Arthur E. Ware
October 6, 1940 - November 11, 2011
Obituary
Arthur E. Ware was born October 6, 1940 in San Francisco, CA. He was preceded in death by his father , Howard F. Ware and his mother, Mildred J. Ware. Husband of Eloise A. Ware for 48 years. Art died at his home in Gig Harbor, WA November 11, 2011.
Art, as he was known, graduated salutatorian from Galileo High School in San Francisco; attended Columbia College in NYC and graduated from Whitworth University in 1963. He then graduated from Trenton State University with an MA in teaching and then received his Master of Divinity in 1969 from Princeton Theological Seminary. He began pursuing his love of coaching and teaching history and math at the Hun School, a private boarding school in Princeton, New Jersey. From there he went to Princeton High School to teach and coach. In 1969 he moved to Washington State where he taught at Bellevue High School and was honored by being voted Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 1970. He became an administrator that year as social studies coordinator for the Bellevue School District. Art was also a high school vice principal in the
Renton School District, then moved to the Edmonds School district where he held various central office positions through the late 1970’s and 1980’s. At the end of his career at Edmonds, he returned to his first love of teaching math and coaching tennis, basketball and baseball in both middle and high schools there.
In 1997 Art retired to become a Presbyterian missionary to Albania after communism fell. He became the headmaster of the only Christian missionary kids’ school in the capital, Tirana, and then taught at the first bible school to help the emerging leaders and pastors of new protestant churches. It was a tumultuous time to live in Albania. The country fell into anarchy in 1997 when Art and his wife, Eloise had to be evacuated by the Marines and then in 1999 he helped feed, clothe and find bedding for escaping Kosovar refugees during the Kosovo crisis.
After returning to the U.S., Art became a Presbyterian Church USA pastor, serving Presbyterian churches in the South Sound. During this time he again pursued his passion for tennis and began playing tournament tennis.
Art enjoyed getting together with family and friends, reading and attending musical plays and movies. He also found a love of travel after living in Europe. He accomplished his dream of visiting The Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia on his 70th birthday. Through his compassion for the poor and commitment to God, he led a full and exciting life.
He is survived by his children, Michael, Andrew (Yvonne), and Laurie (Joe) and one grandchild, Katherine, as well as his sister, Virginia(Joseph), his brother, Howard (Beverly)and his niece, Janice.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the following: Salvation Army, Gig Harbor United Methodist Church, Tacoma Gospel Mission, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America or Illir Gjoni c/o Heartland Christian Center, 1741 Oak Hill Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691, one of his Albanian student pastors.
Visitation will be November 25th from 2:00 – 5:00pm at Washington Memorial Park, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188. The family and old King County/Snohomish County friends Memorial Service will be Tuesday, November 29th, 1:00 pm at the Tillicum Center, 15508 Portland Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 (253) 588-5204.
For Art’s many friends and acquaintances, please attend his Celebration of Life, Friday, December 2, at 2:00 pm at Gig Harbor United Methodist Church, 7400 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. (253) 851-2625. His widow, Eloise, wishes to thank these family and friends for their help and support during these difficult times.
You are already truly missed! Love you lots, and bless you for all that you did for this world! See you in heaven!
You were a wonderful, kind, caring and compassionate man. You served well and inspired many. Missing you!
Greetings Eloise:
Alison Gibb let me know about Art’s death. I was so saddened to learn of it. We, of course, were all friends at Colunbia – Barnard back in the late 50’s, especially in the UCA (Christian Association). Mardi and I also enjoyed visiting you and Art in Princeton, and especially in 1994, when you gave us lodging for the night, as we passed through Seattle, and also toured us thru the city.
May God’s love and peace richly bless you as you mourn the wonderful life you share
Sorry to hear of Art’s passing.
I was saddened to hear of Arthur’s passing. We were friends and classmates at Columbia College in the late 50’s and early 60’s. As members of the University Christian Association, I will always remember Art’s gentle sense of humor and his true love of his fellow human beings. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family
We enjoyed knowing Art in “Small Group”
and pray for God to comfort and guide you
in life without him.
Thinking of Laurie and her family during this difficult time.
It was pleasure and a privilege to get to know Art. His contributions to our church discussion groups will be greatly missed as well as his generosity and humor.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Laurie, and your mom and brothers. Take care.
It was a privilege to know Art for almost 10 years. He was a master teacher and a tremendous resource to his students. He was also a scholar of religion who freely shared his intellect with others. His vast knowledge, kind manner, generosity and wit will be sorely missed. Art lived his life as a reflection of God’s love and grace. My deepest condolences to Eloise and family.
It was a joy to have Art be a part of our tennis family. Always enthusiastic, committed and competitive. His knowledge of world issues lent depth to our discussions during social gatherings. We will miss you, Art!
Godspeed, Art Ware.
I love you and miss you so much Uncle Art! You are the kindest, sweetest and most unselfish person I know. You have had such a positive effect on people’s lives. You will never be forgotten. To Elo, Laurie, Mike and Andy…..you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Remember, if you need anything, I am just a phone call away.
I worked with Art in the Bellevue School District when Art was the Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator and I was a junior high school SS teacher. Art had a wonderful heart and deep passion for learning and the education process. His loyalty, integrity and passion made lasting impressions that have remained with me throughout my life. I am a better person for imprint his life had on mine. Blessings on your spirit and to your family, my friend. God Speed to a good and faithful servant.
Bob Johnson
I am so sad to see of Art’s passing. He was a man who never ceased to give far more than he ever received. Every community he has touched has truly lost something special. My words cannot adequately express my level of respect for he and his family. God Bless.
Art gave me a teaching job in the Edmonds School District after I was laid off in the Renton District. Who knew that we would both be in Albania 20 years later during the war in Kosovo. Thank you, Art for your faith in me and the doors you opened for me.