Fowler, Ward

Ward Fowler passed peacefully while surrounded by family on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Meaford Hospital. He fought a valiant battle against cancer and several illnesses over 6 years but decided that he couldn’t wait any longer for the Maple Leafs to win a Stanley Cup and that September 30th would be his final day on this earth.

Ward was born on February 16, 1940 in Toronto to Miriam and Ford Fowler and was raised in Highland Creek.  He finished his high school education in Leaside and graduated from the Ryerson University Business program in 1962.  Ward and Lou were married on August 17th, 1963 and spent over 61 years together.  Ward is survived by his wife Lou; his brother Roger and wife Judy; his son Craig and wife Debbie; and his 2 grandchildren; April and Nick, who he adored.

Ward worked as a stock broker for Nesbitt Burns for over 30 years (including doing radio broadcasts on the market while in London).  While living in London, Ward and Lou took up sailing and had a passion for Lake Huron and Georgian Bay sailing for many decades initially out of Bayfield and later out of Meaford and Wiarton.  Ward and Lou retired to Beaver Valley in 1997.  They enjoyed hiking on the Bruce Trail and Ward worked diligently as a land steward and land ambassador for the Bruce Trail.  Believe it or not, Ward was part of the chain saw gang for Bruce Trail and had the leg chaps to prove it!  Ward and Lou acted as ambassadors to Beaver Valley Ski Club for many years.  In between all of those activities, Ward and Lou also enjoyed many bike and barge trips through Europe. They both loved the outdoors and spent many years sailing, biking, skiing and hiking (Ward tried golfing but never really ‘took’ to the sport) as well as traveling the world.

Ward was a kind soul who always had a pleasing smile for those he met.  He will be sorely missed by all and his kind demeanor and gentle way about him will live on forever.

A Celebration of Life is to occur in the near future, with details to be announced soon.

As your expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers or other gifts, please donate to the great people at the Meaford Hospital who treated Ward so caringly throughout his struggles.

Donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation or the Bruce Trail Conservancy would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON   N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.   www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca

Details

A Celebration of Life is to occur in the near future, with details to be announced soon.

Make a donation in memory of Ward Fowler

Donations: Meaford Hospital Foundation
Donate with the following link(s)
https://mhfoundation.ca/donate/
https://support.brucetrail.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2020&mfc_pref=T&2020.donation=form1
Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home


Memories & Messages of condolence

  1. Debbie LeBlanc
    Wednesday, October 2, 2024

    I am saddened to hear of Ward’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Ward for many years. He taught me many things about the stock market. He made sure I would be looked after once he retired and set my career up on the right path….which I finished! I am forever grateful. What a true gentleman he was….one of the best….thanks Ward!
    Rest in sweetest peace my friend.

    Reply
  2. Marie and Jim
    Thursday, October 3, 2024

    We’ve known Ward (and Lou) forever and Ward was always positive, fun loving, perfectly turned out and game for anything. I can recall Ward and Lou inviting us to go bareboat sailing in the British Virgin Islands in 1986. We were instructed to pack light because of lack of space and that we would need to be ready early each morning to sail! First morning on the boat and Lou, Marie and I are on deck at 7 a.m. Ward appeared at 9 a. m. with a total change of clothes including slacks as was the case each morning.. Turns out Caribbean rum can alter ones plans for an early start to the day. Ward had his superstitions….we were skiing with with Ward and Lou at Kissing Bridge in New York and our way home from dinner in Ward’s car…a black cat crossed in front of us.. Ward stopped turned around and added 5 miles to our drive back to the hotel to avoid crossing the path of the black cat!!! We will miss Ward, a true gentleman!!!! Marie and Jim Mcdougall. Charlottetown, PE

    Reply
    1. Lou
      Thursday, October 3, 2024

      Those were fun times
      Thanks Jim & Marie

      Reply
  3. John and Joan Merriam
    Thursday, October 3, 2024

    Joan and I have indeed lost a wonderful man and a valued friend of more than twenty years. Always smiling and never with a negative word about anyone or anything made Ward truly unique. This demeanour, while coping with serious health issues and pain in recent years, showed a strength that we can all admire. Lou and Ward loved going out to dinner and we will always remember how often we would bump into them in our favourite restaurants. Ward was an accomplished sailor. Several years ago, he skillfully and calmly led our sail charter through some rough seas around St. Martin despite never having sailed a catamaran before. I always enjoyed a little playful banter with Ward about his Maple Leafs and my Habs. We had a bet going for several years about which team would finish higher in the standings and Ward always managed to win the good bottle of red wine. I don’t think I have ever seen him laugh so hard as when I told him that our little Sheltie had occasionally taken to peeing on the Habs crest that I had painted on our garage floor. Joan and I will greatly miss Ward. We know he will continue to enjoy sailing, skiing, biking and hiking in another world.

