Remembering William D. Ward, 1926-2022

Family and friends are remembering William (Bill) Ward, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

William D. Ward, age 95, a longtime resident of West Seattle, died peacefully on January 4 in Chehalis, where he resided for the last year and a half.

Bill grew up in Oakland, California and graduated from the University of Santa Clara with a degree in Civil Engineering. In 1952 he met and married Jeanne (Venen) Ward, his loving wife of 52 years. They moved to West Seattle and he joined a small engineering firm (at that time 13 employees) which became Skilling Ward Rogers Barkshire in 1987.

During Bill’s 40-year career, the firm grew into one of the largest structural engineering companies in the country, responsible for many prominent buildings on the Seattle skyline as well as engineering some of the country’s most notable structures, including the original World Trade Center in New York. After his retirement, Bill was a structural engineering consultant for The Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle.

One of his most enjoyable pastimes was fishing, both close to home on Puget Sound and on annual trips north with son Jim, a tradition which lasted almost 50 years. Still fishing at the age of 85, he caught his biggest fish ever, a 54-pound king salmon, in the Queen Charlotte Islands.

He loved road trips, including favorites such as Las Vegas and the surrounding national parks. And of course, he always loved ice cream!

Bill and his family were active members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. He is predeceased by his wife Jeanne, and survived by his son Jim (wife Patty) Ward of Chehalis, and daughter Terri Titcomb of Blue Hill, Maine, along with their families, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

1 Reply to "Remembering William D. Ward, 1926-2022"

  • Mike Dey January 15, 2022 (11:34 am)

    For several years I was the youngest attendee to the Friday Fauntleroy mens coffee gathering at the Original Bakery.  Bill was always there with a smile on his face, a wonderful laugh and some interesting comments about the World Trade Center buildings, downtown Seattle buildings or local residential homes.  He was consistently supportive of the other gentlemen there who ranged in age from 95 to 59.  His humor and smiles and upbeat attitude made him a fun and interesting participant.  He eventually stopped joining us because of health issues.  I tried to reach out to see if I could provide transportation or help.  I think he was too proud to let others see him in decline.  Regardless he was a neighborhood treasure of knowledge who provided a balanced view of life.  I am sorry to read of his death.  My thoughts go out to his family.  

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