Ward

Bill Ward of Hollidaysburg was a gentleman who made everyone feel special and whose legacy of mentorship and leadership will continue to inspire, said those who knew the man best remembered for his career as a leader at Ward Trucking Co.

“Bill Ward was a person of immense strength and integrity … he exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit and gave back to the community,” said Marty J. Marasco, adding that Ward was “a very philanthropic individual.”

G. William Ward, better known as Bill, passed away Dec. 17. He was 94.

Marasco, retired leader of the Altoona-Blair County Development Corp., said he had the “utmost respect and admiration” for Ward.

“His commitment to the betterment of the development, organizations, his own business operations and the entire Altoona Blair County regional community set a high standard for all of us to follow,” Marasco said.

Ward’s career at Ward Trucking Corp. spanned more than 50 years, beginning in 1956 as assistant director of operations. His success resulted in future promotions, culminating with president in 1967 and chairman of the board in 1992. During those years, he navigated the company through good and bad economies, union organization attempts and competition brought on by industry deregulation. After passing the leadership role on to others, he remained interested in company operations until his last days.

“Bill Ward was first and foremost a gentleman. He conducted business in ways that reflected his values, his regard for his employees and his respect for his community. Bill was a man of faith who never compromised what he believed. Hard to reach that status with so many obstacles getting in the way,” said Joe Hurd, retired president/CEO of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce.

Longtime friend and retired banker Dean McKnight called Ward a “gentleman’s gentleman.”

“He was a special kind of guy. All business people don’t have the ability to talk to everybody, he included everybody in his conversations, he talked to anyone and made you feel special. He just cared about people,” McKnight said.

McKnight said Ward was a leader.

“The fact he was trusted is special. When people trust you, they listen to you and can make things happen. This man, throughout his career, had a lot of that. I remember I felt so lucky he was my friend,” McKnight said.

McKnight said he got to know Ward well when he was on the board of directors of the Mid-State Bank.

“That was where I really got to know him, Bill the man, not the recognition or image. Mid-State Bank had some great directors who cared about the community. Bill wanted to make things better for everybody,” McKnight said.

Local attorney David Halpern has been a friend of Ward for more than 50 years.

“Trying to capture the life of Bill Ward in a few words is a daunting task, as this was a man who was truly larger than life,” Halpern said. “Bill was one of those special people who touched the lives of those around him in a positive way. Whether sailing the Chesapeake or Glendale, captaining Ward Transport, improving the community through the Ward Foundation, Bill gave everything 100 percent. He was a natural leader and never had to raise his voice to make his point. If Bill said it, everyone would follow.”

Halpern said being Ward’s friend was a lifetime position.

“I had known Bill for over 50 years, and in all that time, I have never seen nor heard a negative comment about him. Very few people can fit that model,” Halpern said. “If you knew Bill, your life was enriched. He has left much that improved our community but none greater than his family who continue this legacy of positive influences in the community and the lives of those who work at Ward Trucking.”

Ward was a very special person, Marasco said.

“I valued his dedication and support, his wisdom and experience, which always provided a guiding light for many of us to follow.”

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.