Norman Louis Ward

Norman Louis Ward was born in Santa Rosa, California, the son of Marion Edwin and Clara Belle Ward, on May 30, 1936 and passed away peacefully on November 1, 2021 surrounded by family. Family and friends grieve the loss of this kind, generous and gentle person.

Norm is survived by his loving wife, Eleanor, (Daughters) Sheila Beth Niven (Randy), Heather Louise Ward, Dawn Kathleen Kilian, (Stepsons) Michael JS Thompson (Laura Bushnell), RJ Christopher Thompson (Joanne Guelke), (Daughter-in-law and wife of John) Kelly Thompson, (Grandchildren) Madison, Sawyer, Ashton, Chenoa, Chayton, Kimberley Levin (Chris), Michael Atwater (Alyson), Cheyenne DeVries (Adrian), Samantha, (Great Grandchildren) Olivia, Avery, Lincoln. Norm was predeceased by stepson John Silvey Thompson III.

Norm lost his parents at an early age and attended Menlo School for Boys, Bellarmine College Prep, and was in the first graduating class at Robert Louis Stevenson School (Pebble Beach). After a long successful business career, he graduated from St. Mary’s College at age 50.

His long business career began in 1960 with Fidelity Savings & Loan Assoc, where he served as President of a subsidiary corporation. From 1967 – 1977 he was President and CEO of AWard Development Company and in 1977 – 1982 President and CEO of Vintage Savings and Loan which he founded, directed, and managed. In 1972 AWard Development Company constructed, from the ground up, Diablo Pines, a 139 planned unit development in Walnut Creek, which Norm continued to own/manage until 2017.

He enjoyed traveling, skiing in Sun Valley, attending sporting events, especially of all the children, as well as SF Giants baseball, along with Stanford and Cal football. He was a member of Contra Costa Country Club since December 11, 1961, and he became a Board Member and President in 1991.

There will be no private service. Per his wishes his ashes will be spread by his family. However, a celebration of his life will be held following the holidays.