Bowdoc-Don Ward

[yukon chuck]

I have heard that Don Ward had passed away. Does anyone have any information on this?

[black velvet]

It says so on another site. Said they found him passed away in his house.

[23feetupandhappy]

Boy I hope not  

[KAZ]

Sad if this is true. I only got to share life/camp with Bowdoc for a week or so on Bear Quest 10. He lit up a room with wit, humor, and a contagious spirit. A tender & deep hearted man that I got to enjoy in a group and one-on-one setting. We met with a smile/welcome and handshake. Left with a strong hug and a friendship... May it not be so, but either way I'm thinking of Him, and praying....  

[Matty]

Donnie will surely be missed. he made such an impression on all the people he met.  Honestly the first time I met him.. I said... What the hell have I gotten myself into? and when we parted ways the first time I couldnt wait to see him again...
He literally Cried when I saw him again he was so happy to be reunited with people... One of my favorite pics of BowDoc....
Rest in peace Brother

[Caddo]

Got the call earlier today that Bowdoc had passed away. Pretty much ruined the whole day. I've known Donny for a long time and spent the last 8 years sharing a bear camp with him. The archery world lost a great craftsman and one of the most extensive sources of archery knowledge I've ever known and I lost a great friend. Proud to call him friend and even prouder to have known him. Rest In Peace little buddy, I know that you and Linda are together again. Say hi to Glenn for me. I know y'all are already sitting around the big campfire. You will be greatly missed.

LD

[ron w]

If this is so I am deeply saddened. Although rough around the edges he was a wealth of Traditional  knowledge and a pleasure to talk to one on one. First met him on Bear Quest #9 and he talked me into getting a Bear T/D......I now have 4 of them. I helped him the kitchen one evening and the next night he said....."you cook tonight, I'm going hunting" and I did.    

[SlowBowinMO]

Awww, sad to hear.  I never met him but very much enjoyed and benefited from his contributions here and elsewhere.

[R. Combs]

Very sad. I spent a week with him at bear quest 11. He had a big personality and could entertain the room for hours with his knowledge of Archery and his wit. I almost didn't make it that week because of personal reasons but boy am I glad I did because I would have missed out on meeting one of the true contributors to our sport.

Rest In Peace my friend.
Rick

[Kip]

R.I.P.  Bowdoc hope they have a Bear Takedown for you when you get up there at the big camp.Kip

[yeager]

So sorry to hear the sad news. Don will most surely be missed!

[jsweka]

Gary Hall called me as I was getting home from work tonight to give me the sad news.

I got to meet Bowdoc during Bear Quest 10.  I'll never forget him and how passionate he was about bear hunting.  I'm glad I had the chance to spend some time with him and was really looking forward to seeing him again next June.  Sad.

I'd say rest well Bowdoc, but he's probably busy refinishing a bow for Saint Sebastian.

[ksbowman]

He was a unique. Could tell stories continually day and night, keeping you laughing all the time. RIP my friend

[South MS Bowhunter]

Sad news indeed.  Praying for his family.

[BRITTMAN]

Prayers for Don's family.  I pray that God take you into his arms .

[BlkDog]

A very sad day.  I met Don 10 years ago in Quebec bear hunting.  He's one of the most genuine folks I have ever met.  He was just an awesome guy, a craftsman, historian, and a friend.

Hunted with him every year since.  It felt like a family reunion every year.  In a sense, it always was.  His heart was always in it and his love of the outdoors, archery, hunting and people always shined through.  

Don, I'll miss you, but rest assured - in spirit you will still be with us on every trip.  

Jay

[KSshrewman]

He refinished a very special bow for me and did so with superb craftsmanship going the extra mile to make sure it remained a family heirloom.  He was a pleasure.  I would have liked to know him as well as some of you did.
Rest In Peace.

[ghall80]

Don
Was a character for sure was a pleasure to have in camp at BQ and will be missed. Bear Quest will not be the same.  I was blown away about how much he knew about Traditional archery and loved listening to his story's. Definitely made a big impression on me great guy and I can say I will miss that funny little man.

RIP BowDoc

[woodchucker]

Our Brother comes to you, as swift and straight, as an arrow shot into the sun. Welcome him, to his place at the Eternal Campfire. We will see him again.....

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Truly a huge loss to the Archery world. RIP Bowdoc.