Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church Live Stream
John “Jack” Martin Ward died unexpectedly in his sleep on the morning of March 26, 2024. He was 78. Leave it to Jack to live large but die uncharacteristically quietly and without fanfare. A true Irish goodbye.
Jack was born in Helena, Montana on June 4, 1945, to Catherine and Charles Ward. He was raised by his mom and grew up in and around Helena. He attended Cathedral High School and spent his youth wreaking havoc with his fellow hooligans. Catherine had her hands full with Jack’s shenanigans from the beginning.
After high school, Jack attended college at the University of Idaho. He was quickly asked to leave school due to his lack of commitment to his education. He then found himself at Gonzaga University where he was again requested to leave for the same reason. Fortunately, Jack negotiated his way back in and he graduated from Gonzaga with a bachelor’s degree in business in 1968.
Jack met his future bride, Kathy Duffy, while attending Gonzaga. Kathy was not interested initially, but Jack pestered her until she finally agreed to go on a date with him. During Jack’s junior year at Gonzaga, he asked Kathy’s dad for her hand in marriage. Tom Duffy was not pleased and thought he had successfully talked Jack out of proposing to Kathy. In true Jack fashion, he proposed anyway, and he and Kathy were married on June 8, 1968, in Hillsborough, California. Kathy was the love of his life and Jack would tell you, till his dying day, that he got the better end of that deal.
Jack joined the Navy in 1967 and attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. After being commissioned, he completed flight training in Corpus Christi, Texas earning his wings of gold as a Naval Flight Officer. His first active-duty assignment was Rota, Spain, serving as a Navigator on C-130 aircraft patrolling the Mediterranean Sea with VQ-2. While in Rota, he and Kathy had the first two of their four children, Erin and Sean. After completing his tour of duty in Rota, Jack was assigned to aviation instructor duty at VT-29 in NAS Corpus Christi, TX. There, he and Kathy welcomed their third child, Kenny. Jack later served as the Hangar Deck Officer on board USS ORISKANY (CV 34) based out of Alameda, California. He concluded his active-duty career, serving once again as a Navigator on C-130 aircraft, deploying to Antarctica with VXE-6 three times out of NAS Point Mugu, California.
Jack often spoke about his love of Antarctica, and even dreamed of moving his family there one day. Thankfully, Kathy responded with a resounding “NO!” Unable to move to the frozen southern continent, Jack instead elected to move to the frozen north, returning home to Montana and retiring from active naval service in 1979.
On his return to Montana, Jack settled the family on forty acres in the Helena valley, where he lived for the rest of his life. There, Jack and Kathy welcomed their fourth child, Molly, in 1981. Jack continued his military service in the Naval Reserves for more than fifteen years, commuting monthly to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, where he served as a flight engineer and operations officer on C-40 aircraft for VR-61. This was his final assignment in uniform, retiring as a Commander in 1995. Jack often said that the Navy no longer needed him because he was “too old” and “too bald.”
When he wasn’t “playing Navy,” Jack engaged in several business exploits in the Helena area. The most notable was his purchase of Litt’l John’s Septic Service in 1983. Jack and Kathy ran this business for 37 years with the help of several family members and many trusted employees, including their long-time foreman, Bret Hoyrup and office manager, Kelly Rogge. By the time Jack and Kathy sold Litt’l John’s in 2020, it was one of the most respected businesses in town. Jack retired as a veritable outhouse mogul.
In addition to Jack’s business exploits and naval service, he also served as a state representative in the Montana legislature. He helped pass the public smoking ban, worked across the aisle to end a budget stalemate, and he fought the good fight against dark money. Following his time in office, Jack was appointed by the governor to the parole board. He took his commitments to his state and his country very seriously, always serving with honesty, integrity, and passion.
Jack had a huge heart for those in need and would give the literal shirt off his back to anyone. He was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a Crossfit athlete, and an avid hunter. One of his most important roles, second only to Kathy’s husband, was grandpa. Jack loved his grandchildren dearly and would take every opportunity he could to spend time with them. Being grandpa was truly the great joy of his life.
