WEST BALDWIN — David Hartford Ward, 73, of West Baldwin, died peacefully at his home on July 2, 2011, with loving family members by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in this very same home on Oct. 3, 1937, the son of Harry F. and Ida Spencer Ward. He attended local schools and graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 1956. He married Joanne Stuart of Hiram in 1959.

David was self-employed in the excavation business for many years. During that same time, he owned and operated Ward’s Garage and gas station. In the early 1980s, he owned and operated a tractor-trailer truck and was a long-distance truck driver for 10 years, going to every state east of the Mississippi River. He later was employed as a truck driver for Hannaford, retiring in 2003.

He truly loved cutting and splitting wood and became known as the “Wood Guy” in Baldwin, as he was his happiest when working in that woodpile. He was also known for selling Christmas trees and wreaths each holiday season from his home.

David proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves as an M.P. for many years. He was a member of the West Baldwin Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Baldwin Historical Society and had an interest in the Civil War era. He owned and drove a stock car at Beech Ridge Speedway. He liked feeding his wild birds and had a great love of animals, both his own pets and others as well.

David was an avid Red Sox fan and especially liked Big Papi. He truly loved family get-togethers and barbecues, especially the eating. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Michael Ward; a nephew and a cousin.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 52 years, Joanne Ward; two daughters, Tracy Ward-Batchelder of West Baldwin and Susan Gagnon of Litchfield; a brother, Lyndon Ward of West Baldwin; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial graveside service was held on Saturday, July 9, at the New West Baldwin Cemetery. Arrangements by Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: The West Baldwin Methodist Church, 1006 Pequawket Trail, West Baldwin, ME 04091 or Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Rt. 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.