I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Ward's passing. I had him as a teacher at RT Alderman in the late 80s and remember him as a kind, patient and gentle teacher.

We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Eric. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend. You will miss him dearly. I worked with Eric at MidSun and he was a wonderful person who was kind to everyone and had such a witty sense of humour. It was great to know him and work with him for many years. Our MidSun community was "the best". Our children also want to pass on their condolences as well as they had Eric as a teacher at RT Alderman and really liked him. They went on the Edgewater trip with him and Gord MacCrimmon and had a great time. Do hope your loving memories of Eric will help you through these sad times. Our thoughts are with you. Judy and Brian Halhead, Brad and Jocelyn

My most sincere condolences to you all. Mr Ward was one of my teachers in grades 8 and 9 and he was really wonderful: supportive and encouraging all the way and with a great temperament. And he was so very clever and witty too. May he rest in peace.

Eric’s soul was always whole, of course, but the last decade exacted such a cruel toll on his capacities. It is a joy to feel him made whole again, through the love of others and this week’s honouring of him, including yesterday’s service and all the additional condolences conveyed here. Farewell, Eric, you have been a gentleman indeed. I will keep, as a guide for living, your bright instincts towards kindness, generosity, playfulness and gentleness. Deepest condolences to you, my sis Maureen, and to dearest Michael, Paula, Dean, Colton, Noah, Mia, and also Sheila.

I have many fond memories of Eric; he was one of my teachers at RT Alderman and I got to take the Edgewater Fortune trip with him. I made sure to tell "everyone" that we were cousins, because how lucky was I to be related to one of the most beloved and well-known educators in Calgary. Eric was a wonderful illustrator with a snappy sense of humour and I always looked forward to the mini-comic strips he'd share. Eric is one of the reasons I love to write; he was the first (and only) teacher I ever had that made me think pursuing a life of creativity (and doodling!) was a-okay, and more importantly that it was okay to have a laugh at life. I still sometimes write my letter E's as three lines stacked, the way he would, because I still think it's cool. Rest easy, Eric, you are missed.

Eric was a great guy and a fantastic teacher. He had an ability to tell stories that completely captured the imagination. I will always remember his sense of humour and kindness. I am a better person for having known him. Thank you.

Paula and family I would like to express my condolences to you on the passing of Mr.Ward. I remember doing the Edgewater trip with your dad and absolutely loved it! So many great memories of your dad teaching.

Jennifer Cook (Valstar)

The last time I was in Eric’s company, enjoying his easy way with family members and in-laws alike, we stood together for awhile near the stage at the Canada Day 2019 town gathering. Being farther into my seventies than Eric, I felt entitled to wax nostalgic about the music of the post-World War II years—how sweetly and often wittily romantic the lyrics were. I deplored the tone of complaint I was hearing in the singer's choice of lyrics and turned to Eric, expecting fellow-feeling. He simply said, “These days it’s not easy for young people.”

Compassionate Eric! Family life seemed to bring him steady fulfilment, and perhaps that was because he appreciated each family member’s uniqueness and the fun to be had from very simple commonalities (e.g., wearing eyeglasses and therefore needing at least daily polishing of the “googlies,” which he offered as a service in the morning.) I never heard from Eric anything to suggest that he held notions of what a daughter, son, wife, sibling or in-law should be, still less any judgment about how any of us might compare. Perhaps that generosity of spirit was the secret to his contentment—or perhaps it was gratitude for the many talents he had been endowed with.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to my widowed sister-in-law Maureen, their daughter Paula and son Michael; their son-in-law Dean and the grandchildren: Colton, Noah, and Mia, and Eric’s sister, Sheila. Condolences also to the communities, civic and professional, who in losing him to his final lengthy illness must already have mourned him deeply.

Maureen , Michael and family

We feel so Blessed to have known Eric. We saw him as a gentle, soft spoken man who had a great sense of humour. May memories of Eric and the love of family and friends surround you and give you strength in the days ahead.

Words cannot express our sadness. May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time

Jake and Theresa

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Ward’s passing. I fondly remember being in his grade 9 class at R.T. Alderman in the late 80s. He was such a kind and caring teacher. I know I am one of many former students who have nothing but amazing memories of Mr. Ward!

Laura (nee Blatchford)

Maureen, Michael, Paula and family. I was saddened to hear of Eric's death, but knowing where he is going is a great comfort. You will have many happy memories of your lives together and I pray they may hold you up in the days to come. Blessings to each and every member of your family at this time.

Maureen and family, May you feel Gods love and comfort, from those of us around you.

Eric will not be forgotten, for all his fun and positive ways with us.

Maureen and family,

I was saddened to read of the passing of your wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. I was blessed to teach with Eric at RT Alderman and he was a much loved teacher and colleague. As a beginning teacher, I remember our short time there fondly.

May the many happy memories you have of Eric sustain you in the days and weeks to come.

Blessings,

Maureen

Maureen, Michael and family. We are very sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. He was a kind gentlemen to everyone. Our thoughts are with you.

Chad, Kathy and Trista Lambourn

Maureen and family, Eric’s passing has undoubtedly left a huge void in your life. My time with Eric was during our years in university. Eric was so kind and compassionate. Maureen, I remember when he met you, you definitely stole his heart. You truly were loved.

Greatly enjoyed Eric as a friend and team mate teaching together years ago. Eric was committed and creative. His big heart and ready wit brightened classroom and staff room alike. Eric was one of the best.

Maureen , Michael and family, I sure am thinking of you all. Eric was a lovely man and I enjoyed visiting and working with him.

May your memories help you through this time.

Terina Cybulski

Eric, your passing has left a huge void in our lives. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.