Philip Eugene Ward Jr.

Phil graduated from Rifle High School and was drafted into the Army for two years.

In 1967 the Ward Family moved to Clark, CO. There, Phil spent many days gold mining at Hahns Peak with his father and brother.

Phil Married Wanda in 1971 and together they had three children; Rebecca, Kimberly and Roy. Phil and Wanda would later divorce and then in 1994 Phil met Beverly; together they had one child; Deena.

Phil became very active in the Clark and the North Routt Community. He served in the North Routt Fire Department and Search and Rescue for over 23 years. He also worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, was a Hunting Guide, a Snowmobile Tour Guide and he was a Ranch Hand most of his life.

Ranching had a special place in Phil’s heart. After all, he had wanted to be a Cowboy since he was four years old. He worked for the May Ranch, Elk River Guest Ranch, The Studer Ranch for 20 years and the Bruchez Ranch in Hayden for 10 years. He retired in 2015 but he never stopped Ranching. He would help out the Bruchez Ranch often and he also helped his step son on his ranch where he lived.

In his spare time, you could find Phil fishing, hunting, fixing fences, mechaniching, working cows, leather work, fly tying, reading and playing with his grandchildren.

Phil was preceded in death by his brother Larry, parents Philip and Arvelda, cousin Gary Cose and many other family members. Phil is survived by his sister Joyce, his Children, Rebecca Ward, Kimberly (James) Hathaway, Roy (Jenny) Ward and Deena (Patrick) Cozzens, step children Jerry (Amy Powell), Lynn (Katie) Powell, Dorothy Gupton, 14 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and 11 step grand children.

Phil will be remembered as a “True Cowboy” with a great mustache. He will be remembered as a man that was as tough as they come but kind hearted and simple. He would always lend a helping hand whenever it was needed.

Per Phil’s request, there will be no services.