Gregory Ward

May 16, 1945 - April 27, 2024

Following an arduous battle with Parkinson's and Dementia, Gregory J. Ward of Spokane, WA passed into the arms of God on April 27, 2024, just shy of his 79th birthday. Born Gregory John Ward in Olean, NY on May 16th, 1945 to John Edward Ward and Margaret Jean Lucas. He had a brother, Ronald Ward, who was 5 years his senior. His father worked for Mobil Oil, and his family relocated from Olean to Ferndale, WA when Mobil opened a new refinery nearby in 1952. Being scientifically minded, Greg earned a Bachelor of Science degree from what is now Western Washington University, and went on to do graduate studies at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO. Having an affinity for cars and a strong mechanical inclination, Greg was a knowledgeable mechanic, and was known to spend time at drag strips in his early adult years. Later in life, he developed a fascination with Mini Coopers, and was a founding member of the Inland Northwest Mini Club. He also enjoyed volunteering and driving his Mini Cooper during Spokane area Autocross events. Greg also had a longtime love of photography, beginning when he was in elementary school. Anyone who knew him has likely seen some of the photos he took the most pride in. Greg married Mikelyn Alice Hilde the day before Thanksgiving Day, 1969. Together they shared 54 years of marriage. They purchased their first home together in Thornton, CO and later relocated to Platteville, CO. They had three children: Megan, Kerry, and Niall. All born in March, and all named with Irish names to honor the Irish heritage of Greg's family. He worked as a faithful government servant for forty-one years. His area of expertise was related to groundwater, and the earlier years of his career were spent working in that capacity at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Commerce City, CO. In 1992, Greg and family relocated to Spokane, WA where he had accepted a job with the Bonneville Power Administration. He worked for BPA as a Geologist for some time, but eventually moved into a more administrative, IT related position later in his career. Greg ran Track and Cross Country through high school, and after moving to Spokane, ran every Lilac Bloomsday race from 1992 to 2018. His grandson Patrick ran Track and Cross Country through high school just like his grandfather, and Greg was a loyal supporter, attending many meets for his grandson, his camera always at the ready. Beginning in the 1970's, Greg and Mikelyn had Irish Wolfhound dogs, and soon became involved in a sport for sighthound dogs known as Lure Coursing. As time went on, Greg became known in the Lure Coursing community in Colorado and later in Washington as a judge for Lure Coursing events, and continued judging the occasional event into his early 70's. His entire life, Greg did things his own way and in his own time. Many a trip began with the family waiting in the car for him to finally be ready to leave. He was infamous for being the last one at the table at any mealtime, often heating and reheating his food multiple times during the course of a meal. Though finally, his grandson Evan came along and gave him a run for his money! Though not an outwardly affectionate man, Greg showed his love to his family through his rock-solid consistency, dependability, and by spending the majority of his life providing for them. Never one to rock the boat or ruffle feathers, he had a quiet, diplomatic way about him and was well-liked by many. We know you're probably living it up at the great racetrack in the sky, Greg. We'll miss you in the meantime but will see you when we get there.