Richard Leigh Ward
Richard L. Ward passed away at home with his family on Feb. 23, 2024, after defiantly giving cancer the middle finger for the last two years.
Rick was born on July 20, 1947, in East Cleveland. He grew up in Willoughby, with his parents, the second eldest of six children. He attended Willoughby South High School, where he ran track, played baseball and loved art.
Rick graduated from Willoughby South in 1965 and went on to attend Cooper Art School, with dreams of becoming a cartoonist. Rick’s aspirations were cut short when he was drafted to Vietnam in September of 1966. He served as a combat medic in the Army Medical Corps in the Republic of Vietnam until 1968, reaching the rank of Specialist 5. For his heroic service, Rick was awarded seven combat medals, a Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars with Valor, 2 Purple Hearts, the Air Medal and an Army Commendation. He also received the Vietnam Service Medal as well as a Combat Medic Badge.
Rick married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Saxton, on Sept. 17, 1977, in Mayfield Village. They settled in Hambden Township, in 1980, where they raised their three children.
Rick worked as a union cement finisher for over 30 years before his retirement.
He loved to play baseball in community leagues, loved nature and animals, was a phenomenal artist and never took a bad picture a day in his life. He enjoyed feeding the birds and wild animals on his property, especially the hawks, always saving the Thanksgiving turkey carcass for them.
He often spent time outdoors in his barn with his beloved dog Sydney, listening to the Cleveland Browns and Guardian games on his radio.
He taught his brother and nephews how to fish (they struggled) and he always caught the biggest fish. There was never any doubt when Rick was mad, equally, there was never any doubt if he loved you. He was physically strong, a handsome devil and while outwardly gruff and cantankerous.
He was a loyal husband, father, brother and friend.
Rick is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Patricia; children, Kimberly (David) Moulton, Casey (Joel) Morse, Jesse (Caitlin Rosberg) Ward and Laura Ward; three grandchildren, Devin and Jason Moulton, and Lauren Morse; and one great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Moulton.
He is also survived by siblings Pamela (Larry, dec.) Grinstead, David (Susan) Ward, Dawn Ward and Janet (Daryl, dec.) Kelsey; brothers-in-law, David (Christine) Chesser, Mark (Dana) Chesser; nieces and nephews, Kristine Shreves (Larry Jadrych), Steven Grinstead, David (Michelle) Grinstead, John (Alana) Ward, Jennifer Ward, Daniel McCurdy, Kyle (Angi) Chesser, Erin (Patrick) Sapanaro, David Novosel, and Logan and Faith Chesser; along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Joycelaine (nee Rozonsky) Ward; sister Joycelaine M. Ward; mother-in-law, Carole Chesser; and brother-in-law, Larry Grinstead.
The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon, with memorial service immediately following. Interment will be held privately at the Hambden Township Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Geauga County Dog Shelter & Warden’s Office, 12513 Merritt Road, Chardon, OH 44024; or a no-kill animal shelter of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.
