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Obituary for Michael Albert Ward
Michael Albert Ward passed away peacefully June 11, 2020, at his home in Oakland Township, Michigan. Born May 15, 1942, in Billings, Montana, Michael was the devoted son to late Stephen Donald Ward and Lyllis Grant Ward.
Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 1960-1966. He was stationed in the United States, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal and was Honorably Discharged as a Staff Sergeant.
After his military service, he landed in Birmingham, Michigan, where his interest in real estate began. In 1966, he started a company with the Gershenson brothers which would be known as Ramco-Gershenson. In 1996, the Company became a public REIT. Michael was appointed the Executive VP/COO of Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust and served on the Board as a trustee.
Throughout Michael’s lifetime he was a passionate collector of George Custer memorabilia, antique firearms, and Indian War artifacts; he loved acquiring historically important objects in American history. He was competitive in all of his interests and won the 2013 World Skeet Championship, qualified for the World Championships in Barrel Horse Racing from 1996 to 1999, and participated in the Single Action Shooting Society from 1998 to 2020. His hobbies included horseback riding, hunting game birds, painting, driving sport cars, and golfing. He even made a hole-in-one at Shadow Wood Country Club in his primary home in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Michael will be forever cherished by his wife Lynne Pestru Ward and their rescued dog, Angel; he is also survived by Lynne’s children, Kimberly and Chris (Terri), and step-grandchildren, Camryn, Caden, and Caitlyn of Windsor, Ontario.
Dear Brother to Pamela Reed of Huntington Woods and Stephen David Ward of Chicago.
He is lovingly remembered by his children, Kathy Ward Darin (Mark) of Atlanta, Georgia, Jennifer Ward Forbes of Bloomfield Hills, David Ward (Julie) of West Bloomfield, and their mother, Kimiko Ward.
He remains the beloved grandfather to his seven grandchildren, Courtney Darin Rouleau (Tom), Alyse Darin, Stephanie Forbes Mermell (Dillon), Bradley, Matthew, and Spencer Forbes, and Michael David Ward. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, 2100 Twelve Mile Road, Royal Oak, Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 10am. All are welcome, but masks and social distancing will be required.
Immediately following Mass, the Ward family invites you to join them for a celebratory reception at the home of Michael’s daughter, Jennifer Forbes: 1081 Country Club Road, Bloomfield Hills. Masks required.
Memorials appreciated to the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association.
