“Mr Northolt” passes away

Walter (Wally) Ward
b. 2 May 1923, Lambeth
d. 24 Nov 2007 (aged 84)

It was only a few months ago that the man who will always be remembered as “Mr Northolt” was bestowed with the honour of becoming an Alderman of the borough and celebrated his Diamond Wedding Anniversary with his wife Jean.

Wally, as he was known to everyone, was a charmer who always had a story to tell. Having left school at 14 he began his working career in a factory in order to help pay the family bills. In 1940 Wally joined the RAF and flew Wellington’s, Lancaster’s and Halifax’s over Europe in the fight against the Nazis. Throughout Wally’s retirement he played an invaluable role in passing on his experience of the Second World War to the pupils of west London’s Primary Schools, making the pages of history come alive as the children attentively held onto his every word.

Soon after the War, Wally married his wife of 60 years Jean with whom he had two children Cheryll and Peter. He also brought many smiles to the faces of football fans in north and west London as he tendered goal for both Arsenal and Fulham simultaneously!

Wally’s real passion was housing and he soon became the Greater London Council’s Housing Welfare Officer. His housing expertise also proved priceless as he represented Northolt’s Mandeville ward on the council from 1971 to 1990 and his knowledge in the field earned him the position of Chair of Ealing’s Housing Management Committee. As a councillor, his hard-work and dedication were legendary. There are still many on the streets of Northolt whose lives he touched, who point to his kindness and efficiency in dealing with their cases. Having stood down in 1990 with nearly 30 years tireless service to the people of Northolt, he continued working through his retirement as a governor at a number of Northolt schools, including Northolt High and Willow Tree Primary.

Wally will be remembered by many across Northolt for the positive impact he had on so many lives and for his warm and personable nature. Nobody will forget this grass-roots politician who comprehensively understood the issues that residents faced and expressed those views with vigour and elegance. He will be sorely missed, may he rest in peace.

Cllr Bassam Mahfouz
Labour Councillor for Northolt West End

Wally’s funeral will be held at Breakspear Crematorium on Tuesday 11th December at 2:30pm.