Clarence Greenwood “Hap” Ward

June 9, 1925 – Jan. 16, 1993

Prominent Genealogist Dies in Saint John, New Brunswick

Clarence Greenwood “Hap” Ward died on January 16, 1993 following a lingering illness. He was the son of James Nelson Ward and Nina Gertrude Kierstead and was born on June 9, 1925 at Wards Corner, Kent Co., N.B. Mr. Ward was Past President of the Saint John Branch of the New Brunswick Genealogical Society and a Life Member of the American Seeley Genealogical Society.

His major achievement, since retirement, was the publishing of the book “The Seelys of New Brunswick”. A genealogical study of some 30,000 Seely descendants who lived in or passed through New Brunswick. He was a researcher for the families of WARD, KIERSTEAD and SEELY as well as the collateral branch of his family. Hap was a member of the New Brunswick Loyalist Society and enjoyed the study of HERALDRY.

He served in World War II with the RCNVR, CIB, Kent Regiment and the RCAF. After the war he sailed with the Merchant Navy and concluded this service with a 40,000 mile voyage around the world.

Mr. Ward worked for T. McAvity and Sons Ltd (Plumbing and Heating Div) and was the General Manager for the Saint John Branch of Emerson & Fisher Ltd., a subsidiary of Sumner Co. Ltd. He became known as “The Pump Man” during this term as he developed and supervised courses on pumps, heating, ventilation, etc. Many courses are still used at Community Colleges. He also was President of the Atlantic Region for the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating.

Active in community affairs, he served as President of the Spruce Lake Ratepayers Assoc after its amalgamation with the City of Saint John. He was instrumental in the formation of the Saint John Co-operative Store and served as President of this first direct charge unit in New Brunswick.

He was the husband of Joyce M. (Johnson) Ward, father of J. Bruce, Cathryn and Robert, brother of Gertrude Williams of Saint John West, Norman of Victoria, B.C., Charles of Alliance, Alb., and John of Moncton N.B. He was pre-deceased by a sister Frances, a nephew Harold of Victoria B.C. and a great nephew James of California.

His remains were cremated and interred at Fernhill Cemetery in Saint John N.B. Brenan’s Funeral Home were in charge of the arrangements.

Donated by Daniel Parsons Seelye May 2005