WARD, Steven (Steve) (Mr. Lake Powell)

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona, Monday, October 22, 2012 Steven Ward, 64, lovingly known as "Mr. Lake Powell," passed away suddenly Monday October 8th. Steve Ward was a true native of Page, Arizona. His father, Byron "Mack" Ward brought the family to Page in 1959, only two years after the founding of the town itself. He opened a pharmacy and Steve grew up with the dam. He worked in his father's drugstore, then for the Greene family in numerous jobs from bus boy to boat pilot. At some point in his life he had worked in nearly every department on the lake. It's part of what made him so good at what he did. Steve worked with two different concessioners on Lake Powell. He was Director of Public Relations for Aramark-Lake Powell Resorts for about thirty years. From there he moved on to a similar position at Antelope Point Marina. As of October 1st he had finally been appointed to what he considered his dream job, Director of Tourism for the City of Page. He worked with Stan Jones, who was the original "Mr. Lake Powell." In 1999 he took over the publishing of the Stan Jones Map. When Stan passed away in 2007 he passed on his title. Steve loved Lake Powell, it was his backyard. He was more at home there than almost anywhere else. He knew each butte and bluff better than he knew the back of his hand. He told and retold the history and the stories, and each time was just as passionate and fresh as the first time. Photography was another passion. He and his wife, Gay Ann, started Photography by Sward in 1981. From weddings and portraits to landscapes and animals, Steve has a photograph of them all. He could turn a two hour drive to Flagstaff into a five hour drive when the wildflowers were blooming. Steve was very active in the community, always wanting to help Page grow and thrive. He served as the president of the Chamber of Commerce, the president of the Friends of Lake Powell and the chairman of the hospital board. He was on the boards for the John Wesley Powell Museum and the Page/Lake Powell Community Foundation. He was also on Staff Parish and Trustees for Page Community United Methodist Church. He had also served as chairman of the Tourism Board for the City of Page. He was a soft spoken, kind hearted man who touched everyone he came across. You would have to look very hard to find anyone with something negative to say about him. He will be missed by many, many people, but his passion for Lake Powell and the City of Page will always be felt. Steve is survived by his wife, Gay Ann, son Joshua, daughter Heather, mother Wanda, sister Jane, and brother Philip. A memorial service was held Saturday, October 13. If you wish add to Steve's legacy, donations may be made to the John Wesley Powell Museum, Page/Lake Powell Community Foundation, Friends of Lake Powell, or Page Community United Methodist Church.