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Robert Ward Obituary
WARD, Robert Martin
Beloved son of Thomas and Cheryl Ward was taken from us unexpectedly after a short illness on Sept. 17, 2004, at the age of 35. Robert was born December 10, 1968 and lived in Sacramento all his life. Robert loved animals, nature, and his family. He enjoyed photography, local bands, travel, visiting historic sites like Stonehenge and the Viking museum in Denmark, and walks at the Effie Yeaw Nature Area. Robert graduated with honors from CSUS in 1993 with a BA in Art. He produced his own music magazine The Fifth Path from 1990-1994 and corresponded with musicians throughout the world. Robert also did graphic design for a Scandinavian culture magazine Vor Tru and prepared music reviews of local Sacramento bands for Rant magazine from 1994-2003. Robert worked for StateNet since 1995, most recently as a text editor. Robert is survived by his parents, Tom and Cheryl Ward of Carmichael, his grandparents, Ane and Bob Russell, his aunt Margaret and uncle Greg Pickens and cousin Aaron Pickens of Sacramento, his cousins Jennifer and Chris Salas of San Francisco, his uncle Steven Russell and aunt Nancy of Redding and cousin Shannon Briggs of Citrus Heights, and many other relatives in Sacramento and Kansas. Robert was predeceased by his grandparents Dorothy and Maurice Ward and great-grandmother Verna Russell. Robert's ashes will by scattered at sea by the Neptune Society of Northern Calif., Sacramento. A family memorial gathering is being planned. Donations in Robert's memory may be made to the American River Natural History Assoc. (please designate your donation is in support of the Effie Yeaw Nature Center), P.O. Box 241, Carmichael, CA 95609-0241.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ward
Cheryl & Tom Ward
October 11, 2004
We miss Robert a great deal and wanted to thank all those who have made entries to this Guest Book. Your memories and kind thoughts have meant a great deal to us.
We still do not know why Robert died. His illness was not one that is normally considered major. He was only ill 2 days, but he was staying with us, so he was not alone.
Again, thank you all for sharing your thoughts with us.
Jerry Perry
October 2, 2004
I am saddedned and shocked to hear of Rob's passing. I had just seen him a month ago ridng his bike around midtown. Rob was always dedicated to his projects and a true supporter of the local music scene. I'd known him through his support and assistance at the Cattle Club.
Annabel Lee
October 2, 2004
I was so sorry to learn of Robert's unexpected death. Robert's legacy of written works and spiritual endeavors have made him immortal. We will raise a toast to him and remember him always as a good man with an honest heart.
My sincere condolences to the Ward family.
Gary Reynolds
September 29, 2004
My thoughts are with you, cousin Cheryl and Tom. I am very impressed with the stories of Robert's interrupted journey, his accomplishments, and his spiritual quest. Much love, Gary Reynolds
Scott Updike
September 27, 2004
Me & Robert spend alot of time kickin it whether it was at a show or talking about asatru in the local coffee house or club.Robert was a solid individual who was was not afraid to speak his mind.He was a very intelligent person who taught me alot about asatru.I had alot of respect for him.He will surely be missed.I will raise the horn in honour.
Photo: J. James Thuss
Aaron Garland
September 25, 2004
I was informed about Robert's passing through some mutual friends.
I did not know him personally, and only met him once briefly at a concert in Sacramento 10 years ago. However, his pioneering work with The Fifth Path inspired me to start my own publishing venture, as it did for many others. I interviewed him in 1993 for my first issue and he sent along a photo which I've included in the gallery.
My sympathies go out to his family and loved ones.
Jana Cortez
September 22, 2004
My thoughts have been with both of you, Cheryl and Tom. I am saddened to hear of Robert's passing. It was very interesting to read about Robert and all his accomplishments.
Franz Vereyken
September 22, 2004
Robert was intelligent, complex, talented and deeply spirtual. I will remember the time we shared. Raise a horn and drink to Robert!
A picture of Robert
September 22, 2004
Cheryl Roberts
September 22, 2004
Robert was one of the first people, if not the first, to visit our record store, Baphomet Records. He brought us a poster. It was always cool to hang out with Robert. He never ceased to amaze me with his knowledge...a brilliant soul, for certain. He also took photos at my wedding. I am glad to have known him and I would like to extend my condolences to Robert's family.
Anndrija Long
September 22, 2004
Robert was a friend and I remember us having great conversations about Europe and Stonehenge in particular. He was always a fun, intelligent and all around good guy. My sympathies go out to those close to him. He will be missed.
Markus Wolff
September 22, 2004
A few days ago, a close mutual friend informed me that Robert had passed on. It somehow did not shock me but it did awake an almost urgent awareness of our mortality.
I had been in contact with Robert since the early Fifth Path days when he interviewed me (representing Crash Worship) for that groundbreaking magazine, which has inspired similar efforts as far away as Germany. Soon after, he was instrumental in introducing me to Asatru and we started a long friendship, exchanging ideas and information, and meeting at concerts and gatherings.
Robert was always curious about and supportive of my own artistic efforts. I knew him as a serious seeker, a mystic even, who struggled with his place in these dire times.
Today, on a mountaintop, I will raise a horn in honor of this noble soul and kindred spirit.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Robert's surviving family.
Kenneth Hoffman
September 22, 2004
Robert was the first to introduce me to paganism and taught me a lot about scandanavian traditions and culture. Robert and I had fun going to local events and in Sacramento. I will never forget him.
Jim Silva
September 22, 2004
My condolences to the Ward family and all those close to him.
Raise a toast in his honor.
Steve McNallen
September 21, 2004
Robert made genuine contributions to the world of ideas and art. He was dedicated to his heritage and to the Holy Powers. The world is a poorer place with his death, and I shall miss him. Robert, drink deeply the holy Mead of inspiration and immortality!
Martin Figueroa
September 21, 2004
Thank you for always being kind enough to stop and talk and educate a young kid. The time you donated to me everytime you got off your bike to talk has always made a difference to me. May you rest in peace.
Sin Walker
September 21, 2004
O Great Ones, hear our call,
And send forth thy messengers
We commend the soul of Robert Martin Ward
To the Gods of High Valhalla,
In the names of Odin and Thor, Farewell, good friend.
Some day we will meet again
In the joy of thy friends
And in the love of thy family.
Until then, may all the Gods be with thee.
Hail Robert!
Joey Shimp
September 21, 2004
I was so saddened and shocked to hear about Roberts sudden passing. I've known him for many years and valued his friendship. I knew him to be a very caring, understand and compassionate person. He will be missed.
You are your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Grow
September 21, 2004
I was, of course, shocked to hear of Robert's transition. I loved reading about him, his accomplishments, and his interests, as I knew very little about him. With Love and sympathetic thoughts to you, Cheryl, and Tom.
Veronica Taylor
September 21, 2004
I'm sorry for your loss, a co-worker of Roberts, Veronica Taylor
Amber Engel
September 21, 2004
I would like to extend my condolences and that of my husband John-Michael to Robert's family. John-Michael and I worked with Robert and considered him a friend, and we are deeply saddend by this shocking loss.
The walks we take with our children at the Nature Center will forever carry on his memory.
Lisa Mahay
September 21, 2004
Robert will be missed! Thanks for sharing him with us here at StateNet!
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