MADISON – Gary E. Ward, 86, of Madison passed away unexpectedly on Thursday Aug. 19, 2021 due to a tragic vehicle accident resulting in his drowning. His death was untimely and you can be sure he misses all. Gary was born July 3,1935, at the family homestead in Brooks, Maine.

A longtime resident of Anson and Madison, he attended the area’s local schools and faithfully attended the Christ Community Fellowship church in Madison. Though far from being a class valedictorian, Gary was truly blessed with a warm smile and personality which allowed him to easily form, lasting friendships.

While figuring out his “best fit” occupation, Gary began working on the familys’ chicken farm in Anson. After High school he went on to work locally as a plumbers helper, a shoe shop “stitcher” and eventually found his true strength was in sales and working with the public. He began his salesmanship career working at a large car dealership in nearby Waterville. Later he became a salesman for a large insurance company and then partnered to help establish the independently owned Anson Insurance company. In recent years, Gary enjoyed helping guide seniors with medicare programs and working with the Senior Planning Center of Farmington.

For over a half century, he had the honor to be a volunteer member of the Anson fire department. When called on, he humbly accepted the fire chief position and in more recent years he proudly served as the departments “house man”. In 1953, when Gary turned 18, the bloody Korean war was just ending, he joined the local Army National Guard unit and then served for 12 years. Obtaining the rank of Sergeant E5, before his military retirement in 1964.

He and the “love of his life”, Phyllis, who he wed on June 12,1954, did make time to spend many summers at Moosehead lake and made a few “touch and goes” to Florida to visit family there. They enjoyed many motor home travel adventures. Sometimes solo, sometimes in a convoy with local peers, touring places like the mid west and eastern Canada. But even after all that visiting of greener pastures, nowhere else did Gary feel truly at home more, than with the people of the Anson and Madison community.

Gary was born to Ronald F. Ward and F. Elnora Stimpson. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 66 years, Phyllis Smith Ward and also by a son, David Ward.

He is survived by three sons: Michael Ward and wife Lisa of Embden; Ronald Ward and partner Kathy Goforth of Wayne; and William Ward of Madison.

He is survived by three sisters, Deanna and husband Philip Curtis of Madison; Linda and husband Kenny Billing of Haines City, Fla.; Sally and husband Clifford Miller of Sebring Fla.; his auntie, June Newton of Lombard, Ill. Gary’s grandchildren are Ryan Ward and partner Amy Vargas of Durham, N.C. ; Randa Mack and fiance Chuck Campbell of Skowhegan; Todd Ward and wife Jessica of Portland; Robyn Ward and partner Patrick of Bowdoin. He leaves behind several great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and also a borador pup named, Ruby, that resides in Wayne, she spoke on the phone with him daily.

A special thanks goes out, from the bottom of our hearts, to all first responders who went “over the top” to try and save our patriarch “Gary.”

“When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand. that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand. The angel said my place is ready, In Heaven far above, And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates, I felt so much at home, for God looked down, smiled at me, And told me “Welcome Home.” So when tomorrow starts without me, Don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.” (author unknown)

A public service is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Madison Area High School, 486 Main Street. Friends and family may gather at 10 a.m., for fellowship and celebration of Gary’s life. The memorial service will start at 12 p.m., noon, with a full fire department ceremony.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Madison & Bingham, Maine. To leave a condolence for the family, share a memory, view the online obituary and to share service and obituary information on social media please visit our website at http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Christ Community Fellowship at

43 Maple Street

Madison ME 04950

and/or

the Anson Fire Dept. at

33 Main Street

Anson, Maine.

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