WARD, Dereck

Dereck Hilton Ward of Listowel passed away at Palmerston & District Hospital on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in his 82nd year. Husband of the late Patricia (Rea) Ward. Father of Michelle & Paul Hemingway of Listowel, Kristine & Jeff Douglas of Fonthill, and Lorri & Andrew Weber of Listowel. Grandfather of Erica and Chloe Hemingway, and Calla and Thea Weber. Brother of Gregg & Bonnie Ward of Ayton, Brenda & Bill Smith Westlock AB, Lane & Joan Ward of Hanover, and Trent and Debbie Ward of Grand Bend, brother-in-law of Donald & the late Jannett Rea of Owen Sound, Karen & Murray Alexander of Gorrie, and Sheri & John Phillips of Pickering. Special friend of Jennifer Denardis of Listowel. Remembered by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Leonard & Viola (Harvey) Ward, parents-in-law Murray & Shirley Rea, and brother-in-law Dennis Rea. Dereck was born in Craik, Saskatchewan to Leonard & Viola (Harvey) Ward. He married Patricia Jean Rea on June 3, 1967 and they celebrated 39 years of marriage before her passing in 2007. Dereck enjoyed living in both Huron and Perth counties and working in the agricultural industry for most of his life. He served as both a trustee and chairperson with the Perth County Board of Education, representing Wallace Township. He was also an avid angler and hunter who enjoyed spending time outdoors. A private family service was held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Listowel on Friday, September 11, 2026 followed by a public Celebration of Dereck’s Life at Parkview Gardens (565 Elizabeth St. E., Listowel) from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel. The family expresses their appreciation to the staff at Palmerston & District Hospital for their excellent care and attention in Dereck’s final weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Canadian Diabetes, Palmerston Hospital Foundation, or Knox Presbyterian Church, Listowel would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca