had a passion for sports and excelled at everything, particularly golf, and forged many friendships as a member at Southwood Golf and Country Club and later Niakwa Golf and Country Club. He loved life and he threw himself into everything he did with hard work and determination, blended with a perfect mix of fun.       Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 2400 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, with Rev. Fr. Eric Giddins and Rev. Msgr. Ward Jamieson, presiding. Interment will be held at a later date.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Autism Society of Manitoba, 825 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5 or the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, C1026 – 409 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6.
Bruce led with his heart and provided a great model for his family and his legacy will live on forever. Of some coincidence, it was his well-used heart that eventually gave out on him. Rest in peace, Bruce, Dad, Papa.