Peter Ward

Peter Ward passed away on September 15, in his own home after 93 eventful years. Over his final days, he was supported by his three children. Jane, Peter’s wife, passed 9 years earlier. Special thanks to Dr. J. Poitras, Peter’s loving neighbours, and his selfless caretakers. 

Early life: Born December 8, 1930, to Leslie and Margaret Ward, Peter and his brother John grew up in the Toronto Beaches. Peter’s father was killed in action off Brittany when his ship, the HMCS Athabaskan, was torpedoed and sank in the English Channel. 

Journalism: At the age of 21, Peter landed a job with the Toronto Telegram; his front-page reporting of bank robber Alonzo Boyd’s escape cemented his career. In 1970, Peter began reporting on national and international news after being assigned to the Parliamentary Press Gallery in Ottawa. During this time, he also generated exceptional, on-the-ground coverage of war-torn Vietnam and Castro’s Cuba. 

When the Telegram folded in 1971, Peter established Ward News Services and reported on Canadian politics for dozens of news outlets around the world, in addition to international affairs. His Capital Report on CBC Radio provided Canadians with a weekly analysis of national politics. In the 1980’s, he shifted his focus to media training, working with many large and notable Canadian corporations. 

Navy – the Haida: Peter was a proud naval reservist. In the early 1960’s, he became aware of the government’s plan to scrap HMCS Haida—the sister ship to the Athabaskan. Peter and four other men convinced the government to save the Haida by selling it to them instead. It is currently operated as a floating museum by Parks Canada in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2018, the Haida was designated as the ceremonial flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy. In recognition of his important contributions to Canadian Naval history, Peter was awarded the Admiral’s medal in 2018. 

Ward on Wine: Peter was the wine writer for the Ottawa Citizen for almost 30 years. He retired in 2002. Through the column, his friendships within the Ontario and international wine industries, he shared his knowledge and love of wine with everyone. 

Family: Peter is survived by his children: Tim (Teresa) of Paris, Wendy (Paul) of Welland, and Mark (Trudie) of Washington D.C. and his grandchildren: Joshua Holober-Ward (Philadelphia), Luc Grenier (Welland), and Claire Grenier (Toronto). 

Peter’s neighbours acted as his “second family.” Their care, patio visits, and attention during his years as a widower filled him with gratitude. 

Peter’s professional accomplishments were numerous. However, his greatest contribution to the world was his love for family, friends, neighbours, and his faith. He will be missed greatly. 

A celebration of Peter’s life will take place on Sunday, September 29 at 4 pm at All Saints Anglican Church at 347 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON, followed by a reception in the church hall. 

Donations to Diabetes Canada, or May Court Hospice, would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.