Mark Ward

MARK WARD

1959-2022

Mark James Ward (59 years), lifelong resident of Santa Maria, CA, passed away suddenly at home on May 25, 2022. Mark was a true local, born in Lompoc and raised in Santa Maria. Mark is survived by his life partner, Cheryl Dowell; his brother, Stephen Ward Jr and spouse Lori; and seven nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Stephen Ward Sr.; sister, Mary Ann McBroom; and brother, Don Ward.

Mark graduated from St. Joseph's High School and California State University at Chico, CA, where he majored in Communications and began social work. Mark cared about helping others live their life to the fullest. What started as volunteering at Special Olympics in high school became a career in social work as an adult. Mark helped clients with challenges to start their own business or to develop independent living skills. He also helped many friends or loved ones thru a difficult time in their life. Mark was always there. Some recent posts on Facebook highlight this:

He was always more than just my uncle he was the man that helped raise both me and my sister.

You were the biggest influence in my life, the person I looked up to, the person who was my biggest supporter when it came to my music.

Those who met Mark quickly learned his passion was music. He enjoyed attending concerts and introducing his friends and relatives to many genres of music. He was a definite trivia champ on anything related to music.

Friends and family are invited to the memorial events which will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022. A service will be held at 10 am at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, 600 E. Stowell Rd, Santa Maria, CA. After the service Mark will be interred at 11 am at Santa Maria Cemetery, 1501 S. College Dr., Santa Maria. The services will be officiated by Father John Mayhew, who has known Mark since high school.

Friends and family are also invited to join a Celebration of Mark's Life being held at Waller Park, Site # Area 6, 3107 Orcutt Rd, Santa Maria, to gather at noon for a lunch and to share memories of Mark.

Memorial contributions may be made to Santa Barbara Humane-Santa Maria Campus, website: sbhumane.org or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116 or website diabetes.org.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.