Canon Alan Horsley writes:

THE Revd Kenneth Ward died on 22 November, aged 90. I first met him in 1959 on Rugby station. He was wearing a medium-grey double-breasted suit, his usual style. Robert Stopford, then Bishop of Peterborough, had suggested that I go to Daventry for an interview with Ward about the possibility of my serving my title with him.

Ward drove me to Daventry in his Triumph Herald. After our discussion, he drove me all the way to my parents' home in north London, an early sign of his unfailing generosity.

Ward asked me to work with and get to know young people: one of the ways to do this was to go into the milk bar in the town centre, which, after school, was frequented by many teenagers. Cell groups were formed, and teenage missions were organised, as was a retreat for young people at Hemingford Grey. All this was done with the encouragement and backing of the Rector, who ensured that mycuracy was happy and fulfilling.

When Ward went to Daventry in 1958, he went to a small market town with two churches not far from each other: one a classical-style building; the other a poor Victorian building. Ward closed the latter, and started a parish communion at the parish church. By the time I arrived, he had gathered together a 9.30 a.m. congregation consisting of many young families. His fine singing voice and his dignity in leading worship were impressive.

Holy Cross Parish Church was depressing inside. On the east wall were imitation bricks; the walls were painted gloss brown and gloss cream; the gallery fronts hada brown-treacle effect; and the lights were more suitable for a public convenience. Ward made contact with Stephen Dykes Bower, who had done work at St Paul's Cathedral, and he produced designs for the redecoration of the church, a new lighting system, and a Lady Chapel in the north aisle.

The church was transformed into the fine building that it is today, together with appropriate hangings and vestments, designed and made by Mary Ozanne, vestment-maker to Archbishop Ramsey. Women in the parish were also taught to make vestments. He taught us all how to arrange flowers, a skill useful in my future ministry.

Changes to the pattern of worship and the interior of the church were not carried out without opposition. A small nucleus left the church, but many came in. Nevertheless, the opposition, together with the anxiety over the mental and physical handicap of one of his twin sons, led to a breakdown. He recovered, and remained in Daventry for 25 years, and for part of that time was Rural Dean. He then spent six years at Pattishall and Cold Higham, where his ministry is remembered with affection.

In retirement, he came back into Daventry, and, as long as he was able, helped in the local villages. He had been on a minesweeper during the Second World War, and his service experience came to the fore when he was made Chaplain of the Normandy Veterans. He was overjoyed to be appointed to the French Légion d'Honneur in tribute to his work.

His wife, Peggy, to whom he was devoted, and their disabled son predeceased him. He became increasingly frail in old age, which wasn't helped when, in 2010, he was assaulted at his front door, and his jaw was broken.

At his requiem, Daventry Choral Society sang the Fauré Requiem, a fitting finale to a good priest who influenced many people, and who aimed at worshipping God "in the beauty of holiness".