George G. Ward

With great sadness we announce the passing of George Gilbert Ward on March 8, 2021 in Santa Barbara, CA. He was 89 years old.
George was born in Los Angeles in 1931 to George and Lucille, graduating in 1950 from James A. Garfield High where he ran track and played football. He grew up alongside his two younger brothers, Richard and Robert, and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Sparks, in 1951. George served in the First Marine Division during the Korean War before embarking on a career in banking. He spent over twenty-five years with Bank of America in various management roles. He and Mary raised their three kids in La Mirada before moving to San Marino in the early 1970’s. Here George enjoyed local sports, banging out a tune by ear on his baby grand piano, and mixing cold martinis for lucky friends and neighbors. For many years, George travelled regularly to the eastern Sierras to fish Rush Creek and several secret spots. He and Mary also enjoyed wonderful trips to Great Britain and Italy, where he was able to see the great masterworks of Michelangelo and Da Vinci that had enchanted him for years. They eventually settled in Santa Barbara, where they enjoyed over twenty years of ocean breezes and the many activities of their local grandchildren.
George was a devoted husband of nearly seventy years to Mary; Dad to Kathleen Gaither (Donald), Greg (Susan) and Laura Herrell (Jim); Grampa to Ryan, Anne, Kyle and Will Gaither (Abby); Adam and Jayne Ward; Seamus, Cate, Max and Owen Herrell; and Great-Grampa to Jessie with twins on the way.

George employed a cool demeanor and sly sense of humor, and he had an immeasurable love of music, dogs and family. No services will be held, but his immediate family will gather at the Tee-Off in the near future to celebrate his life.