Richard Charles Ward

WARD, Richard Charles of Rochester Hills. passed away peacefully, February 23, 2024, surrounded by his family, age 90. Born and raised in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, the son of the late Albert and Mina Ward. Growing up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Richard was educated locally, before proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force and continuing his education at Michigan State University.

While in East Lansing, Richard would meet the love of his life, Judy Derby, asking her to marry him on their second date. The two continued to date for 6 more years, before getting married and lovingly spending 70 years together. Sadly, Judy preceded him in death in July 2023. Richard and Judy spent their life in Michigan, wintering in Naples, Florida, and summering in Traverse City after retirement.

Richard excelled in his career in advertising, becoming the President and CEO of Ross Roy in Detroit, until his retirement.

As an avid hunter, and fisherman, Richard was often found in the outdoors, enjoying nature with his family and many friends at his hunting clubs. He liked reading, painting, poetry, carving ducks, making knives, golfing, playing tennis and downhill skiing.

Richard leaves to cherish his memory his beautiful daughter and her family, Jennifer and husband Chris Graff, grandsons, Charles Henry and Christopher Collin Graff, sisters, Sally (Tom) Gruss, and Amy (Brian) Mackora, and nieces, Patti, Spiller, Amy Gruss, Lori Kuntz, Wendy Mahaffey and Cathy Carden. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Judy, sister Paula Kirkpatrick.

A Life Celebration will be held Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Hunters Creek Club, beginning with a Charity Clay Shoot at 10:00 am, followed by food, drink and a service at 11:30 am. Please dress casually for the Life Celebration. The burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, with full military honors at a later date, to be announced.

Memorial Donations may be directed to Ducks Unlimited, https://donate.ducks.org, Leader Dog for the Blind, https://www.leaderdog.org/donate/,  or Vietnam Memorial, https://vva.org/donate/.

Arrangements entrusted to Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home Clarkston.

Please leave a memory or condolence at the online guestbook www.wintfuneralhome.com