Simon Ward died of Polycythemia vera. Polycythemia vera is a rare type of blood cancer. It causes your bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. Its counterpart, leukemia, usually involves overproduction of white blood cells.
He was the father-in-law of award-winning comedian Michael McIntyre, who married Ward's youngest daughter Kitty in 2003.
Had an uncredited role as a "schoolboy" in the film "If....", released in 1968, the year of Ward's 27th birthday.
In 1981 he was due to make a film called The Bomber but it was canceled the day filming was due to start.
Won Film Actor of the Year Award at the Variety Club Awards in 1972 for his performance in 'Young Winston'.
A memorial service was held for him at St. Paul's Church, Covent Garden on 9th July 2013.
He was considered for the roles of Colonel Colin Caine, Dr. Armstrong, Roger Derebridge and Dr. Bukovsky in Lifeforce (1985).