Douglas Wayne “Doug” Ward 

July 20, 1948 – February 4, 2026 

Douglas Wayne Ward, lovingly known as Doug, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the age of 77 after five years of struggling with meningiomas. Doug spent his final month at the Red Deer Hospice, where he received the most compassionate and incredible care. His family is deeply grateful for the kindness and dignity shown to him during his final days. 

Doug is survived by his wife, Lisa Ward; his children, Erin Ward (Amy Huser) and Mike Ward; and by his two step-daughters Taylor Nielsen (Caleb Nielsen) and Racquel Fielder (Tommy Stephenson). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Emily Ward, Beth Nielsen, and Layla Nielsen.  

Doug was predeceased by his parents, Don and Esther Ward, and by his brother, Grant Ward. He is survived by his sister, Cathy Ward, and by his sister-in-law, Rita Ward. 

Doug was a private man with a deep and lifelong passion for music. He dedicated decades of his life to teaching band in Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer, and also taught private lessons through the Conservatory at Red Deer College. A gifted flutist and saxophonist, Doug was a true master of his craft. He practiced faithfully every day for most of his life, right up until this past fall when it was no longer possible. He was an active jazz musician for several decades and played for many gigs in his lifetime. He spoke often and fondly of the many students he taught over the years and treasured staying in touch with former students. Many of his students at LTCHS affectionately referred to him as OMW and those initials stuck with Doug over the years and he referred to himself as such.  

Doug had a big heart for the Special Olympics community and spent many years coaching the Special Olympics baseball team that his son Mike played on. His compassion, patience, and encouragement left a lasting impact on the athletes he worked with.  

Doug would spend many an evening sitting at the kitchen table playing crokinole with Mike, and for many years they were avid Red Deer Rebels fans and rarely missed a game. Due to distance and living in two different countries, Doug wasn’t able to spend as much time with his daughter Erin, daughter-in-law Amy and granddaughter Emily as he would have liked, but always cherished the time they could be together. He also made many trips to Calgary with Mike to support his sister Cathy and spend time together. 

The last 3 years, Doug cherished time spent sitting on the floor and playing ball or building blocks with his twin granddaughters Beth and Layla as well as reading stories with them. These two could light up his day and bring a beautiful smile to his face in spite of the challenge he dealt with the last five years of his life. 

An avid fly fisherman, Doug found deep peace on the Red Deer River. He cherished fishing trips with his brother Grant and later enjoyed sharing the river with his friend Roger Neufeld. Doug tied his own flies and loved being immersed in nature, where he felt most at home. 

In later years, golf was another great passion in Doug’s life. After retiring from teaching at Lindsay Thurber High School, he spent as many spring, summer, and fall days as possible on the course. Doug traveled to Kelowna, Phoenix or Palm Springs to spend time golfing with his brother Grant and sister-in-law Rita, and always enjoyed a hilarious banter with his brother.  Many of the rounds on the golf course were shared with his dear friend Dan Johnson and with his son Mike. Dan shared this special tribute about his friend: “Doug discovered his passion for golf in his early fifties, and it became a cherished part of his life. He delighted in sketching the natural beauty around him, whether travelling to courses or sitting at tables overlooking the fairways. He often remarked on nature’s seasonal gifts: the brilliant canola yellow of summer, and especially the fall colors of September and October, his favorite times to be on the course. 

A man of thoughtful habits, Doug prepared meticulously for each round. His lunch was carefully packed with his favored peanut butter and jam sandwich, treats, and a drink. He was devoted to maintaining his equipment—clubs were washed before and after every round, and he kept a wet rag handy to clean his irons on the range and during play. His bag was impeccably organized, his clubs kept in such pristine condition they never looked used, with iron covers always in place. Over the years, he acquired quite a collection of clubs—or as his playing partner would lightheartedly say, “a fair number of arrows for his quiver.” 

But Doug understood that golf was about more than the game itself. He taught those around him about “the walk”—that being grateful for the time together was equally important as the round. Many meaningful conversations unfolded while walking the par three at Riverbend, playing three ball and moving slowly to fully appreciate each moment. He viewed each day on the course as a blessing. Doug was a true gentleman who carried himself with class and gratitude, teaching others that golf could be a meaningful walk shared with friends. Those years on the course remain cherished memories of the time spent with my special friend.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​” 

Doug put himself through university on track scholarships and continued with his fitness routines for most of his life. He took pride in maintaining his physical fitness and his discipline and determination were part of who he was. He was also an avid photographer and would spend hours sitting outside when he lived on an acreage and take photos of pileated woodpeckers, a momma fox and her babies, countless birds, and took some breathtaking sunset photos that adorn the walls in their home. 

Doug cherished time with his wife Lisa. He loved their trips to Canmore and Banff, where they walked along the river and soaked in the beauty of the mountains. Doug was also Lisa’s steady supporter, faithfully attending choir concerts and events and many times accompanying her choirs on flute or saxophone. Doug and Lisa enjoyed attending symphony and jazz concerts together and Doug was particularly fond of any opportunity he had to listen to music in the beautiful Winspear Centre in Edmonton. They celebrated their 20 year anniversary this past Thanksgiving. 

Doug will be remembered for his quick wit, musicianship and devotion to his music, his compassion for people with disabilities and the Special Olympics community, and for his love of family and friends. He loved to joke around and was affectionately referred to as ‘Scrubs’ by his step-daughter Taylor Nielsen for wearing silly pajamas that she said looked like nurses scrubs. He would do things like buy a massive brick of cheese from Costco when Taylor would be home for a 2-day visit from college because they both loved cheese. He had a silly rule that the BBQ ‘wouldn’t work’ unless one of the kids brought him a beer first, and he had both Racquel and Taylor convinced as kids that the radio didn’t work in the old Dodge truck so he wouldn’t have to listen to pop music! (He was a jazz and classical music lover all the way.) And he was thoughtful and would gift a pocket knife to his son-in-law Caleb every time they would visit simply because he knew that was an interest Caleb had. 

Doug and Lisa were deeply grateful for the kindness of neighbours, and in particular their next-door neighbours, Dariel and Ernie, whose care and generosity—through snow removal, handmade quilts, and countless acts of support—meant more than words can express.  

In keeping with Doug’s wishes, there will be no funeral or formal burial. At a later time Lisa will hold a Celebration of Life for family and friends and would love for people who attend to share any stories or experiences they had with Doug, OMW, Scrubs, friend, or family member. For those who wish to honour Doug’s life, a donation to the Red Deer Hospice Society or Special Olympics would be a meaningful tribute. 

• Date : 2026-02-04
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home