Kentville, NS
October 21, 1954 - January 25, 2024
Rodney Ward, a proud veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force, passed away January 25, 2024. Rodney was predeceased by his beloved wife Marie-José (nee Van Haeren) in 2015.
The son of Theresa Goyetche (nee Montague) and George Henry Ward, Rodney grew up in Montreal, Quebec with five siblings, Pamela, Lyall, Warren, Danny and Kelley. He was born October 21, 1954 and attended Bishop’s University, where he was distinguished twice as an All Canadian Linebacker for the Gaiters and received the Golden Mitre Award for his contribution to student life and culture.
At the age of 23, Rodney enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After nearly 30 years of distinguished service, with many postings and flying multiple airframes, he retired at the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He subsequently served 16 years as the Chief Simulations Officer at CFB Greenwood, showcasing a remarkable commitment to leadership and education. As a pilot, Rodney logged over 7400 flying hours. Following 9/11, Rodney received commendation from former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld for his leading role in bringing a NATO AWACS squadron from Germany to the USA to watch and guard the skies over New York City and the Pentagon. His proudest achievement was receiving the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) Commendation for Leadership and Initiative in establishing the CDS Military Families Fund in 2007.
In his book, "Leadership" former Chief of Defense Staff General Rick Hillier wrote, "Rodney Ward, by thinking big, had changed the course of how a country views the families of those who serve and, consequent to that, how those families are supported and valued."
Rodney, known to family and close friends as Boo Boo is survived by his children Thomas, Paul, Oliver and Claire and his nine grandchildren. Boo Boo will always be remembered for his singular devotion to his family and his great love of his wife, Marie-José.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Rodney’s life will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 with sharing of memories at 2:30 p.m. in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. There will be a livestream available at that time. A private memorial service for family will also be held at a later date this summer.
Donations in memory may be made to https://www.supportourtroops.ca/Donate. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.
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