Roger E. (Heze) Ward

Roger E. “Heze” Ward, 85, of William St., passed away unexpectedly on June 29, 2022 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield.

Heze was born in Greenfield, MA on July 6, 1936 the son of Hezekiah and Lillian (McIver) Ward. He attended Arms Academy and left school early to enlist in the United States Air Force.

He was stationed at Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Spangdahlem Germany at the end of the Korean War. He was very proud of his service to our country and equally as proud of all veterans and branches of the military.

He was an active member and former Post Commander of the Shelburne Falls VFW. He was also a member of the Shelburne Falls Eagles.  He was a member of the Conway Sportsmen’s Club and enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially deer and pheasants.

Heze was employed by the Commonwealth of Mass. Dept. of Forest and Parks for many years, retiring as Senior Forest and Park supervisor. He worked the longest at Mohawk State Park in Charlemont and Mt. Sugarloaf Reservation in South Deerfield, MA.  He was also a Deputy Sheriff for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, serving as a Court Officer, Process Server and TRIAD Officer from April 1976 until he retired in July 2000.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Marjorie (Lively) Ward, a daughter Victoria “Vicki” Ward of Shelburne Falls, and many nieces and nephews.

Heze was predeceased by an infant son Timothy Roger Ward, his brothers (twins) Elwin and Erwin Ward, sisters Frances Eldred and Annie Gover.

A graveside service with Military Honors will take place Wednesday, July 6, at 11 am, in Center Cemetery (behind Mary Lyon Church), Upper St., Buckland

A visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, July 9 from 10 to 11:30 am at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger E. (Heze) Ward, please visit our floral store.