Thomas Aaron Ward Jr. passed away peacefully at home in Warrenton, Oregon, surrounded by his loved ones on August 6, at the age of 66. He was born on November 16, 1954, in Bakersfield, California, to Tom Sr. and Barbara Jackson Ward. Tom’s parents moved their family to Sisters in 1965 when Tom was 10.

Tom married Becky Hammack of Sisters in 1975 and they shared two daughters. Becky preceded him in death in 1992.

Tom moved from Sisters to Alaska in 1986 to begin his career as a fisherman. In Kodiak he met and married the love of his life, Kara Jo Hughes Ward of Seaside, Oregon. Tom ultimately retired in Seaside, where they shared their four daughters, Justine, Jackie, Victoria, and Kylee.

Tom is survived by his wife; their four daughters; his two sisters, Connie and Kim, of Sisters; and his brother, Wes, of Bend. Known as papa, Tom is also survived by his 10 beautiful grandchildren, Aaron, Cory Thomas, Alyssa Lynn, Rayce, Kelton Thomas, Kyle, Ryker, Brody, Cohen, and Lyrik; plus sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, several nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved so much.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Joanne.

Granddaughter Alyssa describes her papa as “Thomas Aaron Ward Jr., fisherman, cowboy, musician, ultimate storyteller, husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend. My Papa, we’re going to miss him so much.”

A celebration of life will be held September 12 at 4 p.m. at the Sons of Norway in Gearhart, Oregon. Contact [email protected] for details.