PETER (GOVERNOR) L. WARD

Peter L. Ward, aged 67, of Shapleigh, ME, passed away unexpectedly on February 27, 2026 in Key West, FL. He was born on November 3rd 1958 in Natick, MA to the late Beverly and Norman Ward. Peter grew up in Ashland, MA and graduated Ashland High School in 1976. He went on to study civil engineering at Roger Williams College. In his early years of his career, Peter worked for Perini Construction Company in multiple states. He then moved on to owning his own Construction Company. His career eventually led him to working overseas for many years in Iraq. Once back in the states, Peter used his expert carpentry and engineering skills for multiple jobs and projects over the years. Anyone who knew Peter, knew him as someone who always needed to be busy and doing some time of work. He enjoyed working with his hands and found a great passion in building. Peter began his love of building by building a summer home in Wells, ME. He worked diligently on weekends and holidays building the home with his school aged son.  Many years later, Peter found himself once again constructing another home in Shapleigh. ME. He recently completed this large project and wasted no time in starting another one. Peter had just started his next "big build" in Sugarloaf, FL and was quite excited about his next endeavor. His dream was to build in Sugarloaf so he could build year-round and the Dutchess could enjoy the beach. Peter, aka the "Governor", was an outgoing and boisterous man who always spoke his mind. He truly enjoyed meeting new people wherever his travels brought him. Peter found joy in talking with anyone, anywhere. The running joke was that he could talk to a wall! He preferred in person interaction and frequently voiced his dislike for all the "robots" (aka phones/computers/tablets) . Peter was a lifelong pet owner who always had a dog(s) and cat (s) by his side. He will be missed by his 3 dogs and 4 cats that cared for him deeply. He frequented auctions, yard sales, and second hand stores always looking for a steal of a deal. Peter was proud with his purchase of an old telephone booth that he had fully functioning in the Shapleigh home. Peter is survived by his wife of almost 4 years Ann (Bond) Dutchess Ward, his daughter Cassandra Sweitzer and her husband Kyle Sweitzer of Holliston, MA;  his son Andrew Ward and his fiancée Tamra Foss of Thompson CT; his grandchildren Daphne, Charlie, Maisie Sweitzer, and Blake and Parker Ward; Ann's children, Spenser Bond and his wife Katie Bond of Belmont NH,  Taylor Bond and his fiancée Caroline Ottoboni of Boston MA, and her grandchildren Carmen and Owen Bond, as well as many good friends. No formal services will be held. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity.