Bill Ward1951 - 2012Bill Ward, proprietor of the Red, White and Brew Pub formerly on Hilltop, died in Redding at the end of March this year. Bill was born on July 14, 1951 to Thomas and Gladys Ward in New York City. He was raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn and grew up loving baseball, bicycles and the Boy Scouts. In 1972, Bill graduated from Fordham University with a degree in Anthropology. After graduation, Bill's many interests lead him to varied jobs including construction on the original Twin Towers and a traveling job troubleshooting for a metallurgy company. In 1978, Bill followed in his Dad's footsteps and joined the Navy. He graduated from Officer's Candidate School in May 1978 and went on to serve the navy in many capacities, including naval intelligence before moving to the Naval Reserves. Bill retired from the Reserves with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Attracted by the beauty of the Sacramento River flowing through town, Bill moved to Redding, studied brewing technology and opened the Red, White and Brew in 1991. Bill found warm hearted people and loyal friends in Redding, and his Brew Pub found a special niche in town. Friends and patrons attest that Bill created a "wonderful atmosphere" in the Pub where good times abounded and friendships flourished. Bill was a devoted, loving son to his parents, a caring and good humored brother and uncle, cousin and friend. He relished a good conversation, enjoyed books and had a lively sense of humor. Bill loved to laugh. He also loved and enjoyed his friends. He was kind and would try to help anyone who needed a lift. And his friends were, in turn, a source of joy and comfort to him until the end of his life. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Gladys Ward. He is survived by his sister Ann Ward-Racy (John, Tucson), his niece Sumayya Granger (John-Robert, Tucson) and his grand-niece Annie Granger (also Tucson), cousins in Denver and friends in Redding who shared laughter and good times with him. Miss you, Bill. Rest in Peace.Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com