Ward (top center) with fellow RNA officers in 1971.
Hiley Ward, Pulitzer-prize winner, religion reporter and editor of the Detroit Free Press in the 1960s and 70s, died Oct. 1 of leukemia at age 80. Ward served as president of RNA from 1969–1972, beginning his term after the unexpected death of Jack Hume of the Cleveland Press.
Ward’s presidency saw a number of infamous RNA incidents, including the controversial 1971 dismissal of Houston Chronicle Religion Reporter Janice Law and the Association’s new grievance policy that was put into effect for the first time as a result.
His tenure also included a defining moment in RNA history—the change at the 1971 meeting of the Association’s name from “Religious” Newswriters Association to “Religion” Newswriters Association.
As a religion reporter, Ward was part of the Pulitzer-prize winning Free Press team who covered the Detroit riots in 1967. He also traveled frequently to cover stories, including a lengthy series about Middle East landmarks where Christians believe Jesus Christ lived.
Ward remained an active member of RNA through his last days. Less than two months ago he submitted a story in celebration of RNA’s 60th anniversary from his time as contest chairman for the organization. He shared that as he drove with a stack of Schachern entries in his backseat on his way to the contest judging in Chicago, he dozed off and totaled his station wagon. The accident set his car on fire, but it didn’t stop Ward from fulfilling his RNA obligations. Bloody and dazed, he rescued the entries from his burning car, tucked the disheveled pile of newspapers under his arm and caught a passing bus to Chicago.
In addition to his journalism career, Ward wrote several books, including 1997’s “Mainstreams of American Media History.” He also taught at Minnesota State University and Temple University.
Ward is survived by his wife, Joan Bastel, four daughters, several siblings, grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
So every sorry to hear of the death of Hiley Ward. I was elected secretary in MIlwaukee, WI, during his last term as president. I was elected to fill the vacancy left by the previous secretary. I enjoyed working with him and often received messages from him and sent him messages.
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