We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Michael James Ward. Mike was incredibly kind and thoughtful and so we ask for you to share your memories of him here (funny or serious) and the impact he had on your life (no matter how small or big). Click on the heart to let us know you were here... see moreWe created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Michael James Ward. Mike was incredibly kind and thoughtful and so we ask for you to share your memories of him here (funny or serious) and the impact he had on your life (no matter how small or big). Click on the heart to let us know you were here and sign the guest book.
If you wish, in lieu of flowers please make a donation to Search and Rescue Golden, BC (link provided) or search for any of the following charities mike supported:
Barnabas, Scripture Union, First United,
University Hill (uhillcongregation), or
Hansel Village UK.
Alternatively choose any other charity that supports youth in the mountains or music in remembrance of his life.
Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
I met Mike in 2008 when we were working at Prime Trading in NY together. We became friends and stayed in touch ever since. Mostly through emails, but every few months we'd catch up via phone to talk about financial markets and life. His insights and... moreI met Mike in 2008 when we were working at Prime Trading in NY together. We became friends and stayed in touch ever since. Mostly through emails, but every few months we'd catch up via phone to talk about financial markets and life. His insights and sense of humor will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to Olga and his family. less
I knew Mike when we worked together in London starting back in 2002. I still remember the day we met and how I was confused by his calm stillness, and my inability to understand what he was thinking. That never changed. He was kind. He was thoughtful.... moreI knew Mike when we worked together in London starting back in 2002. I still remember the day we met and how I was confused by his calm stillness, and my inability to understand what he was thinking. That never changed. He was kind. He was thoughtful. He was patient and understanding and it was always a pleasure to hear his sly humour delivered with his Scottish lilt. He was a good man. He was a giver, not a taker. Hardworking. Intelligent. Private. Well-liked. My world was definitely a better place because of his presence. less
I only knew him as an anonymous user on an internet forum on quantitative finance. His true idedentity was revealed to me today. He always went out of his way to help people there (including me). Always friendly, patient and with a great sense of humor.... moreI only knew him as an anonymous user on an internet forum on quantitative finance. His true idedentity was revealed to me today. He always went out of his way to help people there (including me). Always friendly, patient and with a great sense of humor. My hearfelt condolences to family, loved ones and friends! less
I first met Mike through Wilmott forum around 2003 and have seen him over the years evolve in his career. He was one of the nicest guys and thoughtful. He liked his whisky and in later years took to wearing white sneakers before they became cool for... moreI first met Mike through Wilmott forum around 2003 and have seen him over the years evolve in his career. He was one of the nicest guys and thoughtful. He liked his whisky and in later years took to wearing white sneakers before they became cool for finance types to do so. He had good taste in music and always enjoyed my banter on markets will miss you Mike. Om Shanti. less
Mike, you have been such a great colleague, a friend, and member of our DCIG family. We will all miss you dearly. I trust that you are onto better and greater things in this next chapter of yours. This is not a good bye. Perhaps just a "see you... moreMike, you have been such a great colleague, a friend, and member of our DCIG family. We will all miss you dearly. I trust that you are onto better and greater things in this next chapter of yours. This is not a good bye. Perhaps just a "see you later"! less
Mike and I became friends as we carpooled to work for several years while he was at Verition. Each morning, we made the nearly one hour drive from Manhattan to Greenwich, CT and through those bleary-eyed early morning conversations I learned what an... moreMike and I became friends as we carpooled to work for several years while he was at Verition. Each morning, we made the nearly one hour drive from Manhattan to Greenwich, CT and through those bleary-eyed early morning conversations I learned what an incredibly intelligent, laid back, and funny person he was. He left the company in December of 2013, later telling me, "Anything to get out of the Christmas party."
When my second was a newborn and I was incredibly exhausted and sleep deprived, Mike stopped by for a quick visit. I handed him the baby and only realized almost 2 hours later that he had been holding him the entire time with no arm support…yikes. His arms were sore the next day, but we were incredibly grateful for the brief but glorious break from carrying a baby.
