Loring J. “Butch” Ward, Jr., 59, died Sunday evening, June 9, 2013 in the Kaplan Family Hospice House following a brief illness.
Born in Beverly on July 29, 1953, he was the son of the late Sally I. Ward. He was raised and educated in Beverly and was a graduate of Beverly High School, Class of 1971. He later graduated from the New England Institute at Mount Ida College with a degree in Funeral Service.
For fifteen years, he was employed as a funeral director at C.R. Lyons & Sons in Danvers until the time of his retirement. He had previously been employed by Campbell Funeral Home in Beverly.
A Beverly resident for many years, Butch resided in Danvers for more than ten years. He was the longtime chairman of the Beverly Board of Cemetery Commissioners. He was an avid Boston sports fan and enjoyed spending time at his camp at Acres of Wildlife in Steep Falls, Maine.
He is survived by his daughter, Caitlyn Ward of Danvers, his girlfriend, Sue O’Neil of Groveland, his former wife, Kelly Pierce of Danvers, several nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
His Funeral Service will be Friday, June 14, 2013 at 11AM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Burial will follow in North Beverly Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Thursday in the funeral home from 5-8PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Butch’s name may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923.