Newbury, VT- Bernard "Bernie" Robert Ward, 79, passed away on Friday, August 11th, 2023, at Cottage Hospital with family by his side.

He was born in Hanover, NH on November 26th, 1943, to Ernest Edwin Ward and Lillian Emma (Burroughs) Ward. He grew up on his family farm with his five siblings in Vershire, Vermont. Bernard graduated from Chelsea Vermont High School class of 1962.  He married his best friend, Martha DeAlmeida on November 27, 1977.

He was a machinist for Cone-Blanchard Machine Company in Windsor Vermont for 37 years, when he retired at age 55.  After retiring he worked odd jobs to stay busy.  He was a member of, and served in several officer chairs for, the BPOE Lodge #1665 in Windsor, Vermont.

Bernie enjoyed spending time in the big woods, hunting deer, bear, and racoons. When it wasn't hunting season, you would find him throwing a line in some nearby lakes and streams for some brook trout.

He was an animal lover of all kinds, but really enjoyed the company of his cats and watching the birds come to his feeders and found it rewarding raising beef cattle for him and his family. He spent a lot of time in the hot summer months working hard in his vegetable gardens and would prepare to start canning his harvest in the fall months.

Bernie was an excellent cook, but his most prized dish was his fresh apple pies that he would make for his loving friends and family members. He spent lots of time at his hunting camp in Corinth, Vermont and was well known for getting a good joke in and really winding people up for his own amusement.

He is predeceased by his parents, Ernest, and Lillian; two grandchildren, Torey Kopacz and Brandon Kopacz; four brothers, Donald, Roger, Richard, and David Ward; one sister, Helen Ward; and a niece Patricia Ward

Bernie is survived by his wife, Martha C. (DeAlmeida) Ward of Newbury, VT; a son, William Ward and wife Joni of Willow, AK; two daughters, Theresa Sherman and husband Robert of Newport, NH, Judith Menard and husband Brian of Lempster, NH; seven grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and lots of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers please donate in the memory of Bernard Ward to the charity of your choice.