Gary Carlton Ward

Gary Ward of Petoskey died Monday, August 31, 2015 at the age of 73 at Hiland Cottage.

Gary was born on October 16, 1941 at Five Mile Creek near Harbor Springs.  His parents were Carlton and Janet (Garver) Ward, both of whom have preceded Gary in death.

Gary grew up in Harbor Springs and was a graduate of Harbor Springs High School.  He worked as a Meat Cutter for most of his professional life, primarily at Giant Supermarket.  He also worked for a time for The Leggs Inn of Cross Village and B&B Distributors in Petoskey.  Gary was a man of simple pleasures, enjoying few things more than quality time with his kids and grandkids.  In his free time he enjoyed exercising, chatting with friends at the Casino, but most of all playing Ker Plunk with his grandkids.

Gary married Linda Kalchik on October 9, 1976, they have shared 38 wonderful years and she survives.  Also surviving Gary are his sons Scott (Laura) of Harbor Springs, Jeff of Cheboygan and Eric (Cathy) of Pellston, and 15 grandchildren Kasey (Rose), Samantha, Allison, Jade, Kiah, Elizabeth, Caleb, Isaiah, Leah, Hannah, Jacob, Sara, Emily, Ethan and Elysia, his surviving sisters include Carmen Leese and Greta Moyer.

Gary's life will be remembered and celebrated during a Funeral Mass that will take place at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2015.  Visitation will be held in the church gathering space beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Those wishing to remember Gary with a charitable contribution are asked by his family to consider the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation or Bay Bluffs.

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