The Rev. Mark Peters Ward died on July 13, 2022, at the age of 68, of a sudden cardiac event while visiting family. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, minister and friend, he touched many people’s lives who now share the shock and sorrow of his sudden death. A gifted writer and minister, with a deeply generous soul, Mark conveyed hope for the world, courage to live fully, and open-hearted curiosity for each new day. Mark’s generous presence encouraged others to feel at home in their own being.

Mark is survived by his spouse: Debbie; daughters: Anna, Erica, and Meredith; son-in-law: Langdon; grandchildren: Eliza and Lucille; and siblings: Keith, Terry, and Lisa.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Pl., Asheville, NC 28801. The memorial will also be live-streamed on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/XdFdsXIWCRE. The church’s website (uuasheville.org) will also show the link.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mark’s name may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville (address above) or Asheville Greenworks.

Notes of condolences can be sent to Debbie Ward, 60 Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, Asheville, NC 28804.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed.