Michael K. Ward

Michael was born in Palo Alto to Dr. John (Jack) Ward, DDS and Elizabeth (BJ) Ward on April 3, 1949. His family moved to Placerville in 1952. Attending local schools, Michael graduated from El Dorado High School in 1967. Prior to this he spent two years at St. Pius X Seminary in Galt. In 1971, he graduated from St. Mary's College in Moraga.

In the Fall of 1971, Michael married Francine. They lived in Oakland for one year and then moved to Sacramento where Michael attended the University of the Pacific

Mc George School of Law. Michael passed the bar in 1976.

Michael and Francine moved back to Placerville in 1977 where they raised their three children Chelsea, who now lives in Alabama with her husband, Roger, and their two children, Michael and Sawyer, Donald, who now lives in Livermore and Jonathan, who lives in Sacramento and plans to marry Alli Paige in September.

After passing the bar, Michael started working for Hanna and Brophy in 1976 as a Worker's Compensation Defense Attorney. In 1984, Michael and three other attorneys started the law firm Cuneo, Black, Ward and Missler which later became the largest Worker's Compensation Defense firm in Northern California. Michael was a Certified Specialist in Worker's Compensation and was appointed to the Advisory Commission of the Board of Legal Specialization for the State Bar of California in 2005. Due to health issues Michael retired from the practice of law in 2009.

In the Placerville community, Michael served three terms on the Gold Oak School Board. In addition, he was on the Board of Directors for Marshall Hospital from 2004 until his resignation in 2011. Michael enjoyed golf, playing often at Cold Springs Country Club where his parents were founding members. He was also and avid hunter and fisherman.

He enjoyed many a duck hunt in the Northern California area, along with deer hunting in Northern California, Nevada, Nebraska and Colorado. His fishing travels included trips to Alaska, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Alaska, the Gulf Coast but mostly Northern California. He knew all of the great small local fishing holes. Michael also enjoyed cooking, especially wild game, a good bottle of wine and a little Jack Daniels.

Michael's greatest legacy is to his family. Through example he taught the value of hard work. He instilled in his family an appreciation of nature. He passed on his love of good food and of course a fine wine. Most importantly he loved his family and dedicated his life to them. There was joy and celebration in his life and dignity in his death..

Michael is preceded in death by his parents Jack and B.J., two sisters Kathryn and Nancy. He is survived by his wife Francine, children Chelsea (Roger), Donald, Jonathan (Alli), and two grandchildren Michael and Sawyer, sister Peggy, brother Danny, and their families, along with Nancy's surviving family.

Celebratory services will be held at St. Patrick's Church on Friday, May 27th at 3:00 pm. Reception will follow. Michael requested donations be made to Marshall Hospital Foundation or Snowline Hospice. Friends and family may leave condolences and sign a guest book at www.chapelofthepinesfunerals.com

As Michael always said "It's a great day to be alive!"