CAMDEN — Richard W. Ward Sr., better known to all as Deacon, passed away at the age of 79 on January 22, 2024, at PenBay Medical Center. He was surrounded by family and friends.

Deacon was born in Rockland, Maine on September 21, 1944, to Raymond C. Ward and Anna M. Ward (Nystrom) and was the youngest of five children. Deacon was educated at Rockland schools, graduating from the Rockland High Class of 1962 and soon thereafter, moved to Camden.

Serving as a school bus driver for over 35 years, he was known by many throughout the greater Camden area for his genuine friendliness to whomever he met as well as caring for the students who boarded his bus.

He and wife Debbie were involved in the community. They enjoyed decorating their house for Halloween and Christmas. Hundreds of kids would arrive at their home every year to see the Halloween decorations and every Christmas, people would venture from all around to see the thousands of lights and decorations. They were also involved in other community activities such as the Camden High School Alumni Association. He was recognized for his community involvement by the West Bay Rotary Club with the award of a Paul Harris Fellow.

His true passion was working on cars, specifically with his late son Wayne. Together they restored many cars and helped locals with car repairs. His greatest work was restoring a 1960 Chevy Biscayne in memory of Debbie
after her passing. He spent many evenings sitting in the “60” at the public landing or next to French and Brawns enjoying the view of Camden and chatting with people about his car.

Deacon is survived by his son James T. Ward of Camden; his brother Charles Ward and his wife Elaine of Rockland; his brother-in-law, Rodney Lynch of Rockland; his sister-in-law, Hazel Ames of Camden; and many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by five grandchildren: Kayla, Keri, Connor, Alyssa and Madison Ward, and two great grandchildren, Anabelle Ward and Lillith Dustin.

He was predeceased by his wife, Deborah Ward in 2011; his son Richard W. Ward Jr. in 2016; his brothers Raymond in 2006, Maynard in 1992, and John in 2018; and grandson Phillip Ward in 2001.

There will be a graveside service in the spring. In memory of Deacon, instead of donations, please take the time to donate blood to the American Red Cross to help others who also might be in need.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with the Ward family by visiting their book of memories at longfuneralhomescamden.com.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.