Harold Ward

Harold Ward, 88, died Aug. 3, 2013, at the Anchorage Pioneers Home.

Born in Seldovia on Aug. 23, 1924, Harold left Alaska in 1941 to join the U.S. Army/Air Force during World War II being stationed at McCord AFB, Wash., Bakersfield, Calif., Marfa, Texas, Air Force Training Command, Walker Air Force Base, Roswell, N.M., and served in Europe with the 97th Infantry Division in Germany in the Anti-Tank Company in 1945. He was honorably discharged Oct. 5, 1945, at Ft Bragg, N.C.

Harold resided in Tacoma, Wash., from 1950 to 1967, returning to Alaska in 1967. He worked as a salesman from 1951 to 1958 and worked in construction driving various types of trucks from 1958 to 1986, retiring from the Alaska Teamsters.

Harold was a member of the Tacoma First Baptist Church, formed Beautification Committee in Kodiak, was a VFW Chaplain, and actively involved in Rotary Club and Volunteers of America. He loved salvaging and repurposing items. He also loved photography.

Harold was the first Western Union worker in Sitka. He was very generous, kind and loved to whistle. It brought Harold great pleasure to be of service to anyone who was in need. He always had a positive attitude and a smile on his face. Harold loved gospel music. He loved making his “world famous” pancakes for his kids and grandkids. One of Harold’s favorite sayings was, “This isn’t goodbye, it’s until we meet again.”

Harold is survived by his wife, Betty G. Ward; daughters, Ramona Duby, Joy Jessup, Kyra Murphy and Starr Ward; son, Edward Ward; son, Eric Ward; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Oskoloff; father Theodore A. Anderson; and adoptive father, William Ward.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery on Aug. 16 at 1:30 p.m., followed by a reception at the Wasilla Senior Campus Dining Hall from 3 to 6 p.m. A celebration of life will be in the fall at American Legion Post 1 on Fireweed, at a date/time that will be announced later.

Donations in Harold’s name can also be made to the VFW, American Legion or any favorite veterans organization.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory.