RIP Mike Ward
It is with much sadness that we advise the passing of Mike Ward after a stoic two year battle with cancer.
Mike was a keen runner and became interested in orienteering 12 years ago after hearing about the sport from long time running friend Warwick Selby. Mike had speed and endurance and over time worked hard on his navigation and planning. He introduced his partner Stacey to orienteering shortly after both joining the Garingal club.
In particular, Mike loved the Sydney Summer Series and all that it involved - the different weekly map and location, planning the course, making last minute changes after discussions with other competitors, and running the course. Before the era of live results, Mike, like others eagerly awaited for Eventor to show ‘results are up’ to see how he and others went. This was followed of course by the post mortem dinner and beer discussing the map again at either the nearest pub or back in Balmain at the local Italian. Great value for a 45 minute event!
Mike’s background was running and he completed a number of road marathons often organised by Sydney Striders a club he was actively involved with. It would be nothing for Mike to get up ‘at sparrows fart’ as he would say, run 30km with Striders and be home to take his two kids to Little Athletics. Later he preferred trails and longer distances and was one of the early pioneers of ultra marathons having completed 59 over the years including the Brindabella Classic and the gruelling UTA 100km in the Blue Mountains. He also completed the first Oxfam Trail Walker with his team winning their category. He also finished 18 Six Foot Track events earning him a prized vest. Ever thoughtful, Mike waited for his friend Dave on the last event to ensure Dave made the cut off time. Mike made many life long and dear friends from running over the years and up until recently would join the guys for the monthly lunch get together in North Sydney.
The Balmain household also contains a number of rogaine winner's mugs with Mike and Stacey teaming up occasionally to win a mixed team category or Mike finding a partner more closely matched to his speed and fitness. Mike and Stacey along with their respective rogaine partners Brett and Carey are the current NSW 24 hour champs in their categories from the 2019 event (which was not held in 2020 or 2021). He joins some familiar names on the trophy including past winners John Anderson, Ted Woodley and David Dash.
A devoted father he was very proud of his children Nick and Emily and very happy to see them take up running recently both completing half marathons in very quick times.
A mild mannered accountant Mike loved doing his daily crossword, wordle and sudoku. Mike had a wonderful dry sense of humour, a strong morale compass and never said an unkind word about anyone. He enriched the lives for all who knew him and he will be sorely missed. Stacey Bryce.
