Ward Bosworth Skinner
July 13, 1930 ~ December 26, 2014
Resided in:
Hayward, CA
Dr. Ward Bosworth Skinner died peacefully on December 26, 2014 in Castro Valley, California at the age of 84.
Ward is survived by his daughter, Luree Jones of Pleasanton and 4 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Ward Revere Skinner and Lulu Belle Skinner, sister Winifred Simmons and son, Ward David Skinner. Ward served in the army while in college at UC Berkeley then the Navy as an officer upon completion of Dental School at USC. He opened his Dental practice in Hayward, CA in the early 60's when he returned from service overseas. He retired from practice in the late 1990's and became an active member of the Board of Dental Examiners for many years. Ward was very active in the community. While in practice in Hayward, Ward joined the Hayward Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club, making many long time friends. Ward served as Lions Club President, as well as President of the Southern Alameda County Dental Association.
Ward loved golf and played as regularly as time would allow. You could always spot him on the course because he played left handed, so it looked like he was playing the wrong way.
Ward was an active member of the Castlewood Country Club and served on the Board of Directors for many years, as well as the board for the Home Owners Association. Ward loved to travel and check out other golf courses. He often took trips with his golf clubs in tow.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for January 31, 2015 from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton, California. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ward's life. If you would like to speak, present a favorite joke or story, please let us know.
Additional information is available at:
http://www.bergepappassmith.com/mobile/obituary/Ward-Bosworth-Skinner/Hayward-CA/1465607
We are planning a small service for family only. Later in January we will have a celebration of my dad’s life. Please bring photos, a story or more and any of his favorite jokes! We are celebrating all that was Ward!
I had the utmost respect for Ward as a dentist who really cared about the welfare of his patients. I valued his advice and friendship and enjoyed a long working relationship when practiced in Hayward. I still remember visiting him as a brand new orthodontist and how he would take time from his busy schedule to meet and provide valuable advice. I was pleased to learn years ago that he was enjoying his retirement and fulfilling his dreams. I was very proud to call him a “friend”. Sincerely, Leonard Chong
Thank you very much for your kind words. We would love for you to join us at his celebration on January 31, 2015 2pm at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton.
In 1963,Ward and I moved into a new office building in Hayward. After a couple of years, we got tired of paying rent to a faceless landlord, so we formed a partnership and bought the building. I paid my rent to him, and he paid his rent to me. It sounded funny accounting-wise, but it felt good psychologically.
We also were neighbors, one block apart, in the Greenridge area of Castro Valley. During that period, Luree came along and they moved to Pleasanton.
For years, we often lunched together in the cafe at the nearby bowling center. His usual sandwich was the Reuben; mine was the grilled cheese. Not very haute cuisine, but we were both young dentists struggling to pay the rent … to each other. However, we were smart enough to spite the IRS by talking shop about the building and, thus, wrote off the lunch tab as a business expense. 🙂
After we both retired, Ward and I served for years on the examination committee of the California dental licensing board. Our per diems from our cry-poor-mouth governor were at the minimum-wage level, nothing extra for overtime, but he said it was a privilege to serve. I think it\’s because he knew neither of us voted for him. 🙂
During those years, Ward and I also were part-time consultants for Delta Dental Plan at its tower office building in San Francisco. Each year, Delta treated the consultants to a special Christmas luncheon at the swanky Garden Room of the Palace Hotel in The City. All of us would dress in our conservative, corporate business outfits of navy blue and power ties for the occasion, but Ward would come in casual clothes highlighted by bright red socks festooned with Santas, mistletoe, and colorful glass balls. I still wonder why he wasn\’t fired.
Ward, you were a wonderful friend, a talented colleague, but I shall never forget those red socks!
Dr. Yuen I hope you will be able to join us this Saturday. I’m so glad to hear Dad’s socks were so memorable. I have to confess…I bought most of them…the crazy ties too. Dad enjoyed things that were fun and tried to make things fun that weren’t. I miss that old office. Good times. Good memories. Luree