    Reply
  4. Myrna Bumstead
    Thursday, October 3, 2024

    Lou and family
    We were saddened to hear of Ward’s passing. He was just a lovely presence in this world, as we knew him.
    Cherish the memories and take comfort in his life well lived.

    Thinking of you at this time

    Dave and Myrna

    Reply
  5. Doug Webber
    Friday, October 4, 2024

    I only knew Ward as a financial advisor, and had the privilege to work with him at Nesbit Burns for several years before his retirement.
    Ward was a man of great integrity, who focused exclusively on the well being of nis clients.
    I not only enjoyed my years working with Ward, I had the joy of skiing with Ward and Lou at Beaver Valley and often at Blue Mountain.
    We’ve lost the true definition of “Class”
    Doug Webber

    Reply
  6. Helen Lightbody
    Friday, October 4, 2024

    Dear Lou and family
    I was saddened to hear about Ward’s passing he certainly lived a long and full life- we met in Kimberly always up for a chat with.a lovely smile a kind gentle man he worked so.hard to overcome the health issues. He will be missed. Helen

    Reply
  7. Sue Short
    Saturday, October 5, 2024

    Lou, I am sorry for your loss. After such a long time together it will feel like a piece of yourself is missing but you and Ward enjoyed some wonderful holidays and times together that you will have a lot of happy memories to reflect on. Please take care of yourself now – you have cared for Ward through some difficult health issues so now is the time for ‘you’.

    Reply
  8. David and Kathryn Sled
    Monday, October 7, 2024

    Dear Lou, We are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed sharing BV Probus Club activities with you both. Sincerely, David and Kathy Sled

    Reply
  9. Rick Sedgwick
    Monday, October 7, 2024

    Ward was my mentor at Nesbitt Thompson and Nesbitt Burns.
    I always looked up to him as someone to emulate. He was respected by everyone at the firm and the more you got to know him, the more you realized what an honest and caring person he was.
    I have always tried to live up to his standards and it has served me well.
    Ward and Debbie and myself worked together back in the 80s and 90s and I remember those years as the best.

    Reply
  10. Liz Pauls
    Monday, October 7, 2024

    When I think of Ward I remember a beautiful smile. He was a kind friendly person. Thinking of you Lou at this time.

    Reply
  11. Geoffrey Corfield
    Tuesday, October 8, 2024

    Were my brother, Paul Corfield and his wife France still alive, they would most certainly send condolences to Lou and the Fowler family. Paul and France were their next door neighbours (down the hill) in Kimberley, and fellow Bruce Trail supporters.
    Geoffrey Corfield, London, Ontario

    Reply
  12. Michael Sheahan
    Tuesday, October 8, 2024

    Dear Lou and family

    I was saddened to hear of Ward’s passing.

    As a rookie broker at Nesbitt Thomson Deacon he always had supportive and kind words for me. His generosity with my children won’t be forgotten. We have lost a true gentleman. My sincerest condolences to his entire family.
    Michael Sheahan

    Reply
  13. Roger Fowler
    Tuesday, October 8, 2024

    Ward was a great older brother. Besides being a financial wizard, he was a master at copying Mom’s signature. Thanks to my brother, I was able to miss many days at school. He encouraged me to hike the Bruce trail. Before completing the end to end trek, I was as tall as Ward, but after 850 kms of hiking, I ended up six inches shorter! Happy hiking Ward. I will always miss you!

    Reply
  14. Deryn and Graham Harkness
    Tuesday, October 8, 2024

    A great life, lived in style, extremely well! Well done Ward!
    Indeed, Ward was a strong, smart, fun guy! Like us, those who knew him well, will probably remember many happy times with Lou and Ward! Now he is peacefully, resting and counting on us to follow his lead. Keep your sails full of wind and change course, when necessary.
    Love, cherish and make the most out of everyday with family and friends,
    all in Memory of Captain Ward!
    ❤️ Deryn and Graham

