Michael Ward
We regret to inform that Marist member Michael (Micky) Ward passed away on the 9th of June. The following is an obituary written by Bill Craddock.
MICHAEL (MICKY) WARD
Died 9th June 2023, aged 75
Michael was born in Gisborne and moved to Christchurch as a young boy with his widowed mother. He attended Loreto from an early age, his mother buying the Stoneyhurst Hotel. Eventually she bought the land in Memorial Avenue and the beginnings of the Commodore Hotel, a destination for many St Bede’s and Marist fraternity.
Right from an early age Michael excelled at sport, swimming especially, at the old Centennial Pool where he was ably tutored by his older brother Edward. On his arrival at St Bede’s as a third former he broke the 33 ⅓ yards backstroke record held by prefect John Craddock. This was the start of an outstanding sporting career at St Bede’s, being an outstanding hooker and front rower in the 1st XV for three seasons. His able assistants in the front row were Peter Walsh (father of NZ shot put champion Tom Walsh), and Brian Small; the locks were Murray Giera and Peter Duncan. Giving good ball to the backs, they executed excellent victories over top colleges.
Michael also excelled in field events alongside Peter Walsh, setting records in discus and shot put, and winning inter-secondary school sports events. Michael’s successes are in evidence on the Honours Board at St Bede’s.
On leaving St Bede’s Michael joined the bank and was posted to Timaru. There he linked up with the Timaru Celtic club where he excelled in the front row with Peter Walsh, Bill Garth, and Ken McCrae. They had success with Celtic and also featured in a number of games for South Canterbury. For Michael they were great days, with enduring friendships and many fun memories.
On leaving Timaru and returning to Christchurch, he joined the hospitality business at the Commodore Hotel, joining his mother, sister and brother-in-law building the business to the success it is today.
Michael was a Marist Man through and through, and his love of the “Green” a hand down from his Irish family. A humble man of great faith, his friendships made were friends for life.
His Marist Christchurch career in the seventies was a golden era for Marist rugby. He was a brave contributor, acclaiming his skills were honed by the late father Vince (Boss) Curtin, his 1st XV coach at St Bede’s and a person he remained friends with until his passing. Michael played alongside many great contributors to Marist rugby at that time: coaches Jake Burns, Fr John Weir and Bernie Connolly; and players Kevin O’Gorman, Paul Robertson, Billy Ryall, Peter McGrath, Mike Bradley, Kevin O’Brien, John Corby, and the Hansens; a truly formidable Marist band.
Michael and his brother Monsignor Pat Ward also participated in a large number of overseas trips with the Marist Marauders Golden Oldies rugby team. Many legendary stories have emanated from those trips, with Jake Burns and the Blanchfields prominent associates, and the Marist tradition of fun, family and fellowship showing through.
The Green Machine Racing Syndicate was another love of his, being an inaugural member of the syndicate since the beginning some 35 years ago. In fact, it was some of Michael’s early horses that fostered the idea of the syndicate for hard core Marist boys. It still flourishes to this day and the 100 odd wins recorded were of great pleasure to him. He also enjoyed some highlights on his own behalf with exceptional success with OK Royal and Piccadilly Princess. He also raced a number of thoroughbreds with his good Marist friend Bernie Connolly with limited success, though good days he used to say.
To sum up, a life well lived. He loved his Guinness, a good whisky, a red wine and his times with his friends. His faith and his love of the Marist fraternity is a beacon for us all. He would tell all young people to live, learn, and remember.
May he rest in peace.
(by Bill Craddock)
Article added: Thursday 29 June 2023