Richard Ward Jr.

Richard Moran Ward Jr., age 58, known to all as "Rick," died suddenly at his home, Friday, May 19, 2017 after a long battle with diabetes. He was born on February 2, 1959 in Columbus, OH. Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Harriette Felton Ward. He is survived by his father, Richard Moran Ward, M.D.; stepmother, Jane P. Ward; and siblings, Melissa Ward Faris, Sarah Ward (Christopher) Williams, and William David (Lauren) Ward, and their children. Also surviving are his sons, Richard M. Ward III and Michael W. Ward; their mother, Michele Chapin Ward; 2 grandchildren, Landon and Leah Ward. Rick graduated from the Columbus Academy, Class of 1977, and obtained a degree in nursing from Columbus Community College. He had a long career at Grant Hospital in Columbus as an operating room nurse, which continued until complications from diabetes necessitated his retirement in 2015. In his leisure time, Rick enjoyed reading, hunting and fishing, and spending time with his family, friends, and his beloved dogs. He will be missed by his immediate family, his extended group of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and by the friends he made along the way. Family will receive friends at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 5265 Norwich St. in Hilliard on Friday, May 26, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Central Ohio Diabetes Association, 1100 Dennison Ave. Columbus, OH 43201.