Scott Johnson Ward, age 59, of Wilmington, died on Friday, June 5, 2020. He suffered fatal injuries from a fall down a flight of stairs. Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Scott's life journey was rich and varied. He touched many people’s lives who now share the shock and sorrow of his sudden death.. A gifted musician, with deep pastoral intuition and a wry, irreverent humor, Scott conveyed a welcoming presence for anyone in his company.
In the 1980’s, he was part of the Off-Broadstreet Theatre in Hopewell, NJ, where classic musicals and musical reviews were performed. At times there were performances of Scott’s original music which he continued to compose throughout his life, to the delight of many.
Scott’s day job at this time was as a bus driver for the Princeton Regional Schools. He quickly became a surrogate uncle for the riders, who he knew by first names. He would decorate the bus for holidays and, of course, sing happy birthday when the occasion arose. As is a theme throughout Scott’s life, he was beloved.
In the early 1990’s, Scott was hired as Music Director for the First Unitarian Church in Wilmington, Delaware where he served for 27 years. In 1996, this congregation bestowed the title of “Honorary Minister of Music”. Scott was well known in the national Unitairan Universalist musicians network, including serving as president for a term and as choir director for a year at the UUA General Assembly. Scott’s gifts included an astoundingly beautiful voice, skilled piano and organ playing, and exceptional choir direction.
Scott’s natural pastoral gifts carried him to the decision to train as a hospital chaplain. In 2015, Scott became certified as a Professional Chaplain from the St James College Seminary. It was noted that he completed this certification “at a level of excellence that resulted in the awarding of faculty honors”. His pastoral skills were an added asset as Music Director. He inspired choirs to build community through music and by compassionate, open hearted leadership.
Another part of Scott’s life journey that was important to him was his time on Star Island, a summer conference center off the coast of Portsmouth, NH. Scott proudly visited Star Island every year since he was three years old; first as a conferee, then employee, then music director for various conferences.
Scott heartened countless lives, encouraged scores of people tentatively finding their musical voice, and offered to those who worked with him a sense of their own dignity. He will be dearly missed.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Cynthia Ward.
Survivors include his siblings, Mark Ward (Debbie), Keith Ward (Barbara Roidl), Terry Ward (Gary West) and Lisa Ward and his nieces and nephews, Anna Martin (Langdon), Erica Ward, Meredith Ward, Benjamin Roidl-Ward (Isidora Nojkovic), Martha Roidl-Ward and Sarah and Michael Waldron.
Contributions in Scott’s memory can be sent to the Star Island Corporation. 30 Middle Street. Portsmouth, NH 03801. Donations can also be made online at www.starisland.org/donate. Please designate in the memo line: IMO Scott Ward
A livestream memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 2 at 3:00 pm. Contact the First Unitarian Church at officemgr@firstuuwilm.org should you want notification of the link.
In the 1980’s, he was part of the Off-Broadstreet Theatre in Hopewell, NJ, where classic musicals and musical reviews were performed. At times there were performances of Scott’s original music which he continued to compose throughout his life, to the delight of many.
Scott’s day job at this time was as a bus driver for the Princeton Regional Schools. He quickly became a surrogate uncle for the riders, who he knew by first names. He would decorate the bus for holidays and, of course, sing happy birthday when the occasion arose. As is a theme throughout Scott’s life, he was beloved.
In the early 1990’s, Scott was hired as Music Director for the First Unitarian Church in Wilmington, Delaware where he served for 27 years. In 1996, this congregation bestowed the title of “Honorary Minister of Music”. Scott was well known in the national Unitairan Universalist musicians network, including serving as president for a term and as choir director for a year at the UUA General Assembly. Scott’s gifts included an astoundingly beautiful voice, skilled piano and organ playing, and exceptional choir direction.
Scott’s natural pastoral gifts carried him to the decision to train as a hospital chaplain. In 2015, Scott became certified as a Professional Chaplain from the St James College Seminary. It was noted that he completed this certification “at a level of excellence that resulted in the awarding of faculty honors”. His pastoral skills were an added asset as Music Director. He inspired choirs to build community through music and by compassionate, open hearted leadership.
Another part of Scott’s life journey that was important to him was his time on Star Island, a summer conference center off the coast of Portsmouth, NH. Scott proudly visited Star Island every year since he was three years old; first as a conferee, then employee, then music director for various conferences.
Scott heartened countless lives, encouraged scores of people tentatively finding their musical voice, and offered to those who worked with him a sense of their own dignity. He will be dearly missed.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Cynthia Ward.
Survivors include his siblings, Mark Ward (Debbie), Keith Ward (Barbara Roidl), Terry Ward (Gary West) and Lisa Ward and his nieces and nephews, Anna Martin (Langdon), Erica Ward, Meredith Ward, Benjamin Roidl-Ward (Isidora Nojkovic), Martha Roidl-Ward and Sarah and Michael Waldron.
Contributions in Scott’s memory can be sent to the Star Island Corporation. 30 Middle Street. Portsmouth, NH 03801. Donations can also be made online at www.starisland.org/donate. Please designate in the memo line: IMO Scott Ward
A livestream memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 2 at 3:00 pm. Contact the First Unitarian Church at officemgr@firstuuwilm.org should you want notification of the link.
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