Ward, Vern

Dec 8, 1924 – Dec 15, 2015

Vern Ward had been fighting COPD all his life and his battle ended as he passed away on Tuesday December 15, 2015 at Walnut Creek CA, he was 91.

Vern was born  in St Paul Nebraska on December 8, 1924 to Ethel and Walter Ward. He was the youngest of three children. During the dust bowl, Vern was a young teenager when his family moved to California. Vern became an Oakland Tribune carrier and made his way through the ranks to Double Diamond Dealer. He worked a short time while in the circulation office before going out in the field as a District Advisor. He joined the Navy before being drafted (WWII) and was stationed in the south pacific. He went back to work for the Oakland Tribune after his honorable discharge when the war came to an end.  

Vern met Josephine “Jo” who also worked at the Oakland Tribune on the 5^th floor and they were later married on May 4^th 1947.  

When Vern became a District Adviser he worked in East Oakland under home delivery manager Joe Blum and later Nolt Townsend. He then was assigned to Street Sales and worked on Trucks for brief time. He moved onto a 7 day a week agency and retired in 1986 enjoying life with his family on their ranch in Walnut Creek Ca. 

Vern is survived by his wife Jo of 68 wonderful years, his daughter Vicky Botsford. of Martinez Ca, his son Pat of Concord Ca, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. 

Vern riding his favorite Stallion "Pepe El Capitan"

 There will be a celebration of life for Vern on January 23, 2016 at 1:00pm at their ranch at; 1330 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut Creek CA 94598