David G. Ward
David G. Ward, after a courageous battle with cancer, died on April 10 in Charlottesville, VA. He faced death fearlessly, just as he had lived, with unwavering hope in Christ. Known for his love of family and community, he was surrounded by a multitude of friends to the very end. He was 46.
Born June 20, 1963 in Bethlehem, PA to Dick and Margo Ward, he graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1981. In 1986 he married his High School sweetheart, Joanne Underwood. The couple moved to the Charlottesville area in 1991.
David Ward held engineering degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was the Senior Technical Director and President of Barron Associates in Charlottesville. Highly respected in his field, he authored numerous publications and served as the Chair of important national and international committees and conferences. Mr. Ward’s research was concentrated in stochastic optimization of complex systems, robust on-line parameter identification, and receding-horizon optimal control. In 1996, Mr. Ward spearheaded the development of an adaptive flight control system that was the first ever to be successfully flight tested.
An avid outdoors person, David’s life was full of adventure. From piloting small aircraft to mountain biking, playing squash, zip-lining, riding motorcycles, and whitewater rafting, he was always moving. A committed Christian, he was a highly influential leader and skillful Bible teacher who served on the board of Elders in the churches he attended over the years. Dozens of men considered him their “best friend”. Intensely humorous, loyal and honest, David was known for his direct but relational style of communicating, loving people enough to tell them the truth and buy them a beer.
David Ward was a faithful husband and a loving father. He is survived by his wife; four children, Danielle, Karisa, Caleb, and Nicole; his parents; his brother, Tom Ward, and sister-in-law Michele, all of Earlysville.
A time of viewing and public visitation will be hosted on Wednesday, April 14th from 5 to 8PM at the Blue Ridge Community Church, 5372 Lake Saponi Terrace, Barboursville. The Funeral will be held at 2pm at the Christ Community Church, 329 Riverside Avenue, in Charlottesville, VA, with a reception following. There will be a private interment for immediate family members only.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Betel-Prague Fund (a rehabilitation mission for drug and alcohol abusers in the Czech Republic), c/o Rivanna Community Church, PO Box 587, Ruckersville, VA 22968.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Homecoming
After a long and heroic battle with cancer, Dave is now at peace and having a wonderful conversation with Jesus. He was loved by so many and will be missed greatly. Thank you all for your love, care and prayers during this past year and a half. Dave and I felt so blessed by all of you.
Joanne
Joanne
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Update on Dave
About two months ago, Dave's cancer medicine began to lose its effectiveness, so they decided to switch treatments. There was a promising drug trial at Duke that Dave wanted to try to qualify for. To do so, he went off all chemo for a month.
His liver did not do well. When he showed up at Duke for the trial his liver function numbers were not in line, and he did not qualify. In fact, without a properly functioning liver, no treatments were available for the cancer.
Ascites fluid has been building up in his abdomen, and he has had a few abdominal taps to draw that off. About two weeks ago, he had a procedure to place stints in his liver and pancreas, followed by a procedure to remove the one in his pancreas. He spent time in the hospital last week.
This Monday he was admitted to UVA Hospital again. They determined that his remaining kidney was losing its function. The doctors recommended some options for trying to address the kidney and liver function, with the hope that cancer treatment could be resumed if those functions improved sufficiently.
On Tuesday, Dave took a turn for the worst. After conferring with the doctors, the decision was made to focus on providing comfort care. His oncologist suggested that Joanne call the kids. They all arrived that day and have spent time with him at the hospital since then. Joanne has been with him virtually around the clock. Dave's parents, brother and sisters-in-law have had good visits, as have many friends.
The number of visitors and the depth of love expressed has been a testament to the impact Dave has had on so many lives. He is content.
Psalm 73:16-17, 23-26:
"When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me, till I entered the sanctuary of God, then I understood my final destiny.
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by your right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
His liver did not do well. When he showed up at Duke for the trial his liver function numbers were not in line, and he did not qualify. In fact, without a properly functioning liver, no treatments were available for the cancer.
Ascites fluid has been building up in his abdomen, and he has had a few abdominal taps to draw that off. About two weeks ago, he had a procedure to place stints in his liver and pancreas, followed by a procedure to remove the one in his pancreas. He spent time in the hospital last week.
This Monday he was admitted to UVA Hospital again. They determined that his remaining kidney was losing its function. The doctors recommended some options for trying to address the kidney and liver function, with the hope that cancer treatment could be resumed if those functions improved sufficiently.
On Tuesday, Dave took a turn for the worst. After conferring with the doctors, the decision was made to focus on providing comfort care. His oncologist suggested that Joanne call the kids. They all arrived that day and have spent time with him at the hospital since then. Joanne has been with him virtually around the clock. Dave's parents, brother and sisters-in-law have had good visits, as have many friends.
The number of visitors and the depth of love expressed has been a testament to the impact Dave has had on so many lives. He is content.
Psalm 73:16-17, 23-26:
"When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me, till I entered the sanctuary of God, then I understood my final destiny.
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by your right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
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