Obituary for Warren R. Ham

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Warren "Rusty" Richard Ham, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, esteemed colleague, and a man who lived his life with passion and dedication. Rusty was born on January 30, 1956, in Des Moines, Iowa. He took his final breath on December 11, 2023, after a short, but courageous fight with cancer, in Brooklyn Park, MN.

In his younger years, Rusty was no stranger to change. First, his nickname "Rusty" was a source of confusion, and he was unaware of his given name "Warren" until his first day at kindergarten during roll call where he was delighted that there was another classmate with the last name of "Ham." Let's just say his mom had some explaining to do.

His early life was also marked by a series of moves - from Iowa to Nebraska, from Louisiana to Colorado and back to Louisiana. These experiences instilled in him an appreciation for adventure and travel, but also of a place to call home. Reflecting on his childhood, Rusty cherished the memories of mischief and camaraderie with his brothers and sister. He often shared of the fun he had as a boy with his family.

Rusty's journey in the United States Air Force from 1976 to 1981 marked the beginning of his long career in telecommunications as a Radio Relay Equipment Specialist. He wanted an overseas experience, and was stationed in Korea for two years, where he not only served his country but also discovered love when he met and married his beloved wife. Their union became a life filled with shared dreams, adventure, and unwavering support for each other.

Rusty was extremely passionate about his career as a telephony systems engineer. For the past decade, Rusty dedicated his professional life to UCare, where he became an integral part of the IT team. His commitment and passion for his work were recognized through the establishment of the annual "Warren Ham" award, an honor bestowed upon an individual in IT who exemplifies the same dedication and spirit that Rusty brought to the team. Rusty saw his colleagues not just as coworkers but as friends, creating a work environment that was not only productive but also a community that shared in each other's joys and challenges.

Outside of work, Rusty's interests were vast and reflective of his curious and inquisitive nature. An enthusiast of astronomy and astrophysics, he found wonder in the cosmos. His love for these subjects was infectious, leaving a mark on those fortunate enough to engage in conversations with him. He also loved the world of technology, reflecting his insatiable curiosity with learning and tinkering with the latest gadgets. In his spare time, he loved watching and rewatching movies, keeping up with his calculus and math skills, reading, and listening to music.

Rusty had a way of brightening the day of everyone he encountered. His warm and exuberant "hello!" was not just a greeting. It was a genuine expression of the enthusiasm he felt for connecting with others. Whether answering the phone or meeting in person, Rusty's cheerful "hello!" made you feel genuinely valued. His interest in others underscored the depth of his kindness and the sincerity with which he approached relationships.

Above all, Rusty loved his wife deeply, and his departure leaves an irreplaceable void in her heart. One of Rusty's greatest joys was spending weekends with her at the camper, spending time in nature and living a simpler life. These moments brought them both immeasurable happiness and created cherished memories.

In honoring the memory of Warren "Rusty" Ham, let us remember the man who approached life with enthusiasm, love, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world around him. His legacy will continue to inspire and resonate in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Rusty is survived by his loving wife, Jinhee; children, Cheryl (Dan) Perisic, Pamela Ham and Michael Ham; grandson, Caden Perisic; brothers, Craig (Chinhee) Ham and Bryan (Aihui) Ham; and sister, Vicky (Roger) Fox. He is preceded in death by his parents, Irene Ham and Melvin Ham; and brother, James Ham.