RALEIGH, N.C. — John Ward, past national president in 1987-88 of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association, died Oct. 18 after a battle with cancer. He was 83 years old.

Ward served in World War II and graduated from the School of Engineering at North Carolina State University, where he was a life member of the Wolfpack Club and the sponsor of a baseball scholarship. He was an honorary elder at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church. He was one of the founders of Watco Corp.

“The Heritage Unique,” PHCC’s history book, carries this description of Ward:

“Along with his business and management expertise, John Ward also was well known for his Southern drawl and pride in his home state of North Carolina. His introduction of himself as simply ‘John Ward, Raleigh, North Carolina,’ became his trademark, as was his presentation of a $2 bill to new acquaintances. Accompanying the money was a description of what public figures were pictured on the front and back of the bill. Ward’s name and address also were included. Ward called this his ‘calling card.’”

John Ward is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kate H. Ward, of Raleigh. Also surviving are his children Susan Sorrels and husband Chuck Sorrels of New York City and Point Pleasant, Pa.; Harrison Ward and wife Kathy Ward of Garner, N.C.; Kenneth Ward and wife Donna Ward of Apex, N.C.; and Kathy Wall and husband Vince Wall of Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Cameron Ward, Robert Ward, Kayla Wall and Amber Ward.

Memorial services were held Oct. 22 at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church in Raleigh.

For memorials, Kate Ward has asked that donations be made in John Ward’s name to a need-based scholarship fund that John Ward initiated while serving as scholarship chair of the PHCC Educational Foundation.

In order for donations to be tax deductible and appropriated correctly, checks should be made payable to the PHCC Educational Foundation. In the memo section of the check, the words “Contribution to PNO Scholarship Fund” should be included. This note will allow deposits of funds in a temporarily restricted PNO Scholarship Fund account.

For further information, call PHCC at 800/533-7694.