Jack was preceded in death by his mom, Catherine Ward; dad, Charles Ward; and brother, James Ward.
Jack is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathy. Children Erin (Peter) Olson; Sean (Patty) Ward; Kenny (Tammy) Ward; and Molly (Roland) Newrones. Sister Patricia (Dale) Therriault. Sister-In-Law Jane Wiliams. Grandchildren Madison Ward, Brady (Kayla) Ward, Sean Anton, Paige Ward, Kade Anton, Oakley Ward, Brennan Ward, and Caelan Ward. Bonus Grandchildren Steven (Madi) Olson and Jacqueline Olson, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends that he loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Options Clinic (1005 Partridge Place, Ste #1, Helena MT, 59602) or Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church (1502 Shirley Road, Helena MT 59602).
Vigil service is scheduled for Thursday, April 18th at 6:00 PM – Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke Funeral Home.
Funeral mass is scheduled for Friday April 19th at 11:00 AM – Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. The mass will be livestreamed on Our Lady’s website www.olvmt.org.
Inurnment, with Military Honors, will be at Ft. Harrison Veteran’s Cemetery Friday, April 19th at 3:00 PM.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 18, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 19, 2024
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following Mass
Friday April 19, 2024
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
,
Inurnment
3:00 p.m.
Friday April 19, 2024
Shelter of the Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 18, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 19, 2024
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following Mass
Friday April 19, 2024
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
,
Inurnment
3:00 p.m.
Friday April 19, 2024
Shelter of the Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
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ROGER HAGAN says
Such a fine man. I first met him at the State Legislature and knew from the start he was a truly genuine gentleman. We shared many visits on the benches of the State Capitol. His veteran experience was a common bond for us. I just had a great chat with John two weeks ago. I will miss that wry grin and his sense of humor. Prayers for John’s family during this difficult time.
Carol and Roger Young says
We are so sorry to hear of Jack’s death. Kathy and all of the family, we have held you in prayers and thought about you ever since Patty and Sean called us. May God hold you close and give you strength for these hard times and peace to face the tomorrows! I loved the videos that Brennan and Caelan put together of their growing up with Grandpa Jack! We have plans to go see granddaughter, Maddy, perform her solo recital required for graduation from college so we won’t be able to be there for the funeral. Know that we will be there in spirit and if it will be streamed we certainly will see it as soon as possible. Sending love,
Carol and Roger Young
Jan Gregson says
We are so so sorry to hear this news,….. we have known Jack for most of our lives as we grew up across the street from “Dubby” and her beautiful family. Although he was older than us, jack was always so kind and had a smile for us each time we saw him…. Later in life when we would run into him, his first question was always,” how is your family”, the best part was, he genuinely wanted to know… he will be greatly missed! From our entire family, we wish you all love and peace at this difficult time. The Gleason Family
Tom Pahut says
If you know, you know. If you don’t you missed out.
“See you on the Mountain, Jack”.
Judy and Leonard Ober says
Kathy
So very sorry for your loss.
May God be with you during this time.
HERBERT AKWAJA says
It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute to you my dear friend Jack. I still cannot believe that you are gone. You gave me invaluable advice and helped me navigate this country as a new immigrant from Nigeria many years ago, sharing life’s ups and downs together. You were always there for me during my hardest times, lending a listening ear and words of encouragement. Your kindness, compassion, and generosity knew no bounds.
You had a way of lighting up any room with your wonderful sense of humor. I will forever cherish the memories we made. My biggest regret was not taking you to visit Nigeria with me as I had promised. But I’m grateful for the time we spend together in 2022 when I visited Montana.
Beyond being my friend, you were oniie of the most caring, compassionate and selfless people I have ever known. The world is less bright without you in it.
While I know nothing can truly ease the pain of losing you, I find comfort knowing how much you meant to me and so many others. Your memory will live on in my heart forever. Thank you for the impact you had on my life and for helping shape me into the person I am today. Though we are apart, a part of you will always be with me.
