David Ward, longtime radio host and program director at Alberta's 94.9 CKUA, has died.
Edmonton-hailing Ward is survived by his wife Lois and stepdaughters Brita and Haley. The news of his death from cancer comes from the radio station, where he had worked since 1982.
"With profound sadness, we announce that David Ward, longtime CKUA host and program director, has died from cancer," CKUA wrote in a statement shared on social media.
The station continued:
We are in pieces. For over 40 years, David was a colleague, mentor, inspiration and friend to so many in the immediate CKUA community. He was also a friend to untold thousands more, forging close connections with listeners, donors and volunteers as host of some of our most popular programs.
His joy, his laughter, and his smile will be missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Lois, stepdaughters Brita and Haley, and the rest of his beloved family.
In the coming days and weeks, we will honour his legacy. In the meantime, we will take the time to grieve, cry, and celebrate all that he did to enrich our lives and our community.
We will miss you, David. Rest well.
Edmonton-hailing Ward is survived by his wife Lois and stepdaughters Brita and Haley. The news of his death from cancer comes from the radio station, where he had worked since 1982.
"With profound sadness, we announce that David Ward, longtime CKUA host and program director, has died from cancer," CKUA wrote in a statement shared on social media.
The station continued:
We are in pieces. For over 40 years, David was a colleague, mentor, inspiration and friend to so many in the immediate CKUA community. He was also a friend to untold thousands more, forging close connections with listeners, donors and volunteers as host of some of our most popular programs.
His joy, his laughter, and his smile will be missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Lois, stepdaughters Brita and Haley, and the rest of his beloved family.
In the coming days and weeks, we will honour his legacy. In the meantime, we will take the time to grieve, cry, and celebrate all that he did to enrich our lives and our community.
We will miss you, David. Rest well.
The CKUA team have invited their listeners and broader community to honour Ward by sharing their thoughts, memories, and stories, and have promised plans for on-air tributes and musical programming to come.
Listeners can sign a digital memory book, share memories on socials, send an email to tribute@ckua.com, or share an audio recording through the OpenMic feature on the CKUA app or by emailing a voice memo.
"We thank all of the people who have started to add their own voices to the chorus of people who are remembering David fondly," Alberta's voice for music, arts and culture added. "David loved this community and believed in the power of togetherness and music. We hope that as we grieve together, this community will sustain us."