Paul H. Ward, MD, died on April 9, 2015. When someone of his stature dies, the significance of this event and the influences he had on the specialty of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery and medicine in general are difficult to put into words. Words such as “giant in the specialty,” “great leader,” “loyal friend,” “forthright and honest,” “passionate advocate for high standards in the practice of medicine,” and “mentor” flowed in from leaders of our specialty, many of whom Paul trained, when the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABO) announced his death. His superb academic, clinical, and research activities will be addressed elsewhere, but these reflections should shed some light on Paul H. Ward the man.