Mike was generous to the core, and for the past 10+ years he shared everything from recipes, whisky samples, pictures of family and travels, to articles he thought might be of interest (North Korea, snapchat, kpop!) I miss him dearly and am looking forward to visiting Revelstoke one day and riding some fresh powder in his memory and to experience something he enjoyed so much. less
I have worked with Mike since 2019, much of that was remote because of the pandemic. Generally, Mike's was the first voice I would hear each morning as he ran through a summary of global macro and political events and gave a preview of the day ahead... moreI have worked with Mike since 2019, much of that was remote because of the pandemic. Generally, Mike's was the first voice I would hear each morning as he ran through a summary of global macro and political events and gave a preview of the day ahead during our morning meeting. Mike was such a smart, thoughtful, easy-going guy and losing him has been devastating. In particular I miss hearing his voice on that call - the Scottish accent, the pauses for emphasis, and acknowledging an alternative view with his signature line, "fair enough." I want to extend my condolences to Olga and Mike's family. And, although he was missed here in New York, I'm glad that Mike got to spend so much time over the past few years doing what he loved - enjoying the outdoors. less
Personally I only met Mike 3 times . First two when he came with Olga to visit us (I am Olga's mother) for a short stay in Germany and the last one two months ago when I came to visit Olga and Mike in Golden.
Here I got to know him a little better. He... morePersonally I only met Mike 3 times . First two when he came with Olga to visit us (I am Olga's mother) for a short stay in Germany and the last one two months ago when I came to visit Olga and Mike in Golden.
Here I got to know him a little better. He shown me some beautiful places all around Golden, he cooked special things for me. I really felt very welcome. Thank you Mike.
But what really closed him in my heart was his love for Olga, very tender and understanding.
Mike, the memory of you shall stay with us for ever.
Together my husband and I express our condolences to Mike's family, his parents, brother Simon and Fiona, nieces and our daughter Olga. less
We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to Olga and Mike's family. Olga is my sister and while she spent her time mostly in Canada in the past few years so we did not get to spend much time with Mike to get to know him well, he was always very... moreWe would like to express our heartfelt condolences to Olga and Mike's family. Olga is my sister and while she spent her time mostly in Canada in the past few years so we did not get to spend much time with Mike to get to know him well, he was always very kind to Olga and our children, and he loved Olga very much and made her very happy for which we are incredibly grateful. I cannot count all the times Olga told me in conversations how Mike cooked her a delicious dinner, how they went for a walk together, how they did this or that, all the small things that make life worth living and one feel loved. Mike was clearly a wonderful person and it is a terrible tragedy that he is now gone. We wish there had been more time for everyone to spend with Mike and we always thought that he and Olga would grow old together but alas God took him away. May he rest in peace, knowing that he was loved. Anna, Jack, Evie, Ellie and Sam less
15 years ago I met Mike through work in NYC. Relative to Mike I knew less than nothing about investing and finance, none the less Mike took me under his wing feeding me tidbits of information and book recommendations for well over a decade. In short, he... more15 years ago I met Mike through work in NYC. Relative to Mike I knew less than nothing about investing and finance, none the less Mike took me under his wing feeding me tidbits of information and book recommendations for well over a decade. In short, he brought me up to speed through daily emails, and regular phone calls coupled with the occasional meeting up for a glass of whiskey. If you wanted an even-keeled view of any situation in geopolitics, politics or markets you just had to reach out to Mike. He had the ability and depth of knowledge to summarize reputable pundits' takes on things in just a few sentences. Better yet was his ability to endorse one take without ever explicitly endorsing their take. That skill always made me chuckle. As time passed our phone calls became less frequent but the emails kept coming. About a month ago he reached out for a phone call. About an hour in he said he had another call, but he would call me back because he had a few questions for me. There again I had pillaged him for info without considering that he may have questions for me. To this day I really don't understand what I brought to the table, but his graciousness toward me was astounding. He was a true gentleman. It was on my list to send him a thank you note accompanied by a nice bottle of whiskey. I never did, so this is the best I can do for you old buddy... I vow to do is pay it forward just as you did for me! I will miss you dearly Mike. You were a great friend and a great mentor! I will try to stay positive and dogma-free old pal. See you on the other side. less
For about two decades I had the pleasure and joy of having a regular (monthly / weekly / daily, depending on the situation in the markets and our positions at the time) email contact with Mike, occasionally mixed with telephone calls or meetings. We... moreFor about two decades I had the pleasure and joy of having a regular (monthly / weekly / daily, depending on the situation in the markets and our positions at the time) email contact with Mike, occasionally mixed with telephone calls or meetings. We shared the same kind of humour, and liked to make fun of evil clowns like Silvio Berlusconi and 'Vlad' Putin. I admired his keen eye for what was important in the markets, and his generosity in sharing his views with me. We were in a habit of sharing reports we thought that were interesting for the other to read, which is quite common in finance. Less common, or even rare, is receiving books to read. I was and am grateful for all the interesting food for thought he sent me.
