Richard Eugene Ware

"THOSE WHO WISH TO SING ALWAYS FIND A SONG"Richard Eugene Ware, our beloved husband, father and friend, died in Grass Valley on May 14, 2005 of heart problems. During his 63 years on earth, he inspired many as a gentle leader and kind friend. He strove to demonstrate the spirit of love and forgiveness in daily life and his trusting optimism brought out the best in us all.Richard was a brilliant individual with a humble soul. He was born in Los Angeles, CA, on November 22, 1941, but most of his early life was spent in Redwood City, CA, where he attended Sequoia High School, and was a football and basketball star. He excelled academically and was offered a full scholarship to Stanford University. Instead he married and raised children, Karen and Jeff. Ever determined, he completed his education by attending night classes while working as a Manufacturing Engineer and Production Manager for Dalmo Victor Electronics in Belmont and later, as a General Partner/Operations Manager for Charles King & Associates Commercial Real Estate Development of Burlingame. He was awarded a B.S. in Business Management from San Jose State College in 1970. He subsequently obtained a California General Contractor's License and California Real Estate Broker's License.Richard moved to Auburn in 1976, partnered in Ware & Casey Construction Company, and built his family home on Woodacre Drive, Grass Valley. He was employed by Pacific Gas and Electric Company in 1978, and the remainder of his work life was spent as a Marketing/Service Planning Representative and Service Planning Supervisor in Auburn and Grass Valley. He officially retired in 2000, but returned to work as a temporary consultant in San Francisco in conjunction with the PG&E restructuring.Richard was married to Maria Venancio (Bryan) of Auburn, and they recently celebrated 20 amazing years as a couple. He lovingly helped raise stepson Jeff J. Bryan, and later became proud grandfather to Alex, Elle and Amanda Mayer. He also leaves behind his beloved mother, Ruth E. Ware of Lake of the Pines, and children, Karen B. Mayer and Jeff S. Ware of Foresthill; sisters, Patricia Fuller and Denise Robinson; and brother Dan O. Ware.Richard was known for his lifetime interest in country-western and folk music. He had a melodic singing voice, played the guitar, bass, and mandolin, and organized his own long-time private music festival called "Fiddle Ranch". Richard's other passions were taking scenic cross-country motorcycle trips and playing regular golf with his buddies. Above all, Richard sought to find God and to master love in his everyday life. He was gentle, caring, and had a genuine sweetness in his soul that was a rare and beautiful gift to those who knew him. We will never forget his wry sense of humor and dimpled smile.A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 23, 2005, at the Parkside Church of the Nazarene, 3885 Richardson Drive, Auburn. Interment will take place at the New Auburn Cemetery, 1040 Collins Drive, Auburn. A reception follows at the Parkside Church of the Nazarene. Donations in Richard's memory should be directed to the Nevada County United Way at P. O. Box 2733, Grass Valley, CA 95945.