Obituary of Dr. Bryan Ward

Dr. Bryan Ward passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s palliative care unit in Edmonton after a courageous battle with malignant melanoma at the age of 59. Born and raised in Calgary, Bryan was one of the early graduates from the University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine in 1976. He interned and pursued family medicine training at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario; attaining his CCFP in 1978. After returning to Calgary, he completed six months of training in anesthesia, to prepare for a career in family medicine. Following that, he practiced family medicine in Wainwright for fifteen years. Bryan had many fond memories of his practice and the patients that he cared for in Wainwright. In 1991 Bryan was elected to the Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. In 1993 he moved to Edmonton to join the College as an Assistant Registrar and later as Deputy Registrar, where he remained until his passing. In 2009-2010, Bryan served as president of the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada. He provided leadership, wisdom and guidance to all at the College and was deeply respected by his colleagues in Alberta and across the country. Bryan was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He took immense pride and joy in his children and grandchildren. He loved to find unique, educational toys for his grandchildren, to be alongside nature with his fishing buddies, and to astound us all with his encyclopedic knowledge and enormous curiosity. His love of travel inspired him to cook delicious, international cuisine for his family and friends. He had a kind and generous spirit which touched all who knew him. Bryan leaves to mourn his loving wife Joanne, three daughters, Tara (Jeff) Catherwood, Tracy (Jason) Smith and Hyla (Adam) Smith and six grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Samantha, Jake, A.J., Sadie and James. He also leaves to mourn his mother, Dorothy Ward of Calgary, two sisters, Susan (Bill) Audibert, and Joanne (Mike) Magee. Many other family members and friends will hold him dearly in their hearts. He was predeceased by his father, Gordon Ward in 1995. Bryan received excellent care from his physicians and the wonderful staff on the palliative care unit at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary hospital. A Celebration of Bryan's Life will be held on Friday, May 11 at 1:30 p.m. at Hainstock's Funeral Home, 9810- 34th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta. In lieu of floral tributes, donations in memory of Bryan may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital or the charity of your choice.