In Memory: Harold Ward

Growing up in his hometown of Winter Park and graduating from Winter Park High School, longtime Rollins Trustee Harold Anson Ward III developed a deep-rooted passion for the city and its community.

“I don’t know how we survived without air conditioning, but we did,” he once said. “It was hot as the Dickens, and there were bugs and all of that, but it was a great place to grow up, a small community.”

Rollins and that once-small community, now much larger thanks to Ward’s contributions, bid farewell to one of its beloved members, who died March 30, 2026, at age 92.

A widely known and well-respected Winter Parker, Ward is often referred to as “the city’s iconic father figure,” with his father and grandfather also prominent Winter Park residents.

He attended the University of Chicago, earning both his undergraduate and law degrees before stepping into one of the most formative roles of his early career: a clerkship with Hugo Black of the U.S. Supreme Court. There he gained an up-close view of the law as a living force shaping the country. This foundation carried into his service from 1956 through 1959 as an attorney in the United States Air Force, working within the Office of the General Counsel to the Secretary of the Air Force—a role that demanded skills like precision and judgment that would define the rest of his career.

In 1960, he brought his experience back to Central Florida, joining the law firm of Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, where he built a distinguished legal career. Over time, his work extended beyond individual and business clients to institutions that helped shape the cultural fabric of the region. He played a significant role with the Charles Hosmer Morse Foundation and the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation—organizations rooted in the vision of former Rollins president Hugh F. McKean and his wife, Jeannette Genius McKean—helping steward legacies that continue to influence both the College and broader community.

As his career evolved, he specialized in estate planning, earning regional and national distinction. His election as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, one of the most selective honors in the field, reflected a reputation built over decades of trust.

Throughout his life, Ward contributed his time and talents to many worthy local causes that shaped both community life and civic identity in Winter Park. This commitment was perhaps most visible at Rollins, where he joined the Board of Trustees in 1978 and became one of its most steady and influential leaders. He worked alongside five college presidents and served four terms as chairman, leading the board through moments of growth and, most notably, the College’s centennial. Additionally in his service to Rollins, he held key leadership roles as treasurer and secretary and contributed across critical efforts, including the Taxwise Giving Committee and the presidential search committee that brought former president Rita Bornstein ’04H ’04HAL to Rollins. A mainstay of the Finance Committee throughout his service, he was known as a vigilant steward of the College’s endowment, helping ensure long-term financial growth for the College.

“To say that Harold will be missed is far beyond an understatement,” says President Brooke Barnett. “I met him only twice, but I so loved hearing his stories.”

Though not a Rollins alumnus himself, Ward’s connection to Rollins ran deep. His grandparents attended the Rollins Academy in the late 1800s, his grandfather later serving as a trustee. His father and aunts graduated from the Colleges, and his son-in-law earned an MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business. In recognition of his many contributions to the College, Rollins presented him with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1986 and its Decoration of Honor in 1998.

Beyond Rollins, Ward was a deeply engaged leader in the Winter Park community, serving in key roles with organizations such as Winter Park Memorial Hospital (now AdventHealth Winter Park), the Winter Park Library Association, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber’s only two-term president), and several United Church of Christ bodies. His contributions earned him numerous honors, including the 1999 Outstanding Citizen of the Year award from the City of Winter Park and the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I’ve known Harold since I was a student at Rollins,” shares Allan E. Keen ’70 ’71MBA ’10H. “We first connected in 1968 when I was working at Barnett Bank, and our paths continued to cross over the years. Thirty-eight years ago, I joined Rollins Board of Trustees, where we served together until his retirement. Because of Harold, I was given the opportunity in 2000 to purchase the Morse-Genius Estate in Winter Park to create Windsong, which has become one of the most successful residential communities in Florida. Harold was the wisest, brightest, most loyal and most insightful human being I’ve ever known. Rollins, Winter Park, and so many folks and organizations were most fortunate to have him in their lives. He will be immensely missed. God bless this wonderful man.”

Ward and his late wife, Mary Lewis “Libby” Ward, who passed away in 2024, were married for over 66 years. Ward is survived by his children Cathy McNamara, Mary Christian, and Tom Ward; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.