What a great friend to a community of RC pilots. Mr. Dick Ward was not just our friend but also a passionate supporter of our hobby. His enthusiasm for flying was evident in the generous and heartfelt ways he contributed. He offered the Flying Griffins a portion of his land to call home—a gesture that underscored his kindness and commitment to our group.

Often, he would drive from his house to the far side of the field just to visit with us. With a warm smile and captivating stories, he would spend hours watching us fly and sharing in the camaraderie. Dick Ward was not just a great man; he was a cherished friend to the Flying Griffins. He will be deeply missed.

From his obituary:
Mr. Richard Dwight Ward, affectionately known as Dick, passed away on March 12, 2024, at Brightmoor Hospice at the age of 88. Born in Patton, Missouri, he was the son of the late George Alexander Ward and Freda Miinch Ward. Dick married the love of his life, Iris Jeanine Knight, and together they moved from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Georgia when Dick began his illustrious career as a Delta Airlines pilot.

For Dick, flying wasn’t just a job—it was his passion and playground in the sky. Between trips, he farmed his land and was an active member of Williamson Methodist Church. He also served on the Pike County Board of Education for 13 years. A proud conservative and a man of high principles, he was an extraordinary role model for his family.

Dick served in the U.S. Air Force for four years during peacetime and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He embraced life with a sense of adventure, fulfilling every item on his bucket list and leaving this world "with his boots on."

A talented photographer, Dick captured the beauty of over 1,000 sunrises and sunsets and documented his travels across the globe. From the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland to the Vatican, the Kremlin, Barcelona, Germany, Paris, England, Korea, Hawaii, and more, he shared these experiences with Jeanine during their many international trips before his retirement.

Dick spent 33 years as a Captain with Delta Airlines, and beside the airstrip on his family’s property lies a remote control aircraft field named in his honor—Ward Field—a place where a new generation of flight enthusiasts takes to the skies.

Even after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 13 years ago, Dick's determination and treatment allowed for many more cherished years with his family and friends. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and treatment, as well as the hope for a cure for this devastating disease.

We were blessed to have known Dick Ward, a man of unwavering character, boundless generosity, and a true love for life.