By Uncle Irvin

The only reason Uncle Irvin came to Oxford in 1970 was to purchase the Chester County Press from John H. Ware III.

At that time, Ware lived in Oxford and was running the family's natural gas businesses. He was a state Senator and went on to become a Congressman. Most of us didn't know it then, but John Ware was a billionaire.

However, we all came to know Ware and his family's philanthropic character. John's philanthropic achievements really blossomed after his death. Carrying the torch was Ware's wife, Marian, and his children, particularly daughters Marilyn and Carol Ware Gates.

Their latest generous gift was to Cochranville-based Canine Partners for Life, for the Marian S. Ware Service Center, which is now under construction. The new facility will become the hub of Canine Partners for Life's activities. Public fundraising for the next phase of the Canine Partners for Life expansion is ongoing.

On a private note, I can't claim to be an old friend of John Ware III. He was in his 60s, and I was in my 30s, but he, nevertheless, gave me a strong act to follow as a publisher/businessman.

He and his family are still giving back to southern Chester County.

(Uncle Irvin's column is his opinion only, and is not a news story.)