It is with sadness that I relate the news that Phil Ward, first conservator at the British Columbia Provincial Museum (now the Royal BC Museum), passed away March 31, 2019 on Salt Spring Island. Phil began as an art teacher, beginning his career at the British Museum in London. He moved to Canada in 1966 where he designed and worked in the conservation lab at the Royal BC Museum. Phil also developed & taught the first university museum conservation course in Canada at the University of Victoria. Phil then took the position of Director of Conservation Services at the Canadian Conservation Institute in Ottawa. He wrote nationally & internationally on topics related to artifact conservation. In his own words "miraculous experiences when the ancient past almost literally speaks to us. ... Magic!" Chuck Gruchy wrote in 1991 that Phil was "a quiet, gentle smiling fellow who spent a lot of time stoking a pipe, who spoke only occasionally, but who made more sense than all the rest of us put together".
In retirement, Phil returned to British Columbia to enjoy time with family, his extensive garden, beloved pets as well as painting. He will be remembered by those who worked with him for his pioneer work in the field of conservation. Kasey Lee Senior Conservator Royal BC Museum [email protected] ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
