‘An unwavering spirit and an open heart’: Brighton honours Chuck Ward

In a touching tribute Thursday, the Brighton community – including area first-responders, youth, school staff and more – came together to honour former Coun. Charles Arnold “Chuck” Ward, who was also a beloved crossing guard in his retirement years.

The community’s message was clear: Ward won’t be forgotten in Brighton.

As previously reported, Ward passed away suddenly on April 11, 2025, at age 79. Visitation was held Thursday, April 24, at Rushnell Funeral Homes in Brighton on Main Street from 1 to 3 p.m., and from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

First-responders – including Brighton Fire and Rescue, Northumberland Paramedics and OPP – rallied beforehand, personally escorting Ward’s family to the Main Street funeral home. But before this, they swung by the Smithfield Public School community and then along Terry Fox Drive, where East Northumberland Secondary School (ENSS) and Brighton Public School students and staff lined the streets in remembrance of Ward.

At the Elizabeth and Prince Edward Street intersection, crossing guard Ruth Rittwage was among those who watched as the emergency vehicles made their way up to Main Street.

For years, they worked together – their kids went to school and played hockey together – and like many, she remembers Ward as a jolly soul.

Following the news of Ward’s passing, condolences and memories started flooding in earlier this month.

Residents described Ward as a “true Brightonian” who touched the lives of many.

Flags at the Municipal Centre were lowered for the week in honour of his life and service.

“Chuck served on the former town council for several terms and on the amalgamated municipal council for the first two terms,” recalled Mayor Brian Ostrander. “I had the good fortune to sit on council with Chuck during my first term.

“I admired his calm demeanor and good-natured humour,” he said, adding Ward always took great care in his decisions for Brighton’s best interest.

Former MPP Lou Rinaldi also recalled serving with Ward for one term on council and wrote about how his commitment made the community better – and his iconic smile and wave daily in front of Sobey’s.

After politics and a career in sales, Ward went on to serve the community as a crossing guard in both Smithfield and at the Main Street corner.

Rittwage was among those who said Ward simply loved his time as a crossing guard and that he made an impression with the kids and even pets, somehow always having treats at the ready.

Calling him a close family friend and a good and faithful servant, Ostrander also earlier recalled how Ward was known for his quick wit and always ready with a joke – a sentiment echoed by many following his passing.

Rittwage also fondly remembers shared laughter with Ward.

Susan Moore was among those who shared condolences and memories online, calling Ward an amazing asset to Brighton during his time on council and in retirement.

“I’ll miss him hugely as I walk past the Sobey’s corner where he kept many of us safe and always had a smile and joke and words of encouragement and joy. I would cross at his corner just to enjoy a few words with him …” wrote Moore.

Pamela Peckford also wrote about how families will miss his smiling face as they drop and pick up kids at school and at the baseball fields.

“He was such a kind man,” added Peckford.

Further visitation details are available online via the Rushnell Funeral Homes website, where online tributes can also be made.

“Dad had an unwavering spirit and an open heart,” reads his obituary. “He was always ready to lend a helping hand; share a laugh or just make you laugh.

“Whether keeping Gosport the same, making Brighton a better place or being a pillar of support for our family, Dad was a person whose ability to help and love others knew no bounds.”

When asked what Rittwage will remember most, her response was simple.

(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)