john-d-ward-obit-picJohn D. Ward (Jack), 80, of La Farge, WI passed away peacefully in his home in Mesquite on Monday, Sept. 5.

Jack was truly one of a kind with a love for life that was only surpassed by his love for “God, his country and his family, In that order.”

He was a jack of all trades and a master of several. Jack was an artist, poet, musician, songwriter, playwright and patriot.

His stories, laughter and tall tales are what we will remember and miss about him but we will miss his love for humanity most of all.

Jack was a Historian, an avid reader and a Navy Veteran who loved his country will all his heart. He didn’t care much for television but always kept his on either the classic movie station, CNN or the stock market report.

He traveled extensively and his music and poetry was written about people he encountered along the way and thought were interesting. He always said, “These people, the ones in my music; they are my family.” He was passionate about them and he kept their memories alive his entire life through his songs.

Jack was a snowbird and his time in Mesquite was spent entertaining the masses in both theatre and festivals with his talent for acting and his music. He shared his stories (music) at events such as the Festival of Trees, the Festival of the Arts and Gold Butte Days. His summers were spent in the Kickapoo Valley in WI; the place he thought was the most beautiful place on earth.

He will always be remembered as a great character actor having appeared in several Virgin Valley Theatre Group productions including his original play “A Day at Emma’s 1909” in which he played the character Arthur. He also brought to life many characters in murder mystery dinners but will be fondly remembered as the loveable vampires, Count Nick and Trampolina, in the show BATS.

He was an inspiration both onstage and off, those who met him found him to be warm, attentive and funny. Many of his friends over the years referred to him as “Weird” rather than “Ward” and he was quite proud of the nickname. His door was always open and he had a smile and a good word for everyone who passed him by.

He spent the last decade missing the love of his life, Sharon, but now the two of them are together again forever and they can both truly rest in eternal peace.

There will be a memorial for Jack at the Mesquite Community Theatre, 150 N. Yucca St. on Friday Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. with a short reception in the green room afterward. Friends can send condolences to his daughter: Alicia First, 116 Second Street South Montrose, MN 55363.