Send Flowers

Life story

" Michael Arlen Ward
April 29, 1961 – August 9, 2026

Michael Arlen Ward, 65, passed away on August 9, 2026, surrounded by his family, just weeks after learning he had advanced lung cancer.

Michael was born on April 29, 1961 in Saginaw, Michigan, to Royce and JoAnn Ward. He grew up in Michigan, was a graduate of Delta College, and spent many years working for his father at the family business, Ward Building Products. In the fall of 1996, Michael began a new chapter when he moved to Alaska. There, he worked as a purchasing agent for Spenard Builders Supply. Alaska became an important part of Michael’s story and reflected so much of who he was.

Michael eventually returned to Michigan and later moved to Virginia to be closer to his daughter, Emily, and her family.

Michael loved dogs, golf, fishing, and the outdoors. Higgins Lake held a special place in his memories, where his family had a lake house, and he spent time around the water he loved. He was an excellent swimmer. He carried that same love of nature with him to Alaska and its wilderness. He was always grilling good food. A Michigan sports fan, he enjoyed cheering on the Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, and Michigan State.

Michael was someone who could simply sit with you, share the moment, and be present. He enjoyed conversation and companionship. He was intelligent about the outdoors, with a wealth of practical knowledge that he loved to share. He had a great sense of humor and loved a good prank.

He was deeply proud of his three grandsons, Zane, Ezekiel, and Judah. Even during his final days, they brought him joy. He smiled while talking about Judah and his love of fishing. He talked with Zeke about his guns and the outdoors. And after seeing a new photo of Zane, who was preparing to start high school, Michael proudly remarked in his characteristically colorful way that nobody was going to mess with him when he got there.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Emily, and her husband, James; his beloved grandsons, Zane, Ezekiel, and Judah; his sister, Rachelle Taylor, and her husband, Kevin Taylor; as well as family and friends who were part of his life throughout the years.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Royce and JoAnn (Morse) Ward; his nephew, Erik Anderson; and his beloved partner, Susan Elliott.

Michael lived a life marked by independence, adventure, and a path all his own. His journey was not always an easy one, but his love for his family remained, even when he didn’t always know how to express it. That love showed in the way he spoke proudly of his daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons, and in the interest he took in the things that mattered to them.

Michael will be remembered for many things - his love of adventure, his great sense of humor and the stories he lived and loved to tell. To his grandsons, he will always be their funny Grandpa - the one who was always up to something and left them with stories they'll be telling and laughing about for years to come. Those memories, and the love behind them, will stay with them always. "