Ron Ward, 96

Severna Park, Md.

Ron was well-known in the sailing/racing world, and held many awards for his contribution to the administration of the sport. He was past commodore of the Annapolis Yacht Club, the Potapskut Sailing Association, and the Pasadena Sailing Association, and president of Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association, as well as chairman of the U.S. Sailing Association’s Judges Committee.

As an International Judge and Umpire, he officiated in major sailing events worldwide including four America’s Cup Race Committees, and longtime chairman of the Annapolis Yacht Club race committee. He contributed to the Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB), helping to bring the freedom of sailing to persons with disabilities, recovering warriors and youth in at-risk communities.

Ron’s greater contributions were as a research engineer for the U.S. Navy, specializing in sub-propulsion-system seals, retiring in 1977 as a department head at the Navy Ship R&D Center in Annapolis. His Navy civilian career was interrupted during World War II, during which he participated in the Normandy Invasion.