Ronald L. Ward

Ronald L. Ward, of Yuba City, CA, passed away on July 14, 2024, with his loving wife and companion, Katy Coladarci, by his side.

Ron was born on August 27, 1945, in Redding, CA, to Bud and Hilda (Skiens) Ward. After graduating from Williams High School and then Sacramento State College, Ron began his professional career in 1974, as school counselor at Anna McKenney Junior High School. Never one to let grass grow under his feet, Ron then transitioned to Marysville High School in 1977, as School Counselor, Assistant Freshmen Football Coach, and, within two years, Dean of Students and then Vice Principal.

Apparently taking to the world of administration, Ron began a ten-year stint as principal at Lindhurst High School in 1981, followed by another decade as Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance, Grounds, and Categorical Programs for the Marysville Joint Unified District. There, he conspired with fellow administrators and soon-to-become dear friends, Dean Miller and Al Kenney.

Ron was summoned back to the Marysville High School in 2004, to take the helm as principal during particularly tumultuous times. When he was inducted into the Marysville High School Hall of Fame two decades later, Ron was cited, in reference to that difficult period, for "restoring order and faith amid trying times, planting seeds for systemic success focused on student growth, and establishing trusting and respectful relationships with students, parents, staff, and community." The results of these extraordinary efforts did not go unnoticed at the time: The Association of California School Administrators named Ron "High School Principal of the Year" for Colusa, Yuba, and Sutter counties; Marysville High School students and staff received the 2005 California State Title 1 Academic Achievement Award; and Marysville High School parents successfully lobbied the school board to name a new construction "The Ward Pavilion."

Ron retired in 2005, and was deservedly honored-some will say roasted-at an event attended by roughly 200 adoring family and friends. Further, in recognition of his dedicated service at both Lindhurst and Marysville high schools, the two schools created the "Ron Ward Award," which, in perpetuity, goes to the winner of the annual Lindhurst High School-Marysville High School Varsity Football game.

Ron's pastimes were as rich and fulfilling as his professional life. He was unfailingly active in the Kiwanis. He particularly cherished camping and boating with Dean and Al over the years, as well as hunting and fishing with Wayne Russell and Bob Aaberg. And boy, did Ron love to grab the tongs and take command of the grill!

When he came into Katy's family after their wedding in 2002, Ron then enjoyed annual family trips to the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Maine. Along the coast of Maine, he discovered the pure joy of sailing with his brother-in-law, Ted, whose incessant teasing he tolerated and whose deep affection he never doubted. Ron had a bearhug on life: He loved his family, his friends, and the many adventures he shared with them. And he was loved back in spades.

Ron was predeceased by his first wife of 31 years, Jimette Watson. He will be sorely missed by Katy; brother, Mike and his wife, Irene; nephew, Brent and his wife Kristi; great-nephew, Ryan; great-niece, Allison and her husband Jerrod; and brother-in-law, Ted, his wife Janet, their children, Alison and Gregory, and their respective families.

Regrettably, although testimony to Ron, there are far too many friends to mention here who, too, mourn his passing. That said, the words of Al Kenney, who had the good fortune to count Ron as a close friend for decades, no doubt will resonate with many: "Ron was one of my best friends for over 45 years, and he can't and won't be replaced in my remaining lifetime."

Katy is grateful for the support offered during Ron's declining health by her close-knit group of friends, along with Ron's longtime friends Bob and June Haase, Mike and Sharon Roof, and Kim Gilpatric. With his signature self-confidence and playfulness, Ron, in his last days, very well may have had the same thought as Winston Churchill did when his own time was approaching: "I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter."

A small private celebration of Ron's life is planned for the fall.