The daughter of a former vicar, deputy major and councillor, wept as she told mourners at his funeral of his generosity and love.

Nearly 200 mourners, including ten clergymen and Kingston’s deputy mayor, packed into St George’s Church in Tolworth to celebrate the life of Rev David Ward in a service led by Rev Clive Laker on Tuesday, August 16.

After opening prayers and a hymn Mr Ward’s son and daughter, Reverend Timothy Ward and Sandra Winterburn, took the stand to deliver touching dedications to their father who died last month.

Mrs Winterburn said: “Dad was so generous to me, he loved me throughout my life and supported me whenever I needed it.

“Dad was someone I loved and respected. I am proud to be able to say I am David Ward’s daughter.”

Timothy Ward recalled fond memories of his father, who he said loved stamp collecting, his allotment and Chelsea and Kingstonian football clubs.

He also paid tribute to his mother, Pat, who he described as a “true saint” and The Princess Alice Hospice, who cared for Mr Ward in the later years of his life. The former Kingston Grammar school student and Cambridge history graduate became vicar of St Paul’s Hook in 1987, where he built up the congregation over six years until he retired in 1993.

In 1994 Mr Ward was elected to represent Alexandra Ward for the Liberal Democrats and was appointed deputy mayor in 1996, with his wife Pat as deputy mayoress.

Former Mayor and St Paul’s Church reader Ian Reid raised a laugh when he spoke of Mr Ward’s sponsored slim to raise money for the church roof fund.

He said: “He brought an enthusiasm that was joyful, joyous and attractive.

“Together they (Mr and Mrs Ward) had a very successful year and represented the Royal Borough with distinction and considerable aplomb. He was a superb deputy mayor.”

Mr Ward represented his parish, town and ward for 11 years after a successful career as a senior officer in the civil service.

Friend and former colleague Donald Rooney spoke of how he led his team with friendship, humour and humility, without ever pulling rank.

He said: “He really was a good boss. The department lost, the Church of England won, but we shall all miss him.”

Mr Ward’s grandsons, Mark and John Winterburn, gave readings at the stand, behind which stood yellow and purple flowers, the colours of the Rotary, which Mr Ward was a member of.

The 78-year-old died on Friday, July 29 having contracted pneumonia on a cruise with his wife.

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