R. WARD Age 85, active in Albuquerque civic, professional and religious life for more than 60 years, died of a stroke May 2, 2012. A native of Raleigh, NC, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and an engineering graduate of North Carolina State University, he arrived here in 1950 to begin a career at Sandia Corporation that would last 43 years. He worked in the plant engineering department, rising to director, where he supervised construction of many buildings, roads and test facilities at Sandia. He served on the board of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority from 1980-92, including three years as its chairman. AMAFCA completed several large flood control ditches and dams during his years on the board. He also served on the Urban Transportation Policy Planning Board, the Middle Rio Grande Valley Council of Governments and the Bernalillo County Valuations Protest Board. A member of Central United Methodist Church since 1951, he taught the Harmony Sunday school class, was superintendent of Sunday school, treasurer, served on the board of trustees and the building committee. A special project was developing a health insurance program for church staff members. He was a board member of the Tanoan Estates Homeowners' Association and chairman of its architectural committee. He was an avid golfer and member of Tanoan Country club, and was proud to have scored two holes-on-one during his playing career. He also was an active fisherman and bird hunter, pursuing quail well into his 80s. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Peggy; sons, Bob (Joyce) of Washington, IL and John (Elise) of New Canaan, CT; two step-granddaughters, Lauren and Melissa Papa; sisters, Eugenia Haynie of Indian Wells, CA, Rachel Pair (Herbert) of Knightdale, NC, Ruth John (Richard) of New Bern, NC; and brother, John (Barbara) of Thomasville, NC. Memorial Services will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, on Monday, May 7, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to the Central United Methodist Church Foundation. Please visit our online guestbook for Ward at: www.tributes.com FRENCH 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
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