Robert Scott Ward (b. 8/30/58) passed away on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, the same way he preferred to live; surrounded by loved ones, sharing fond memories, enjoying time together.

While he left us too soon, he lived life to the fullest—enough for ten men—yet somehow always made space for others. Whether it was opening his home for family holidays and all the traditions that came along with it, making sure his childhood friends got together for the annual Hangover Bowl, or just chatting with a complete stranger on a corner barstool—during a Packers game, over a shot of Fireball—Scott had the uncanny ability to connect with others, leave them changed, and keep them in mind years after the fact.

Scott is survived by his children, Ryan and Rachel, his partner, Michele, his mother, Doris, his brother, Bill, his niece, Amanda,and the four grandchildren that enriched his life far greater than any material wealth: Robbie, Mikey, Indy and Zelda, whom he got to see before the end and brought a smile to his face despite it all.

He was a son. He was a brother. He was a father. He was The Warden. He was many things to many people. But he was happiest—he was proudest—to be a Poppy.

He was also a life-long Parrothead. So, if you don't mind, I'll let Jimmy sing Scott out, one last time:

To my friends who are jolly
When melancholy knocks
Sometimes they let her in
To sit and share stories
Of flops and of glories
It ain't half as bad as the bends
Sometimes living's a struggle
Multiplied double
But they love it too much
For the party to end

In lieu of flowers or gifts, we encourage donations to the American Cancer Society or the Chicago Food Bank.

https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/?form=donate&_gl=1*1c2pgwo*_gcl_au*MTk0NjQwNjczNC4xNzYyOTExMzE0