Ronald Douglas Ward

April 24, 2023

Ron passed away April 24, 2023 at age 76. Ron is survived by his wife Sandy and four children: John (Stefania), Tricia, Matt (Kalie) and Ryan (Lindsay). Ron was a loved grandfather of seven: Kirsten (Alex), Jeremy, Amanda, Courtney, Brendan, Xander and Cyrus as well as three great grandchildren: Amelia, Karalina and Aubriella.

Ron was born in San Francisco in 1947 and raised near Courtland Avenue by his parents William and Nellie Ward. He was a devoted older brother to Don and sister Diane (deceased). Ron attended Le Conte Grammar, Horace Mann Junior High and was a member of the first graduating class of Woodrow Wilson High School in 1964.

After high school Ron pursued a minor league baseball career and was a proud member of the Yankee Rookie organization before being drafted in November 1967. Ron served in the Army as an infantry soldier/sharp shooter in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze star and an Air Medal for heroism in action as well as an Army Commendation medal for service above and beyond.

Ron was a member of Teamsters Local 484 for 40 years as a Salesman, Supervisor and finally Sales Manager for Kilpatrick’s Bread (1969 to 1986). He moved on as a Salesman for Mother’s Cookies until retiring (1986 to 2009). While at Mother’s Ron prided himself at being the #1 Salesman within his first 6 months and aggressively held that title for the next 23 years.

Ron’s lifelong passion was sports both playing and coaching. He participated in Adult Softball and Basketball leagues in both SF and the Northern Peninsula into his 50’s. Post retirement Ron moved on to play softball in Redwood City as well as several Senior Softball Tournament teams. Over the next decade he won 2 Western Division Championships, 1 National Championship and 1 World Championship. Throughout his years as an active dad he donated thousands of hours to being a head coach of his sons’ baseball and basketball teams primarily at St Veronica’s School (SSF) and San Bruno Baseball.

A tribute service will be held for Ron on Friday July 21, 2023 11:00 a.m. at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary 500 Westlake Avenue Daly City.