I went to the Survival and Outdoor Safety web site to see when Gene Ward would be back in Phoenix. Here is what the web site says:

"Due to Gene's passing, Wednesday February 8, 2006 there will be no additions to the calendar. " SOS

I enjoyed his class and learned from him. I will miss him.

Ward, Eugene P.
Eugene P. WARD Eugene P. Ward, 58, died February 8, 2006 at his home in Antioch, California after losing his battle with cancer. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 8 years. Gene is best known for his walk across America, touching and meeting many people. He was also a wilderness survival trainer, traveling across America giving seminars and clinics to Boy Scouts, youth groups, hunters and even military personnel. Gene created and produced survival DVDs and made and assembled personal survival kits marketed through various sporting goods stores and through his website. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Ruth (Cooper); his parents, Richard and Barbara Ward of Asotin, WA; brothers; Michael Ward (Micheline), Larry Ward (Linda), James Ward (Giselle) of WA; sister, Kathy Meek (Jerry) of WA; sons, Monte Syrie (Sherry), William Syrie (Sus an) of WA; step-son, Scott Andre (Jennifer) of OH; step-daughter, Jessica Andre (Mark) of NC, also survived by 11 grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held on February 18, 2006 in Seattle, WA. Condolences can be sent to: [email]gene@survivalandoutdoorsafety.com.[/email]
Published in print on 2/17/2006.

Doug,

Thank you for getting the information on Gene Ward. My family went to his class at Sportsman's Warehouse. We were all wondering what happened to him.