24219545 William Patrick (Pat) Ward was born in Ireland on 22^nd August 1950 and was the eldest of nine children. Pat worked as a young man on his father’s farm and then as a cable puller before joining the Parachute Regiment at Depot Para – Aldershot in 1970. On passing ‘P’ Company and completing his Parachute Training, Pat was posted to the Patrols Company of the 1st Battalion of the Parachute Regiment in 1971. 1 PARA were 18 months into a three-year tour of duty in Northern Ireland (OP BANNER) where Pat was thrown into the deep end, patrolling the streets of Belfast during very troubled times and was on the ground during the Bloody Sunday riots in January 1972. A three-month tour of Kenya followed later in 1972, followed by a six-month tour of Cyprus in 1973. In 1974 the Battalion was posted for a two-year period in Berlin and Pat demobbed on his return in 1976. From 1976 to 1981, Pat returned to Berlin, joining the US Army Training Wing as a civilian specialist in audio/visual surveillance and training, resulting in his receiving the US Commanders Medal for Outstanding Civilian Service.

Pat emigrated to Australia in 1981, committing three years to the training of Army Cadets. He served a two-year period as President to the British Ex Airborne Association, both in New South Wales and Queensland, before finally coming to settle in Western Australia. Pat joined the Airborne Forces Association of WA (AFAWA) in 1992 when it was originally known as the Pegasus Association and served as President of AFAWA for two years with a further two years as Treasurer. On the 21^st June 2021, Pat was awarded a Certificate and the status of Honorary Life Membership for exceptional military service and in appreciation of his loyalty, dedication, and commitment in upholding the high values, standards and ideals expected by the Airborne Forces Association of WA.

Pat remained an active member of the AFAWA Committee until his passing. Naturally with his Irish background, Pat contributed a significant level of humour during the regular Committee meetings and as a senior member of the Association, continued to offer his wisdom and experience to the business of the day.

We will remember him. Lest we forget.