Robert K. Ward

Robert "Bob, Bobuto" K. Ward, age 71, formerly of Norwich, NY passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at his home in Ocean Park WA, of acute pneumonia.

Bob was born on August 25, 1954 in Bath, NY, a son of Robert B. and Anne M. Ward of Manley Road, Norwich, NY. He was a graduate of Norwich High School with the class of 1973 and was very active in Norwich athletics including track, swimming, and football. He was an avid outdoors person year around, and skier. He along with his brothers and family were members of the Norwich Ski Club in the 1960s and 1970s until its end and had helped layout the trails at Penguin Peak ski area in Sherburne NY. Bob was a life scout member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 63 at the UCC in Norwich. After graduation and a brief time in training for US Coast Guard, Bob headed west to work at various ski areas in Vail CO, Incline NV, and finally Snoqualmie Pass, WA where he stayed. He worked at various positions while there, including maintenance, running tows, and chair lifts eventually managing Hyak ski area, one of four areas at the Summit at Snoqualmie Pass.

Bob also bought and ran, along with his second wife, Peggy, “Wardholm West” - a bed and breakfast. They were married in 1986 and sold Wardholm West in 2005. Together, they moved to Ocean Park, WA- due to health reasons, where Peggy died later from cancer. Bob's first wife was Deborah (Gilmore) Hightower and has also passed away. Bob is survived by a son, Kristopher Hightower, of Las Vegas NV. Bob was predeceased by his daughters, Porsche and Sabrina from his first marriage; his parents; and his brother, Joseph M. Ward.

Bob is also survived by his siblings, Timothy C. Ward, of Norwich, Michael Jon Ward, Norwich, Matthew and Gilda (Huntington) Ward of Guilford, NY; Edith (Ward) Cleaver and James, of Belton TX, David A. (Marlys) Ward, of Scio, OH, Stephen P. (Cindy) Ward, of Cle Elum, WA, and Richard Dan Ward, of Shetland, Ayreshire, Scotland, UK...

In lieu of flowers it is suggested well-wishers donate to their local SPCA or animal shelters, in Bob's honor, as he was an avid animal lover, especially cats and dogs.