Michael Enos Ward was born on April 3, 1939, in Whitehall, Montana, and passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, in Butte, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Known affectionately by those who loved him as "Papa," "Big Papa," “Lazy Papa,” and "Poppy," Michael began his life in Montana's Bitterroot Valley alongside his siblings Rich, Marian, Tom, Judy, Nancy, and Jim. When he was in the fourth grade, his family relocated to Butte after his stepfather took a position in the mines.

During his junior year of high school, Michael joined the Reserves. In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served until 1961. He received an honorable discharge following an injury sustained during his service.

While home on medical leave in the summer of 1959, Michael met the love of his life, Carole, at her cousin Rudy's gas station. After seeing her for the first time, he told Rudy, "I'm going to marry her someday." True to his word, he did. Michael and Carole were married on July 23, 1960, at St. John's Church in Butte, beginning a remarkable love story that would span more than 66 years.

Together, Michael and Carole built a family that became the heart of their lives. Their first son, Mike, was born in 1961, followed by Jim in 1964 and their daughter, Colleen, in 1965. Michael was a devoted and hands-on father who rarely missed an opportunity to be involved in his children's lives. For many years, he coached his sons' Little League baseball teams and was always dreaming up new family adventures, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Around 1974, the family moved to Whitehall, where Michael continued his career in automobile sales before eventually purchasing his own dealership lot.

Country music was one of Michael's greatest passions. In his younger years, weekends often found him performing with his country band, The Weekenders, at the Wise River Club. Michael played guitar and sang, joined by his best friend Gene Byrnes (later Troy Jackson) on drums and his son Mike on guitar. When he wasn't making music, he could be found snowmobile racing, hunting, or spending time with family.

In the late 1980s, Michael and Carole embarked on a new chapter, moving to Oregon so Michael could pursue a career in advertising sales. Together they founded their own company, Ad Media Inc., and spent more than 25 years building their business, traveling throughout the United States, and forming lifelong friendships wherever they went.

Around 2011, they returned to Butte to enjoy retirement, although Michael never truly slowed down. Gifted with a talent for carpentry, he completely renovated their home himself, proving that determination and hard work had no age limit.

Michael was known for his feisty spirit and his quick wit. He never missed an opportunity to tell a joke, spin a story, or remind everyone of his many "achievements." In his own estimation, he was the "city champ" of just about everything, and no one could ever quite prove otherwise.

Michael's life was a true picture of success. He faced challenges with grit, resilience, and unwavering perseverance. Family always came first. He believed in chasing dreams, embracing the journey, and doing what was right. Guided by a strong moral compass and a devoted heart, he spent more than six decades loving one woman and building a life centered on faithfulness, family, and service to others. His unwavering reliability made him the rock of his family. He was always there when he was needed, and he never let anyone down.

His greatest legacy lives on through the family he cherished: his three children, five grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom knew him as a source of strength, comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love. He was their safe place, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

If there is such a thing as a life well lived, Michael Ward lived it.

Michael was preceded in death by his son, Jim Ward; his brother, Rich Ward; his mother, Charlotte Fairchild; and his father, Richard Ward.

He is survived by his wife, Carole Ward; his son, Mike Ward; his daughter, Colleen Ward; his granddaughters, Amber (Dan) Warden, Lacey (Chris) Keller, Brianne (Chris) Pantano, Kelsie (DJ) Dober, and Kacie (Cole) Banta; and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Marian Ziegle, Tom Ward, Judy Ward, Nancy Fairchild, and Jim Fairchild.

A private service for family and friends will be held in the summer of 2027. Additional details will be provided at a later date. To honor Michael's memory, we invite you to raise a glass, enjoy a bowl of ice cream, and reflect on a life defined by love, devotion, and family.