Obituary of Richard E. Ware

Richard Erlan Ware “REW” died at his home in Brewer February 15, 2020 as a result of an anaplastic meningioma on his brain. He was born August 18, 1933 in Dale, OK the son of Clifford Frank and Margaret Elizabeth (Adams) Ware. REW was defined by his love of family and friends, his intelligence, strong character, high morals, and quick wit. He was a man of few words so when he spoke, it was usually worth giving a listen. REW’s eldest son, Chuck, said if he had to describe his father in one word, it would be “dignity”. REW served with the U S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 where he served as a Fire Control Technician on the USS Kaskaskia during the Korean War. REW has remained close friends with his shipmate, W.B. Vickers of Florida. He was married to Carol (Armstrong) Wootton for 23 years and they had four children. In 1978 he married Pamela (King) Ware. They lived in California for almost 30 years before moving to Maine to be of help to Pam’s family. After the Navy, REW worked for General Electric where he was sent to school to learn computer programming. His lifelong career was as a systems analyst programmer. He was co-owner of Microsystems Software in Sunnyvale, CA where he did contract programming for many Silicon Valley companies. Throughout his career, REW was admired and respected for the high quality of his work and commitment to the success of each project. REW was, for the most part, a self-taught Silcon Valley pioneer. He enjoyed the challenges as the computer industry changed and grew to become a large part of our lives today. REW is survived by Pam, his wife of 42 years, who was his devoted caregiver for the last six months of his life. REW is survived by brother-and sister-in-law David and Mimi (Jordan) King of Brewer and their dear family; a special sister-in-law, Roseanne Beth King has lived with Pam and REW since the death of her parents. REW was a loving and supportive brother to Roseanne and she will miss him very much. REW is also survived by his three sons and their spouses, Charles and Holly (Hollingsworth) Ware, Bruce Ware and Clifford and Veronica (Holton) Ware all of California; a daughter, Jennifer (Ware) MacDonald of Arizona; seven grandchildren, Kimberly (Ware) and husband Jeff Bruce, Veronica (Ware) Alvarez, Phillip Ware and wife Yoana, Monica MacDonald, Douglas MacDonald, Matthew MacDonald and wife Ashley and a step-grandson Elijah Holton; six great-grandchildren, Samantha and Charlotte Alvarez, Kaydance Lemens, Alexander Ware, and Mattilyn and Lillian MacDonald; a step-brother, James Ware of Oklahoma and a very special cousin, Wendell (Wink) Ware of Oklahoma; his niece, Traci Kopico and friend William Eppler were a tremendous help to REW and Pam over the past very challenging three years; special cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; his sister, Betty Sue (Ware) Rich; his step-mother, Helen (Gatlin) Ware; parents-in-law, Rosemary (Haskell) and Carlton King of Brewer; and daughter-in-law, Jill (Franklin) Ware. The family wishes to give special thanks to REW’s Community Health and Counseling Services hospice team, Mary, Patti, Gail, Angie and Stacy. Their excellent care of REW was given with compassion, professionalism and respect. Their support of both REW and Pam was a godsend. At REW’s request, there will be no funeral. Pam will go to California to gather their family there for a private memorial. Family and friends are encouraged to remember REW in whatever way is most meaningful to them. He will live as long as we have memories to share.