In Memory of Ed J. Ward

Surrounded by his loving family, our colleague and friend, Ed Ward, lost his valiant fight with prostate cancer in October 2019, at age 74.

Ed was a trusted financial advisor, and he worked for his clients’ interests almost to the time of his passing. Michael Ward, Ed’s nephew and financial services partner, defined Ed’s career in this way, “His spirit was persistent, his work ethic was unrelenting, and his love of people all encompassing. Reliability and integrity were the cornerstones of his practice throughout his career.”

As a community leader, Ed was founder of Milwaukee’s iconic Irish Fest and an astute collector and preserver of Irish history, music and lore. He was considered “a source of inspiration for Irish musicians, colleagues and friends around the world.”

Among his many honors and awards, Ed was a proud recipient of the coveted Marquette University Alumnae Person for Others Award and Ireland’s Presidential Distinguished Award for the Irish Abroad.

During Ed’s many years of service to WBCS, his thoughtful insights and knowledge added an important layman’s and patient’s perspective to the Scientific Review Committee’s oversight funding discussions. He never missed a meeting and always brightened our deliberations with his hallmark Irish humor and optimism, even as he acknowledged he was losing his fight.

Ten days before his death, Ed wrote in a blog: “Memories are often comprised of special moments that we think of and cherish as time goes on.” As we go on without Ed, we cherish both the time we shared together and his unswerving commitment to advancing our mission.

In memory of Ed, we invite you to help raise the last $75,000 of our $1M Professorship pledge. We are confident the WBCS Prostate Cancer Research Professor will add a transformational impetus to prostate cancer research initiatives and provide a life-changing future for those fighting prostate cancer in our community and beyond. A gift in any amount will help us reach our goal.

Thank you,

WBCS Board of Directors