Brian Ward Obituary

Brian D. Ward, 51, passed away August 28, 2025, from idiopathic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Brian was born July 5, 1974, in Manhattan, KS to Miriam and Clement Ward. He grew up in Stillwater, OK, moving there when he was 3 years old. After graduating from Stillwater High School, he attended Oklahoma State University (OSU). He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a minor in Aviation Sciences in 1995.

He retained a lifelong interest in languages. He began his flying career at age 13, soloed before he could legally drive by himself, and while at OSU became a Flight Instructor. Following graduation, Brian flew cargo routes in Kansas, an air ambulance off the Navaho Reservation in Arizona, his most rewarding job, and charter flights in Denver. Brian loved flying, even buying a Mooney which he thoroughly enjoyed. He joined NetJets in 2002 and remained with them until his illness forced him into disability status. While at NetJets, Brian was very active in the pilots’ union, holding many positions and serving the union in many capacities including Vice President and Chief Steward. Brian received a Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Creighton University in 2015. He viewed mediation as a form of peace-making. Brian worked parttime as a Mediator and Conflict Specialist and enjoyed taking on mediation cases in northern Colorado. Brian was very active at Dignity Denver and Church of the Ascension in Denver.

Brian met Neal Connor at Dignity Denver and they became best friends. Brian and Neal were married at Church of the Ascension in October 2022. At the time of his death, Brian was discerning ordination to become an Episcopal Priest and his application was proceeding though the review process. Brian was grateful for several accomplishments: named to the Smithsonian Wall of Honor for his contribution to aviation, successfully negotiating several union contracts, and working to integrate two NetJet pilot unions.

Brian played piano and enjoyed music, especially classical. He was an avid Oklahoma State University fan, enjoyed the theater, and volunteering. Brian discovered biking while in his 30’s and combined biking with his love for travel, participating in biking vacations in Cuba, Europe, and elsewhere. Two highlights before being diagnosed were trips to the Holy Land and walking the Camino de Santiago. Brian is survived by his spouse, parents, brother (Justin), in-laws, several relatives, and countless supporting and caring friends.

A rosary will be held Friday, September 26, 7 PM at Dignity Denver, 1100 Fillmore Street, Denver, CO 80206

Funeral will be held Saturday, September 27, 10 AM at Church of the Ascension Episcopal, 600 Gilpin Street, Denver, CO 80218. The service will be live streamed from their website: www.ascensiondenver.org . Be aware parking near the church is quite limited.

A private interment will take place at a later date.

A memorial donation, in lieu of flowers, may be made to: ALS Rocky Mountain, Project Angel Heart, or the Brian Ward Endowed Scholarship Fund in Foreign Languages.