For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

They made the Ultimate Sacrifice 

WARD, Vernon Miller, AB, 2275, RCN, died - 20 Oct 1940, HMCS VIERNOE - Born 01 Nov 1909.  Able Seaman V. M. Ward died when on leave at Hunters Mountain, Victoria County, Cape Breton, NS. He suffered a massive heart attack and death was almost instantaneous. 

Vernon Miller Ward latterly of Sackville, New Brunswick was born at Amherst, Nova Scotia, on November 01, 1909. He was educated at the public school of Amherst and Sackville, and later (1925-26) at Mount Allison Academy. Able Seaman Ward's death, which occurred while on leave, was reported on October 25, 1940. He had seen long service, joining the R.C.N. at Halifax on September 11, 1928. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Melbourne Ward of Sackville, New Brunswick.

Sailor's Body Is Taken Home 

Sydney, Oct. 21 - Remains of Vernon "Sharkey" Ward, 31, crew member of a Royal Canadian Navy vessel, were forwarded on tonight's express to his home in Sackville, N.B., where interment will take place. He died suddenly at Hunter's Mountain, Victoria County, Sunday morning while on a hunting trip in company with a friend, Arnold Cluett of this city. Heart failure was the cause of death, medical examination revealed. The Union Jack draped casket was followed to the C.N.R. depot here by a number of friends he had made since coming to this city early last spring. (Halifax Chronicle, Tuesday, 22 Oct 1940 / Researched by George Newbury)

Vernon is buried in the Sackville Rural Cemetery, Sackville, NB