GARDINER, MAINE/RICHMOND, TEXAS – MSgt. Clifford Leroy Ward (USAF-retired), 90, of Gardiner, Maine and Richmond, Texas, passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, at his home in Texas, surrounded by family.

If you knew anything about Cliff, it was that he was proud of his 21 years of service in the United States Air Force, including service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He enlisted in Bangor in December 1951. While in the military, he lived in several countries in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, and greatly enjoyed these opportunities. After his discharge on August 31, 1972, he attended the University of Maine at Machias, earning a B.S. in Business Education in June 1974. Once he retired, you may have received a surprise gift model of your house, which he crafted for you by hand.

He loved to fish, enjoyed a cold one, and played poker whenever he could; and if you sat down to play against him, he probably cleaned you out. He loved Boston sports. He also enjoyed watching and feeding the birds at his home in Gardiner, and at his daughter’s home in York. An inveterate prankster (who induced his children to go snipe hunting, among other April Fool’s frolics), he did not tolerate BS from others. He was a loyal and supportive friend to friends, relatives, and neighbors. He was always a friend to stray cats, and was caring for Rocky and Blackie at the time of his death.

Cliff was born March 30, 1932, in Dennysville, Maine, the son of George Ward, Sr. and Mildred “Louise” Ward, nee Murphy. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Adeline York Ward, and is survived by their two daughters, Cynthia Ward and Sheila Faulkingham; Sheila’s husband, Michael Faulkingham; Cynthia’s partner, Joe Murphy; two granddaughters, Erica Lizotte and Kristy Faulkingham; Erica’s husband, Michael Lizotte; his great-grandchildren, Avery and Abigail; his sisters-in-law, Albertine “Tina” York Bishop and Viola “Vi” York Begin; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father and mother; his sister, Shirley Wilder Godet and his brother, Alton Hugh Ward. Shortly after Cliff’s passing, his oldest brother, George Howard Ward, Jr. passed away at the age of 96.

A military service was held for Clifford Ward on July 7 at Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends may make donations in Clifford’s memory to:

the Wounded Warrior Project at

http://woundedwarriorproject.org

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