"I will still have some voluntary community involvement," he said.
When asked what he would be doing to enjoy himself, Ward said he would devote more time to reading, fishing, and touring on his Moto Guzzi motorcycle.
Ward said the things that had kept him in his job so long had been the strengths of his team as well as the collaboration and support from other agencies in Community House.
"Covid threw everything into sharp relief last year," he said.
"It reminded us all about the importance of looking after each other and highlighted the strengths we have as a community."
Board chairwoman Julie O'Leary said Ward's quiet strength had fostered loyalty and long service amongst staff and board members.
"Mike has so much integrity," she said.
"He is such a kind and gentle patriarchal figure."
The trust's former clinical lead Sue Trevethick worked with Ward for 18 years before retiring eight months ago.
"I'm older than Mike so I always told him that I'd be going before him and would make him into the kind of boss I wanted before I left," she said.
"Seriously, he has been the best leader. I was a registered nurse working at the hospital when he head-hunted me for a clinical role because the trust didn't have any medical staff at the time.
"I was the only clinical support at first and I developed that part of the service with Mike's complete trust and support.
"Mike and I were always good friends as colleagues. I look forward to catching up as retired friends now."
Ross Gibbs replaced Trevethick when she retired and said he has enjoyed working with Ward and shifting to a community focus after being hospital-based.
New manager Tyron (Tie) Scown has spent three and a half weeks working alongside Ward and said although he is a little daunted to be filling such a large pair of shoes, he's been warmly welcomed and supported by the team and other Community House agencies.
