Ward died at his home in Epsom, Surrey on 21 July after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind his wife Nicki, four grown-up children and grandchildren. 

Born on 15 September 1963, Ward spent his working life in air system design, beginning his career with Airmat before moving to Impact Air Systems in 1997 to head up its South England sales division. 

After a brief interlude with Ensys Technologies, he had more recently played a crucial role in setting up Leicester-based Impact Air System’s new US office in California, travelling extensively around the US before its formation.

Impact technical sales director northern region Alan Cresswell paid tribute to Ward, saying he had known him "as a competitor and a work colleague, but always as a friend".

"My overwhelming memory of him is of humour and laughter, some say he was like a 'ray of sunshine', I recall him being more like an exocet missile, you could see him coming but couldn’t do much about it," he said. 

"Terry brought joy and laughter into every conversation, his stories and imitations would have you in stitches, he could always see the funny side of any situation. Of course there was a great deal more to Terry than this. He was an excellent air systems designer, a brilliant salesman and a thoroughly honest and decent gentleman. He was passionate about his Arsenal, always enjoyed a good 'hot' curry, but above all this he loved his family.

"In these day of 'digital friends', true friends can often be counted on one hand, Terry was a true friend to me and I miss him every day."

A JustGiving page has been set up by Ward’s family in his name for anyone who would like to make a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action charity. His funeral will take place tomorrow (9 August) at Randall's Park Crematorium, Leatherhead at 11.45am. Following the service, guests are invited to a wake at The Harts Boatyard, Surbiton.