Rest in peace my dear friend. I will miss you dearly, but am grateful for the time we shared. You will be in my thoughts always.
Herbert Akwaja
Bakersfield California
Donald F. Boice says
I first met Jack in Polson, Montana. We both attended Cathedral High School in Helena, and had many family getogethers. Rest in Pease, Jack. You and your family are in my prayers.
Don Boice
1730 Monastery Way, Apt 105
Maplewood, Minnesota 55109-5537
John Larson says
Rest easy Jack! Say “hi” to your little brother Jim for me….
Vicki Hampson says
Kathy & Family,
I am so, so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. When our children were little & we were sitting behind Jack & Kathy in Church, our children would often get into trouble. Jack would just turn & smile. Didn’t realize until later, he was the one starting some of it. Then I would just smile & shake my head. He was & will always be one of a kind. You will be missed beyond words. It was an Honor to know you. Much Love Kathy
Tom and Cathy cherry says
A credit to our community. Thanks for every thing Wards have done! God-speed.
Stephanie Schmitke says
Jack was larger than life. It’s so hard to picture Helena without him.
“Uncle” Jack and “Aunt” Kathy were part of the original welcoming crew when Chad first visited Montana, and then later brought me and then one by one our babies to meet our Montana family. Jack and Teaghan were buddies immediately. (Must have been the matching hairdos… 😉 )
We’re so grateful for the love and welcome you gave us every time, and so glad we were able to sneak in a visit this past summer!
Our deepest sympathies, Kathy and family. We are praying for each of you.
Much love from Canada,
Stephanie, for all of us
Steve and Jean Frye says
So sorry for your loss Kathy. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Jean and Steve
Ann Shannon Brooke says
Dear Kathy and Ward family,
Tom and I are sad to hear of Jack’s sudden departure from this earth. I remember fondly our high school days of mischief. We often double dated and there was never a dull moment. His Mom was the kindest woman and a dear friend all through her life. We are currently still in Arizona so we will be unable to attend his funeral. May you rest in peace Jack.
Pat and Kathy Mellen says
Kathy and Family,
You’re in our thoughts and prayers. We liked sharing our faith with Jack when we lived in Helena at Our Lady of the Valley.
We’re sure you have wonderful memories to cherish forever. May the Lord give you all comfort and strength.
Pat and Kathy Mellen
Tony Duvernay says
Kathy and Family,
I am deeply sorry to learn of Jack’s sudden death. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Laurie Kops says
Kathy and family…
I’m sending you much love as you mourn your loss. No one gave me a harder time than Jack…always trying to get one over on me or give grief about something that he thought would start a rousing battle of good-natured digs at each other. He brought joy and love to those around him, and there’s no better legacy to leave behind. I’m holding you all in my thoughts…RIP, Jack.
Diane Macaraeg Lamgenfus says
Kathy and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Jack was literally part of our family from his childhood. My mother Rosemarie Macaraeg loved him like a brother and he was a Pallbarrer when she passed. He was one of my late Uncle Don Wong best friends, and Jack and another family friend Mike DaSilva organized a fund raiser to help Don’s two youngest children. He was there for me , or any member of our family whenever I asked. I called on him several times for help when I was handling the fundraising auction for the Kay McKenna foundation, for Helena kids.
He has been on my mind lately, and I was shocked to learn of his passing.
He will truly be missed, and I’m saddened that it’s been awhile since we’ve connected.
Jan and Jim Anderson says
Kathy and family, we were so shocked and saddened to read of Jack’s death. We are holding you all in our prayers during this time. Would loved to have seen you and the family. It seems like yesterday that the kids would drop their bikes in our yard before catching the school bus and then we’d get to visit after school! God bless you all now and in the coming days.
Timothy McKeever says
I am saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. Our family lived next door the Kathryn n(Dubbie) and both Jack and Jim became mentors to many of us younger kids in the neighborhood. Jack was a straight forward man with a heart as big as the outdoors. I will miss him, as I have missed Jim.God Speed. My condolences to his family, and particularly to his sister, Patricia.