Something about Pat and Diane Ward seemed comfortable from the day I met them. I think I first met Pat in the Dojo or just outside in the admin area. He was a regular fixture as the art became more and more popular. Sometimes he would spend time shooting little rubber golf balls over the dividing walls in the office space. I was a 15 – 18 year old at the time and he was a very kind but stern old man to me. He demanded respect from you just by the look on his face and tone in his voice, but he was never – never unkind to anyone that I saw.

Diane I met outside the Dojo, but she was also always around Chuck and Pat. Diane was special to me because she made me feel like a good person. At that time many adults looked at me as a troublemaker, and I likely deserved that, but not Diane. She always made me feel as if SHE was proud of ME. I can’t imagine why she would bother to be so nice, but it seemed like it was no effort and that she did it because that is what I deserved. She definitely made me feel good about myself. Looking back she was a rare person to do so at that point in my life and she has continued until this day. I think now I have perhaps earned the kindness she has given me for so many years.

So over the years I have had the privilege to meet most of Chuck’s family and he has met most of mine. I know my family respects him greatly and looks forward to when he will be around. Recently Pat has become more and more ill, which has been cause for concern. I have asked Chuck that perhaps I could be selfish and remember Pat as I do – in the Dojo hitting little yellow golf balls over the wall.

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