Michael Jeffrey Ward

Michael died unexpectedly on March 4, 2017 at the age of 61 years. He was born on the 18th of August, 1955 in Greenbrae, California to Kay and Jack Ward. Raised in Marin, Michael graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory School in 1973. He attended the University of California at Davis, receiving a Bachelors degree in Political Science in 1980. Michael subsequently earned an MBA degree from Golden Gate University in 1985.

Michael joined Edward B. Ward and Co., the Carrier air conditioning distributor for Northern California soon after graduation from university. He ascended rapidly in the company to the position of executive vice-president, becoming the manager/director of the company's Val-Air division. He was very successful, earning for Val-Air multiple national sales and marketing awards.

Michael was married to Leonor (Nora) Noquez in San Francisco on April 17, 2007. After Michael's retirement, he and Nora enjoyed traveling in Europe and discovering new places together. Michael was and avid and expert snow skier, enjoying the slopes of his favorite Squaw Valley with family and friends.

Michael had an abiding interest in emergency medicine and first aid, earning certification as an emergency medical technician and paramedic. He was also a long-time member of the National Ski Patrol, often volunteering his services to various ski resorts around the Tahoe Basin.

Michael spent countless summers at his beloved Lake Tahoe, enjoying water skiing and boating, and taking meticulous care of "Kay-Jac", his family's 1948 Chris Craft custom runabout. He especially enjoyed preparing the boat for multiple entries into the Concourse D'Elegance, a yearly show-place and competition for antique wooden boats on Lake Tahoe.

Michael was predeceased in death by his sister, Claire, and his brother, Peter. Michael is survived by his wife, Nora, and by his beloved children, his daughters Julia Nazario and Danielle, and his sons Jeffery and Ryan.

Michael is also survived by his sister, Pamela W. Cooper (Joe), and his brothers, John W. Ward, Jr., and Edward B. Ward (Sue), and by his nieces, Kimberly W. Flores (Matthew), Catherine G. Dandurand (Dale), and Emily W. Abbot (Robert), and by his cousins, Vicki Gerstenkorn (Bob), Michele Canney (Rick), and Erica Gerson (Ralph).

Michael will be remembered as a kind-hearted, loving and generous man. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to the Squaw Valley Fire Fighters Association, PO Box 2522, Olympic Valley, CA, 96146-2522