    Reply
  15. khadry Galil
    Wednesday, October 9, 2024

    Dear Fowler Family,
    I hope this message finds you surrounded by love and support. I wanted to take a moment to share my heartfelt appreciation for Mr. Ward Fowler, whom I had the privilege of meeting 34 years ago at Nesbit Burns, where I am still proud to be associated. His passing leaves a void that is deeply felt.
    From our very first meeting, it was evident that Ward was not only an exceptional financial advisor but also a person of immense kindness and intellect. His thoughtful guidance and unwavering support had a profound impact on my life, and I know many others share this sentiment.
    Ward’s ability to navigate the complexities of financial matters with grace and clarity set him apart, but it was his genuine care for others that truly defined him. He touched countless lives with his generosity and wisdom, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.
    During this difficult time, please take comfort in knowing how deeply he was admired and respected. His spirit will forever shine brightly in our memories.
    With heartfelt condolences,
    Khadry Galil Professor

    Reply
  16. Wendy & Ray Macdonald
    Friday, October 11, 2024

    Dear Lou
    Ray and I are so very sorry to hear of Ward’s passing and send our condolences to you and family.
    Though we didn’t know Ward very well he always had a friendly welcoming smile when we crossed paths at Kimberley events. Ward will be missed by his many Beaver Valley friends.

    Reply
  17. Ross MacKinnon
    Saturday, October 12, 2024

    Lou, it’s been way too long. I haven’t been in touch for years. It was way back in 1973 that I left Nesbitt in London where I had spent a year and a half with Ward. He was a great mentor for me. My career ended up in the fixed income, institutional area in Toronto. I only regret that I did not get back in touch with retirement.
    Back in the old days of “having a stockbroker” anyone dealing with Ward, was dealing with the best.
    Condolences to the family.

    Reply
  18. Jo-Ann Foster
    Saturday, October 12, 2024

    So sorry to hear of Ward’s passing. Brings back memories of the 1950’s when his Mom, Miriam, rented a cottage near us every summer. Roger had a green MG and took me to Mossport for a race. A super nice family.
    Jo-Ann Foster

    Reply
  19. Linda Riddell
    Saturday, October 12, 2024

    Lou … I was so sorry to read in today’s Globe and Mail of the passing of Ward. I grew up with
    Lou in Kirkland Lake and was at Lou and Ward’s wedding in 1963. We have seen each other
    on rare occasions over the past many years. I am thinking of you and perhaps we can
    get in touch. Take care my friend…. Sending a big hug to you.

    Linda Riddell

    Reply
  20. Elizabeth Harris
    Saturday, October 12, 2024

    Wardie, I thank you for being the first of Terry’s friends who encouraged me to climb the ladder to meet his “friend” when your boat was on the hard at Richardson’s and our friendship continued on for 20 years. Wardie, you and I were the non – Golfers but Lou and Terry kept encouraging so we could golf as couples and travel.

    To the Fowler family, Wardie was an amazing, kind, gentle and so accepting of what life challenged his life skills. Together Ward and Lou pushed forward and in the end, Ward said, “Lou, I’m tired, you have been my support for years, the torch is yours to carry. I love you.”
    Biggest hugs Wardie, Sails should be set, Liz, sail on my friend.

    Reply
  21. Sue and Harold Bakewell
    Tuesday, October 15, 2024

    Dear Lou and Family,
    So sorry to learn about Ward’s passing on the GHPC Newsletter.
    Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with you in this difficult time.

    Reply
  22. M Joan Croxall Porter’s
    Thursday, October 17, 2024

    Lou
    Sorry to hear of Ward’s passing
    Linda Caulfield called me with news
    Don’t know where you are but give me a call when you are settled
    Love to hear from you

    Joni

    Reply
  23. Jackie Johnstone
    Tuesday, October 22, 2024

    Lou,
    After reading the many messages of condolence I can see you were very lucky to be married to a man who who was not only kind and caring but also possessed many fine talents. We are thinking of you.
    Our deepest sympathies,
    Rob and Jackie Johnstone

    Reply
  24. Melissa Goldmintz
    Thursday, October 24, 2024

    We are deeply saddened to hear about Ward’s passing. He was such a sweet soul and a blessing to have at Lemonade Collective. His kind heart was infectious, inspiring everyone around him. Ward will be missed dearly, and we will cherish the memories our LC Community shared with him. Our thoughts are with Lou and the rest of his family during this difficult time.

    Reply
  25. Bill & Shirley Sloan
    Wednesday, October 30, 2024

    Sad news to hear of Wards passing. He was a great neighbour – always had a smile, even when puffing his way up our street on his daily walk. Our condolences to Lou and family.

    Reply

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