Bangor - Thomas A. Ward (Papa), 61, died at home on January 20, 2017, after a courageous battle. He was born February 8, 1955, in Bangor, to Phillip Ward and Leona (York) Ward.

Tom graduated from Brewer High School and worked for 43 years at the Bangor Daily News as a journeyman pressman before his retirement. He loved being at camp with his entire family, especially any of the kids and his grandchildren. He loved to fish and go sailing. Family always came first to Tom and he will be remembered as a warm, kind, generous and loving man who always had a smile on his face. His passing has left a huge hole in our hearts. He was a devoted son, husband, father, Papa, brother and uncle. He was happily married to the love of his life, Karen (Harris) Ward. They were devoted to each other in every way and they loved to travel and be with their family.

Survivors include his wife, Karen; his mother, Leona; his sons, Tom and partner, Jordan; Dillon; David and wife Holly; grandchildren, Cahrey, Lexi, David, Hue and Ashur; sibling,s Pam and Bill; Ronnie; Donnie and Pam, and Chris and Martha; sister-in-law, Sue Ward; special sister-in-law, Renee K. Eddy and special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Thoma and Jim Watson, as well as many nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his father, Phillip; his brother, Dennis; and his sister, Maggie.

Per Tom's request there will be no services. A celebration of his life will be held in the summer at camp at a date to be announced later. Per Tom's request memorials may be sent to: Creative Options, 9 Emerson Drive, Hampden, ME 04444 or Hospice of Eastern Maine, EMHS Foundation, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-931