Professor Emeritus Robert Ward, 93, formerly of U-M and Stanford University, died Dec. 7 in Portola Valley, Calif.
From 1948-73 Ward was on the faculty at U-M, serving as a professor of political science from 1973-87 and director of the Center for Japanese Studies from 1965-68 and 1971-73. Ward was professor of political science and the first director of the Center for Research in International Studies at Stanford University from 1973-87. He also was a senior fellow of the Hoover Institution.
Ward received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University in 1936 and his doctorate from the University of California (Berkeley) in 1948. During World War II he served in U.S. Naval Intelligence receiving the Legion of Merit award.
His principal areas of professional interest were in comparative politics — especially Japanese politics — international relations and political development. He was the author or editor of eight books and many articles in these fields.
Ward served as president of both the American Political Science Association and the Association for Asian Studies during 1972-73. He was a member of the National Endowment for the Humanities National Council from 1968-73 and of President Carter’s Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies from 1978-79. He also served as chairman of the board of directors of the Social Science Research Council, of the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission and of the American Panel of the United States-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and of the American Philosophical Society. In 1984 he received the Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Government of Japan. He retired from Stanford University in 1987.
Ward is survived by his daughter Erica Ward and son-in-law Ralph Gerson of Bloomfield Hills, granddaughters Stephanie and Maddie Gerson, brother John Ward of Kentfield, Calif., a niece and nephews. The family suggests that contributions in memory of Ward be made to the Center for Japanese Studies at U-M or a charity of one’s choice.
