Michael "Dean" Ward

Micheal "Dean" Ward, 72, of Dunbar, Ontario, died peacefully at home on Saturday, March 28, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
Dean was born in Ottawa in 1953, as the little brother to Scott; the cowboy and the hippie. They moved out West to Banff, then White Rock, and finally Vancouver. He attended Point Grey Highschool in Vancouver.

He moved back to Ottawa in 1971 when he was 18, with his Dad. This is where he met so many of his friends, and his wife Sylvie Ledoux-Ward.
Dean loved to follow his favourite musicians around, and gifted his love of music to his children, François (Taiwen), Kharla (Shane), Kimberly, and Ross (Pirahashini) . This also manifested in his granddaughters, Kaylyn and Sydney, as their love of dance.
He had to make the money for concerts somehow, and started working at the National Capitol Commission in 1977, taking care of many different parks in Ottawa. Notably at Dow's Lake and the Tulip Festival.

His love for the outdoors shone in his work both professionally and in his home garden. But the hours spent caring for those gardens wasn't enough outdoor time for him and his family.

During the summers you could likely find him at any number of Ontario Provincial Parks from Murphy's Point to Awenda.
Dean was also a passionate supporter of Tibet, and its right to freedom. He spent over 20 years going to Tibetan National Uprising Day on March 10th, marching from Parliament Hill to the Chinese Embassy in protest. Here is where he gained the love and support of so many Tibetans. After retirement he would go to the embassy to protest on the 10th of each month, when able. He was committed to Tibetan Freedom until the end.  His family will honour his legacy and continue to March and speak up about Tibet. Tibet will be free. Dean was loved by people all over this Earth and his loss will not go unnoticed.

Funeral Arrangements

A Celebration of Dean's life will be held at Vincent Massey Park, Heron Road in Ottawa, on Saturday, May 23rd from 4-6 p.m.  Bring your own picnic supper, light refreshments will be served.  Donations go to the Ottawa Friends of Tibet at www.oft.ca would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  If you are making your donation online or by cheque directly to the charity, please include the following note with your gift "please notify the family."  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.