OurSeniors.Net knows that creativity does not have an age limit. Neither does the love of life, a sunny disposition, or a happy outlook. There is no better reason to believe these good things than the life of this edition’s “Amazing Senior,” Mr. Lowell Ward.
At 97, he continues to be full of life and creativity and to live every day to the fullest. When an OurSeniors staff writer interviewed him, he commented that he was looking forward to his daily ‘happy hour’ with his son, Tom, and perhaps some friends. He had already enjoyed his morning mimosa. The writer was surprised and asked Lowell if he still drove. “I only drive nails, golf carts and cars,” he answered.
Lowell’s past life (all 97 years of it) has been filled with service to his family, community, and country. He is one of the last living Americans who can say that they served on a World War II submarine. Lowell had not quite finished high school in November of 1944 when his draft notice arrived. He had turned 18, and his country needed him. Like so many other young men at the time, he simply said, “Where do I report?”
After boot camp, he was chosen to attend submariner school. These sailors were an elite group, chosen for their physical and mental abilities. Eventually, he found himself abord the USS Razorback on combat patrol in the Pacific during the closing months of the war. The Razorback is now part of the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, preserved as a naval museum. It is a reminder of the courage and determination of that generation who are now OurSeniors.
That 18-year-old boy had been born and raised in small-town America, a little place called Iroquois, South Dakota. He had grown up during the Great Depression, giving him a wealth of personal knowledge and experience, things that most Americans only read about in books. After his wartime experiences, he returned and settled near his sister in another small town, Montevideo, Minnesota. He met the love of his life by asking that sister who she thought was the prettiest girl in town.
“Suzanne Crandall, right across the street,” she said. It must have been good advice; Lowell and Suzanne married, raised three sons who gave them four grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren, and lived happily ever after until Suzanne’s death a few years ago. Along the way, Lowell used the GI bill to earn an undergraduate degree from Macalester College and a master’s from Florida State University. That stay at FSU convinced Lowell and Suzanne that Florida is the place for OurSeniors! They made up their minds and moved, first to the Ft. Lauderdale area and then to the Villages.
Along the way, Lowell always kept his sunny disposition and happy outlook. He faced health problems but managed to beat them. Lowell’s life to date would surely make him an amazing senior, but that is not enough for Mr. Ward! This 97-year-old is one of OurSeniors who is truly engaged in living today and looking forward to tomorrow.
Since retiring, he has written several books and now constructs word puzzles and quizzes for his friends and his own amusement. Two of his books, “Fragments” and I called Her Bunny are available on Amazon’s Kindle site. A third book, “A Life Well Lived,” is being made available through the OurSeniors.Org organization. Just go to https://www.ourseniors.org/a-life-well-lived-by-lowell-ward/ for a simple Donation you will receive a numbered copy. While you are there, check out the details of OurSeniors Radio new radio and podcast productions. Some of those quizzes gave the OurSeniors staff a run for the money. This senior’s mind is as sharp as ever. Just try this one out-
Tomorrow’s news headline reads, “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick.” What would be the first sentence of this article?
A. President Roosevelt announces his new foreign policy.
B. A Canadian hockey player has revealed his mantra before 1965 Stanly Cup playoffs.
C. Police Chief Harrinton has responded to Los Angelos riots.
The staff correctly guessed “A”, Roosevelt’s foreign policy. Well, most of us anyway.
Keep thinking, creating, and writing, Mr. Ward! Along with Pat Boone, you are one of the OurSeniors Amazing Seniors! Thank you for your life’s contribution.
