John Gary Ward was born on January 7, 1937, at Toronto General Hospital and spent his life deeply rooted in the city he loved, particularly the Bloor West Village community. From a boyhood shaped by curiosity and independence to a life defined by quiet strength and generosity, Gary lived with integrity, humility, and unwavering devotion to family. Above all else, he was a true gentleman—kind, steady, and respectful in every way.

Gary grew up in Toronto and Etobicoke, forging a lifelong love of the outdoors through summers at Kilcoo Camp near Minden and on his cousin's farm in Bethany. Whether swimming, canoeing, sailing, or working the land, he found joy in nature early in life—a joy that followed him always, especially at the family cottage affectionately known as "the Pond," his happiest place.

He began working at just 12 years old, delivering newspapers and making grocery deliveries before eventually joining the family business, Cecil Ward's Menswear. Taking over from his father in 1962, Gary worked in the store for an extraordinary 70 years, remaining active well into his late 80s. A proud member of the local business community, he was a founding member of the Bloor West Village Business Improvement Area—Canada's first of its kind—and took great pride in serving his neighbourhood.

Gary met Janet in 1958, and they were married on May 5, 1962. Together they built a loving home and raised three children, Karen, Doug, and Chris. Family meant everything to Gary, and he cherished time with his grandchildren Emma, Callum, and Ethan, daughter‑in‑law Diana, and son‑in‑law Andre.

Gary was known for his calm spirit, quick wit, and quiet courage. In 1999, he was awarded the OPP Commissioner's Citation for Bravery after risking his life to rescue a snowmobile rider who had fallen through the ice on Georgian Bay—an act he always downplayed, preferring to focus on warming up afterward.

He loved animals, cars, honest work, and simple pleasures. Gentle, dependable, and deeply compassionate, Gary leaves behind a legacy of decency, humility, and love. He will be remembered always as a devoted family man, a pillar of his community, and a true gentleman.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W. (One block East of Jane on the South side of Bloor) on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 2 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Bloor West Food Bank or a charity that holds personal meaning to you.