San Diego, California
The Valentine's Child
Timothy Ray Ward came into the world on Valentine's Day in 1963, and immediately became the love of his mother's life. "He was everything to me," said his mother, Susie Ward Baker.
Mr. Ward, 38, lived in Scripps Ranch, Calif., with his longtime companion, Linda Brewton, and worked for Rubio's Baja Grill, a chain of Mexican restaurants based in Carlsbad, Calif. He was a systems administrator overseeing the chain's computer networks. On Sept. 11, he was aboard United Airlines Flight 175, heading home from a long weekend on the East Coast.
The tall, blond Mr. Ward loved animals, his mother said, starting with his shaggy white West Highland terrier, Sherman. He was a devoted fan of the San Diego State Aztecs, and would travel around to their football games even after he graduated. At the tailgate parties, people knew to check out what Mr. Ward was serving. He was an accomplished cook, who might pack two kinds of caviar in his picnic basket, along with a chocolate confection he had whipped up himself.
Next year, Valentine's Day will be painful for his mother. "I usually bought him a heart-shaped cake," she said.
Tim Ward was a very nice professional man. I worked with him at Rubios Restaurant. Everyone liked him at Rubios. Tim was a supervisor and had just got a corporate job at Rubios.I will always remember him on this day. I was so sad to hear he was on the plane and his life was cut short way to early. Rest in peace Tim Ward.
Marni Bronson
September 11, 2025 | SCAPPOOSE, OR | Friend
Always in our hearts and never forgotten!
Jim Gordon
September 11, 2025 | Poway, CA | Coworker
You are not forgotten Tim!
Jim Gordon
September 11, 2024 | Poway, CA | Coworker
Never Forgotten
Tracy Cristallo
September 17, 2023 | Visalia, CA
he was my manager at Rubios and Just remember how genuinely nice he was. I was able to work with him for a year at the SDSU store and I can't believe the turn of events. seriously when I learned what happened I was just floored. Like it was just too much. so yah that is it .
Barbara Bellavance
September 16, 2023 | San Diego, CA | Coworker
Thought about you all day on 9/11.
You often cross my mind . Please know that your high school friends remember you fondly.
What a kind and gifted athlete ! Gone too soon. Never forgotten. RIP
KC
September 12, 2023 | Santa CRUZ, CA | Classmate
My Teacher, Mr Mitchel, told us about Tim, he says he was a good guy and misses him a lot. May he rest in peace
September 11, 2023
Those of us at Rancho Mesa Animal Hospital will never forget Tim and his adorable westie, Sherman. Much love to all his family and friends. ❤
Deborah Padua
September 11, 2023 | San Diego, CA
RIP fellow SDSU and Rubio's alum. You are not forgotten.
Jim Gordon
September 11, 2023 | Poway, CA | Coworker