Clifford S. Ward

Clifford S. Ward, 88, passed away earlier this year at the Gosnell House in Scarborough.  He was born on June 25, 1929, the son of John L. Ward and Annie L. (Wells) Ward.  Mr. Ward was raised in the Riverton neighborhood of Portland in a large family.  He attended local schools and graduated from Portland High School.

After high school Mr. Ward enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and retired after 25 years of honorable service.  His military career took him to air bases all over the world, the Middle East, North Africa and many right here stateside.  In 1966 he was transferred to Andersen Air Base on the island of Guam and the following year was dispatched to Viet Nam to Da Nang air base.  Like a lot of Viet Nam veterans, he had served in this war with honor and a calling to duty.

Upon retirement, Mr. Ward retreated to his camp on Brandy Pond in Naples, Me.  He lived alone there for the rest of his years, his family fondly named him, “the hermit of Jackson Cove.”  He entertained his large family over the decades with boat trips, picnics and of course, his stories of his military escapades.  He had many friends and neighbors and would like to thank especially Jen and Steve Richards for their friendship and caring support during his illness.

Mr. Ward was predeceased by: four brothers, John, Henry, Fred, and Richard and two sisters, Aristeen Ward and Louise M. McGinty.  He is survived by a brother Lewis, of Detroit, Michigan.  He also leaves behind more than a dozen nieces and nephews scattered about the country.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Gosnell House and to his niece Joanne Flaherty and nephew Wayne McGinty for personalized care in his final months.

Friends and relatives are welcome to attend a graveside service in Evergreen Cemetery on Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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