I will miss him also because we both enjoyed nature and photography, and liked showing each other beautiful photographs of wildlife or landscapes.
To give an example of his kind of humour I loved so much: it was early March of this year, after Vlad had invaded Ukraine, when Mike forwarded me a tweet saying 'As a German I just wanna get something straight. The entire western world wants us to: Build up a huge army; March through Poland; Fight the Russians if needed... Just writing it down, so there is no misunderstanding in the future.'
My condolences to the family Mike left behind, Jacob. less
I was lucky enough to work with Mike over the past 4 years and I will very much miss his calm/soothing demeanor, his wisdom, and quick wit.
Each and every time we spoke, I learned something new, coupled with a few laughs. In addition to the above,... moreI was lucky enough to work with Mike over the past 4 years and I will very much miss his calm/soothing demeanor, his wisdom, and quick wit.
Each and every time we spoke, I learned something new, coupled with a few laughs. In addition to the above, Mike was always the first to offer help when he could or to donate to my charitable fundraisers.
Though we probably spent more time working together remotely, I will miss hearing his voice every morning on the daily call. I said if the investment thing didn't work out, he should have his own radio show!
Mike defined what it means to be a "good dude" and we will all miss him very much. Rest Easy, my friend. less
I had the pleasure of meeting Mike when Olga and Mike first moved to Golden. We quickly became friends when we got puppies around the same time. All of the dogs just loved Mike he had such a lovely nature and was so calm with them.
Mike made the best... moreI had the pleasure of meeting Mike when Olga and Mike first moved to Golden. We quickly became friends when we got puppies around the same time. All of the dogs just loved Mike he had such a lovely nature and was so calm with them.
Mike made the best coffee and always had the best baked goods to go with it. I loved hearing about the new flavours of ice-cream he was experimenting with and the different cakes he would bake Olga for her birthday. Mike was one of the kindest people I've ever met you will be greatly missed less
I knew Mike for about 10 years starting with working with him at Verition. We sat next to each other and quickly became good friends. I can honestly say he’s one of the few close friends that I have made as an adult. He was easy to befriend because he... moreI knew Mike for about 10 years starting with working with him at Verition. We sat next to each other and quickly became good friends. I can honestly say he’s one of the few close friends that I have made as an adult. He was easy to befriend because he was so kind hearted and good natured, as well as intelligent and witty. I have found myself repeatedly thinking to myself in recent days, “I should send this article to Mike”, only to remember he is gone. He actually came and lived with my family and I for a couple of weeks after hurricane sandy. My kids were calling him “ Scottish uncle Mike” and as a thank you cooked us a meal that was by far the best meal ever cooked in my home. I miss my friend. less
Dear Mike
Thank You for being a part of our lives. Although that time was a short, your presence has left a remarkable imprint on our lives. We are incredibly saddened that we would no longer be able to have you over, to have you smiling and enjoying... moreDear Mike
Thank You for being a part of our lives. Although that time was a short, your presence has left a remarkable imprint on our lives. We are incredibly saddened that we would no longer be able to have you over, to have you smiling and enjoying your time with Olga, playing ping pong, and simply pulling out your camera to take that next picture of our neighborly bird or a turtle. Out of the things that I will miss were your culinary skills, your baking ability that frankly left me surprised and even inspired me to try few things myself.
You baked the most delicious cake “Ferrero Rocher” for Olga’s birthday. Thank you for the recipe and encouragement – my cake came out magnificent as well.
Grateful to You and your Olga for such peaceful and lovely evenings that will live on in my memory. Thank You Mike and Olga for teaching my Michael about real whisky, all the samplings we used to have. Whoever knew that you could sprinkle an oyster with whisky, and it will taste so good.
Pasha and Yasha (our dogs) are still playing with a toys that you gifted them. Even there, you left your mark.
We will miss Mike. REST IN PEACE. less
The first time I met Mike was in London in 2018 while celebrating a Christmas with my relatives. He was late for the gathering which he attributed to just arriving to London.
So, here enters a tall and slender fellow with disheveled hair and most... moreThe first time I met Mike was in London in 2018 while celebrating a Christmas with my relatives. He was late for the gathering which he attributed to just arriving to London.
So, here enters a tall and slender fellow with disheveled hair and most poignant at the time was a large bandage over his nose. This was rather curious situation for me as I was not sure what to make out the way Mike looked. Either we have an avid and aggressive football spectator or someone who is just too clumsy. Mike’s quiet and restraining nature did not help solve this puzzle initially.
Apparently, the damages that Mike sustained were because of a skiing fall in BC during his last visit there.
Much later when Mike moved to New York City, he and Olga started visiting us on East End of Long Island on the weekends. This was a beautiful and a relaxing time when I was able to discover the true nature of this person. In fact, I say this with no hesitation or reluctance, there was something special about Mike. He was indeed a very genuine, as someone who already attained that level of comfort when he did not need to pretend to be someone he is not. He was honest and witty. He was clever and articulate. He was well versed and educated. He could be opinionated with substance to back it up. He was a type of person with whom you might disagree politically from time to time, but you could never resent him for his opinion or for the fact that his argument prevailed. He was impeccable in his rational, respectful, and civil in delivering his viewpoint. Mike was a class act, indeed.
As more time passed, I felt that Mike was a family to me more than just a friend, he and his partner Olga (my cousin) were a regular weekend visitors. It was quite unusual to have four people, two named Mike and two named Olga sitting at the same table. You see -my name is Mike too and my other half’s name is Olga also.
If there is anything that could even serve as a rational for Mike’s passing, I would reason that perhaps Mike already acquired that eternal wisdom and spiritual closeness to God while actually doing something that he utterly loved to do while also being near to the clouds in the sky. I think Mike would even say “fair enough” to this.
I do not promise that I see you soon, you see- I need to keep an eye on things here for a while -your Olga, Luna…….
Oh, keep a few casks of great whisky in reserve for us, however.
Farewell my dear friend. Until I see you again. less
Mike was an amazing person inside and out. His love for his family (Olga and Luna) and his passion for the outdoors were strong. I was lucky to be Mike's neighbor for a year. His calm energy and kindness never ceased. I always enjoyed chatting with Mike.... moreMike was an amazing person inside and out. His love for his family (Olga and Luna) and his passion for the outdoors were strong. I was lucky to be Mike's neighbor for a year. His calm energy and kindness never ceased. I always enjoyed chatting with Mike. I was very saddened to hear of Mike's passing. There is a lot of love being sent to you Mike and continued love for Olga and Luna as well. less
Mike was an amazing person and a wonderful friend. I had the privilege of being his neighbour for two years. We shared a passion for food, wildlife, and our mischievous dogs. I have so many fond memories of Mike, many of which include baked goods,... moreMike was an amazing person and a wonderful friend. I had the privilege of being his neighbour for two years. We shared a passion for food, wildlife, and our mischievous dogs. I have so many fond memories of Mike, many of which include baked goods, comparisons of local ravioli (none of which were better than his), and the best homemade ice cream I’ll ever have. Mike was kind and thoughtful and always shared photographs of wildlife he saw on his hikes. I never understood how he got every animal to stop and smile for his camera (luna included) but he was one with the mountains and had the calmest energy that I’m sure those critters could feel. I feel very grateful to have met Mike, to consider him a dear friend, and to have experienced the love he has for his partner Olga. I can’t promise to make her a ginger ice cream that will knock her socks off, but I promise we will take care of her and Luna while you’re on this next adventure. Rest easy Mike. Love, Georgia. less