Robert Samuel Ward II, an HIV prevention educator and activist, passed away at his home in Oak Park on July 30. He was 51.
He was active in his church, assisting with the confirmation classes as well as singing in the gospel choir. He was a group facilitator for OPALGA (the Oak Park Gay and Lesbian Association) and was a member of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). As an early member of OPALGA, Ward’s energy and enthusiasm quickly propelled him from volunteer to co-chair of the annual Gay and Lesbian Cultural Arts Fest, where he organized concerts, readings and art displays.
In additon, he volunteered as an advisor at Prism Youth Network and served as its program coordinator from 1996 to 1999. During this time, he founded Spectrum, the suburb’s first LGBT prevention support group for young adults 18-25 years old.
Ward is survived by his two sisters, Laura and Lynn; his brothers, Jim, John, Randy and Roger; and many caring friends and colleagues. In addition, he was the loving uncle of 20 nieces and nephews as well as 31 great-nieces and -nephews. Ward was preceded in death by his father, John Howard; his mother, J. Arla; and his nephew, John William.
A memorial Service was held Aug. 5 at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, 460 Lake St., Oak Park. Memorials may be sent to the Robert S. Ward Memorial Fund, c/o McHenry Savings Bank, P.O. Box 566, McHenry, IL 60051-0566. The family will direct memorials to Ward’s favorite charities.