Ronald Alan Ward (30 Sep 1933 - 31 Aug 2015)

I first met Ron on the day in 1968 i joined the railway as a 16year old fresh from school.I sat in the mess room for a couple of hours when the foreman told me to go with this driver i.e.Ron on the yard shunting engine for a trip to the dockyard.Iremember a very friendly and jovial person who put a shy young man at his ease andwho liked a laugh and joke but could be serious when required .it was people like Ron who i learned the job from.later in my career ,now i was a driver i recall being called to assist a failed train at Erith,Ron was the driver .I made much of the fact that us yougsters had to look after the old boys Ron took it all in good part. Less than two weeks later i broke down with a loco at New Hythe i was assisted by Ron with a passenger train Inever quite lived that down Ron got his own back.It was a privledge to Know and work with Ron and i dare say where ever he is he is making every one laugh.My condolences to Mark Gary and all the family.RIP Ron.

Pop,

It was an absolute pleasure getting to meet and know somebody like you. You were so warm and welcoming from the moment I met you, you instantly made me feel part of a wonderful family that you had worked so hard to create. You were clearly a strong man but full of kindness and generosity, a man that I know many look up to and hope to be like. I know for one that you have inspired me.

You will be truly missed.

With love,

Matthew x

Ron - a true railwayman and gentleman. You always had time for your railway colleagues with help and advice and that's why we all have the upmost respect for you. As others have said, it was a privilege to have known you and may you rest in peace.

Mark Medley

One of life's true gentlemen, always there with a smile and hug, often tickles too. It's been a privilege knowing you Ron, I will be forever honoured that you welcomed me into your family and considered me one of your girls.
Sleep tight xxx

Ron - Mr Gillingham. A driver and friend who I looked up to as a young driver, with hands like shovels, that when they went round your waist from behind you just knew it was our Ron! A grip of steel!
A true gentleman, a privilege to have known you may you rest in peace, god bless and goodnight!

Chris Watkin (Taffy).

Such a lovely man , will be sadly missed god bless Xxx

Such a lovely true gent you will be greatly missed by all who knew you Uncle Ron and when you bump into Alan up there give him my love please I miss you both so so much forever in my heart xxx

I transferred to Gillingham back in 1996 just after my father passed away Ron took me under his wing and made sure that whatever I needed I got, Ron you was a true gent and an old school railway man who will never be forgotten at Gillingham

On behalf of ASLEF and the RMS it has been a privilege and pleasure to have had Ron as a colleague and call him brother even into retirement he was there for us, we do not mourn him but celebrate is life and achievements may his memory live on.

Ron
Known you most of my railway life. A truly great colleague and friend both on and off the job, an inspiration to all. You will be sorely missed by all who knew you.

Ron, A good man, always had a ready smile and a good joke. You will be missed.
Bill & Pat Tomlinson

Ron was a good old fashioned railwayman,the likes of which will not been seen again.
A fine union rep,with a heart and personality as big as Gillingham depot.End of an era !
My condolences his family(especially colleagues Mark&Gary).