Mike Ward, who served on Sedona City Council from 2010 to 2014, and was currently running for election to one of three open council seats, died Friday, May 3.

Ward was a member of Friends of the Forest, serving as president from 2004 to 2008; with Sedona Area Veteran Community Outreach; Verde Search and Rescue Posse; the Sedona Police Department; and at the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center.

First responders were called to his home just after 8 p.m. when his wife found him unresponsive, according to Sedona police. Life-saving measures were performed but he was pronounced deceased.

“I was notified early this morning one of our police volunteers passed away unexpectedly last night at his home,” Sedona City Manager Anette Spickard wrote in an email. “His wife was with him. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family. Our police staff are providing support to his wife. When I know of any services, I will let you know.”

Ward graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1970 and volunteered for the US Army. He did advanced military training in Military Intelligence and served in the US and South Korea. After he was discharged in 1973, he began his teaching career. Using the GI Bill, Ward attained an MS in education, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration, and then an Ed.D. in 1981.

Ward taught at Hinsdale Central in Hinsdale, Ill., served as the Assistant Dean of Vocational Education at Morton College in Cicero, Ill., and Dean of Vocational Education at DuPage Community College, Glen Ellyn, Ill., a community college of 35,000 students.

Ward finished his career back in the classroom as a Program Coordinator developing a new technology program in computer-aided design and parametric 3D modeling.

Ward’s Sedona biography from his campaign website:

“Since retiring to Sedona in 2002, I’ve been actively engaged in community service and leadership roles that align with my passion for enhancing the quality of life in our city. Serving on the Sedona City Council from 2010 to 2014. Serving as a Sedona City Councilor was an experience I found fulfilling. I believe I made meaningful contributions to enhancing the quality of life for Sedona residents.

“Shortly after moving to Sedona, I became a life member of Friends of the Forest. During my two-year term as Vice President, followed by a two-year term as President from 2004 to 2008, I gained invaluable insights into the regulatory frameworks governing the National Forest Service and the complexities of managing our forest lands, which constitute almost half of Sedona City’s total area.

​”While I have reduced my involvement in forest service volunteer activities, I have continued to serve Sedona’s visitors for 12 years by volunteering regularly at the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center. I have come to learn a great deal about our visitors.

​”My tenure on the Keep Sedona Beautiful Board of Directors further underscores my commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural environment.

​”I volunteered with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years as a member of the Verde Search and Rescue Posse. I held key leadership positions in the posse, such as Posse Captain for six years and Training Officer for two years.

​”Furthermore, my volunteer work with the Sedona Police Field Service Unit involves contributing to public safety by assisting with the transportation of arrestees, providing support at traffic accident scenes, and managing traffic flow during major Sedona events.

​”As a proud veteran, I am an active member of the Sedona Area Veteran Community Outreach (SAVCO), an intra-service that assumed the role of the Marine Corps in Sedona’s Toys for Tots campaign, spreading joy to families in Sedona and the surrounding areas during the holiday season”