Ward, 77, died of congestive heart failure Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006, at his home.

Born Oct. 4, 1928, in Seattle, he lived in Menifee for four years. Ward graduated from the University of Washington in 1950.He worked for Douglas Aircraft 1950-51 and was in the Army from 1951-53.

After his tour in the Army, Ward worked for McDonald Douglas 1953-76 and 1990-95.

He retired in 1999 from the aerospace industry. Ward jumped at Cave Junction during the 1948 season.