Radio jock loses battle with cancer

Ian Ward with his son Tristan and fiance Stacey Robertson.

Condolences and tributes have poured in for Table View radio personality Ian Ward who died on Thursday September 5 after a long battle with cancer.

Mr Ward was diagnosed with Stage-4 colon cancer five years ago. But after surgery and extensive chemotherapy, his cancer went into remission.

Then, last October, Mr Ward learnt he had Stage-3B lung cancer after doctors found a 4cm tumour growing between his heart and his right lung.

Doctors told him the cancer was “quite aggressive” and not good for people his age (“OneFM’s Ian Ward battles second cancer,” Tabletalk, November 14, 2018).

Colleen Pietersen, the founder of the non-profit TLC, said she had worked with Mr Ward on many projects and she admired his passion for his community.

“Ian loved his community and the people in it. He always did whatever he could to help the NGOs and always gave us a platform on the radio. I will always remember him as a person that loved his family and was always in a jovial mood. He would always be singing, and he didn’t let his illness break his spirit.”

She said he had been well-loved and would be remembered as a legend in the community.

Many messages of support were published on Facebook for Mr Ward’s fiancée, Stacey Robertson, and his son, Tristan.

Table View Neighbourhood Watch’s Laura Outhet said they would hold an “honour patrol” at 7pm, tomorrow, Thursday September 12, in memory of Mr Ward.

“We will pay respect to Ian Ward, who was the founder and station manager of OneFM, a TVNW member, Law Enforcement Auxiliary member and community activist. We meet at the parking opposite Doodles for a high visibility honour patrol ending at his house where you can leave a token of respect for Stacey and Tristan,” she said.

Good Hope FM posted on Facebook saying: “We lost a fellow radio head and friend. Rest in Peace, Ian Ward. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Ward family, those close to him and everyone who knew him. You will be missed, friend.”

A memorial service for Mr Ward will be held at Church on The Rise, in Blouberg Rise, tomorrow, Thursday September 12, at 2pm.

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