Daniel Joseph McWard
July 21, 1952 - June 16, 2020
Laguna Niguel CA
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Daniel Joseph McWard
July 21, 1952 - June 16, 2020
Laguna Niguel CA
Obituary
Dan McWard passed away at his home in Laguna Niguel, California on Tuesday, June 16th, 2020 with his wife Kathleen, son Terry and fiancé Joyce Abbey by his side. His best friend and Godfather to his son, Terry O’Connell was also with the family. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Dan is also survived by his brother Pat McWard, niece Kayla and nephew Connor, stepdaughters Heidi (Aaron) and Heather (Alex) and their children Ava, River, Charlie and Lucy. Proud of his Irish heritage, he cherished his large extended family – the McWards – and enjoyed the annual family reunions.
Dan was born in Bloomington, Illinois in 1952. He attended Central Catholic High School and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. Dan maintained very close relationships with his friends from school throughout his life and was loved by many.
As a Marketing Executive in the Ophthalmic Surgical business for over 30 years, Dan’s companies included Allergan, Johnson & Johnson, Bausch and Lomb, Visiogen and Iolab. Throughout his career, Dan developed strong friendships and relationships that remain to this day. He had a deep Christian faith and was a member of Saddleback Church. Dan was a philanthropist with interests in The Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, St. Joseph Hospital of Orange and WHW in Irvine, among others.
Dan enjoyed travel and visited over 40 countries in his lifetime for business and pleasure. He was an avid runner, enjoyed skiing and golf, but spending time with family and friends was his greatest joy. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend…and handsome to boot! Dan, you will be missed but not forgotten.
Dan will be cremated at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills. Two celebrations of his life are being planned as circumstances permit: one in Newport Beach, California and one in Chicago, Illinois. Please go on line to oconnormortuary.com/obits/daniel-joseph-mcward/ for updated information. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The American Cancer Society.
20 responses to Daniel Joseph McWard
Jennifer (Hospelhorn) Jordan says:
July 1, 2020
I grew up across the street from Dan and Pat’s parents outside of Hudson Illinois. I remember every Christmas going down to the house and getting to see Dan and Pat when they came home for the holidays. You would never meet a nicer and kinder family. It saddens me to see that Dan has passed away but he is home with his parents. With deepest sympathy as you remember Dan.
Truc Woodall says:
July 6, 2020
I’m so saddened to hear the sad news of the loss of Dan. I worked for Dan for years at Bausch + Lomb. He was a wonderful manager and human being. He had the best sense of humor and was always there for me. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
Ed & Teresa Reeves Anderson says:
July 7, 2020
Sending our deepest sympathy to the McWard family, May the love of family and friends carry you through and bring you comfort.
Karen Frinzi says:
July 9, 2020
Tom and I are so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. He was truly a special man! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. May he Rest In Peace
David and Ginger Hancock says:
July 19, 2020
Dear Dan we all will miss you so much. You always had a smile on your face, that great Irish humor and a sincere interest in helping others. David and I could never thank you and Kathy enough for introducing us to the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute when we needed it the most. You two are a match made in heaven and we’ll never forget that incredible wedding. Our hearts break to say goodbye, but we are thankful that in Christ, we know we will see you again one day.