CAMDEN — R. Wayne Ward Jr., 50, died Jan. 26, 2016, after a five-month battle against pancreatic cancer. He quietly passed away, as he always wished, at home surrounded by his loving family and closest of friends.

Born in Camden on Dec. 25, 1965, he was the eldest son of Richard W. "Deacon" and Deborah (Lynch) Ward, and was a 1985 graduate of Camden High School.

Wayne developed a passion for automobiles at an early age and nurtured that passion into a lifelong career. In his high school days, he spent much of his free time working on cars and learning everything that he could about them. Over the years, during and after high school, he worked at many local garages, learning from the finest master mechanics in the Camden area where he develop an expertise in mechanics and auto-body work. With that knowledge, coupled with his steadfast attention to detail, he designed and rebuilt many different vehicles over the years with his father and friends. He and his father's most recent project was the restoration of Debbie's 1960 Chevy in her honor, a project that he could not see to fruition due to his failing health.

Wayne also had an infectious personality and was respected by all those around him. He used his expertise to help many in the local community by donating his time and advice assisting many in repairing their vehicles, often at no cost, ensuring they had safe and reliable transportation throughout the year.

Wayne was married to the former Joanna Wood of Camden. Meeting in 2010, they quickly became soul mates and developed a lifetime of memories. They shared a deep and passionate love for each other. Wayne and Joanna had a bond of which happens once in a lifetime. Joanna devotedly cared for Wayne, and stood by his side every day during his courageous battle, aiding him in every possible way.

Predeceased by his mother, Debbie Ward; and his maternal grandfather, James Lynch; surviving is his wife, Joanna Wood - Ward his father, Richard W. "Deacon" Ward; and his daughter, Alyssa Ward, all of Camden; his daughter, Maddison Ward of Union; his granddaughter, Annabelle Ward of Camden; his brother, James Ward and his wife, Suzanne, of Orlando, Fla.; his uncles, Rodney Lynch of Rockland, Robert Lynch of Winter Park, Fla., Charles Ward of Rockland and John Ward of Marlboro, Mass.; and many nieces, a nephew, cousins and friends who cared deeply for Wayne.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, Feb. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain St. in Camden. A graveside service in Mountain View Cemetery will be announced at a later date.

Memorial gifts in his memory may be made to the Wayne Ward Memorial Fund, c/o The First, 114 Commercial Street, Rockport, ME 04856.