Was just notified that Frank Ward passed away yesterday-Don't know if this is the right forum to announce that, but Frank had one of the largest K&C collections in the world, and had many of Andy and Gordons iconic dioramas in his museum in Denver. He was an avid collector of Toy Soldiers and Militaria, especially WWII focused, and many of us had met him at the many Toy Soldier shows he's attended across the country with his 2 loyal friends Mel and Delores (Fay)Neal. Frank was a Marine and proudly served his country,and translated that pride into some great Marine dioramas and memorabilia. He will be missed by many in this hobby.
Semper Fidelis Frank
Like Pat, I too was saddened to hear of the passing of our good friend Frank Ward yesterday.
Frank, along with his two great buddies, Dee and Mel, were a fixture and always welcome at The Westcoaster, The Chicago Show and down in San Antonio at The Texas Show for many, many years.
During that time Frank assembled probably the finest collection of K&C dioramas and displays not only in the U.S. but in the world!
It was our privilege to have worked with him and for him during this time ....and to get to know him personally. He was a man from, by his own description, a humble background who by hard work, dedication and a belief in the true values and spirit of America built up a very successful business that allowed him to enjoy his passion and enthusiasm for toy soldiers.
In his younger days he had been a U.S.Marine and was intensely proud of the Corps and would usually appear at Shows and events wearing a USMC ball cap...Several of the best K&C dios that we ever produced were 'Marine Corps' based and are in the 'Frank Ward Collection' in Colorado.
The last time I met up with Frank, Dee & Mel (TheThree Musketeers' as we unofficially christened them).. was at last year's 'Chicago Show'...I will treasure that memory and many more over the years.
A great man...a true American...and a valued friend and fellow collector!
Rest in peace, Marine.
Andy, Gordon, Chris, Laura & Amber and all your friends at KingsX and King & Country.
………….always a smile on his face, always so quick to comment on how much he liked my room displays and how much work went into them...…..we'd kid about how it was not really work. 