Edward “Ward” Weed Wilgus, born on July 30, 1946, lost a short battle with pancreatic cancer on March 6, 2023. He was a man of distinct character and unique personality. He was a cherished father, brother, husband, and friend. However, beneath the surface, there existed a soul with a deep passion and zest for life and adventure.
Edward’s journey was marked by a fervent love for travel: an unquenchable curiosity that led him to explore. His adventures were a testament to a spirit that sought to understand and appreciate diverse cultures, leaving an indelible mark on the landscapes he encountered and the people he met.
Ward spent the summers of his early childhood at the Wilgus family lake house in Wisconsin. He went on to enlist as a cook in the Navy based out of Alameda, Calif., followed by a long backpacking trip through Europe. He talked about the Greek islands fondly, often speaking of the fishermen hauling in the freshly caught squid. Perhaps that led to his love for Greek food, which held a special place in his heart.
He met his ex-wife and mother of his children in a University of Southern Maine math class. In the early stages of their relationship, he brought Suzanne on a trip around the United States, later taking his daughter on a very similar adventure in an old, but mostly-reliable VW camper van.
His genuine warmth and fondness for meeting new people left lasting impressions on the lives of those who had the privilege of calling him a friend. Those who were fortunate enough to cross Ward’s path have heard his rotation of long form jokes. He was a fan of storytelling, and “pregnant pauses” in his tales.
As we bid farewell to Edward, we celebrate the intricacies that defined him and the moments of joy, learning, and growth that he brought to our lives. May the memories of his journeys and his impact on others comfort us in this time of sorrow. May he rest in eternal peace and have endless adventures that he so loved.
Ward is survived by his children, Kathrine, of Damariscotta, and Keith, of West Bath; his ex-wife, Suzanne, of Bath; his sister, Kathrine, of Minnetonka, Minn.; and his friend Richard, of Newcastle.
