Harold Cobb Ward, Jr. of Traverse City passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Orchard Creek Assisted Living.

Harold was born on November 9, 1919 in Detroit. He was the son of Harold C. Ward Sr. and Bessie (Kress) Ward. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He married Phyllis Besaw on April 1, 1944 and spent 72 wonderful years together. He started his long and distinguished career driving a semi for Ed Patrick's Moving Co., worked at Ford Motor Co. He went back to school and studied finance and graduated from University of Detroit. He was comptroller for Ernst & Ernst Accounting firm. He went on to found his own company along with three engineers. The company known as Omni-Spectra dealt with microwave components. Through the years, he held the positions of owner/president/ treasurer. He retired at 59 ½ and served as a consultant to the company (later known as S.W. Microwave), for a number of years.

Harold (known as "H") loved nature and the beauty it beheld, especially trees. He lived for his family and would generously help anyone who needed it. He enjoyed many occasions with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved traditions, especially the fall outings in the woods with a picnic and bonfire. Harold and Phyllis had a beautiful home on the bay and later moved to a condo in Mission Ridge.

Surviving Harold are his three children Linda Champ, Debra (Jim) Kava, David (Pam) Ward; five grandchildren Michele, Darin, Justin, Linsey and Jessie; 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Bessie (Kress) Ward, stepfather John Drummond, three brothers Robert, John and Richard (Bud) and a grandson Michael Champ.

At Harold's request, cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home & Cremation Services with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. Followed by meeting of immediate family members at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Those wishing an expression of sympathy may direct contributions to Hospice of MI, 10850 East Traverse Hwy., Suite 1155, Traverse City, MI 49684 or Orchard Creek Assisted Living, 9715 E. Cherry Bend Rd., Traverse City, MI 49684.