'ROLE MODEL' LAID TO REST\Veteran deputy recalled for humor.

Byline: James J. Rodriguez Daily News Staff Writer

With music by Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton and Kenny Rogers in the background, about 1,400 people remembered a sheriff's sergeant Thursday who touched the lives of many in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Robert Warford, with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's station since its early days, was laid to rest at the Garden of Will Rogers at Eternal Valley Memorial Park.

The 34-year Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department veteran died March 8 after suffering a heart attack at his home.

An eight-mile procession snaked through town from a two-hour memorial service at College of the Canyons to Eternal Valley. Warford was eulogized by colleagues and friends as a dedicated family man, a role model, a hero and a hard worker who loved his community enough to make a profound difference.

As his widow, Pat, sat in the front row of the COC gymnasium - her two sons at each side - Warford's flag-draped casket sat only an arm's reach away. Sheriff Sherman Block presented the family with the department's highest service honor, the Distinguished Service Award.

"His colorful demeanor was always evident when he was around," Block told the audience that packed inside a makeshift chapel. "He actually touched people until his untimely death. He did make a difference. May you rest in piece, my friend."

Block's remarks were just among several shared throughout the morning during the service. Commanders and captains who worked with Warford spoke highly of the man known to many as "Deputy Bob."

Music blared over two large speakers. Pop star Carey's song's "Hero" and "Anytime You Need a Friend" was played. "Tears in Heaven," by rock singer Eric Clapton played. And country western singer Kenny Roger's "Through the Years" was played during a chronicle of Warford's life played on a video screens at the service.

Cmdr. Robert Spierer remembered Warford as a dedicated employee who took on any task no matter its magnitude. And Spierer said Warford could always be counted on for livening up a gathering.

"He was happiest when people were having fun," Spierer said. "That was his nature. You couldn't shake it. Bob appealed to a series of folks."

And whenever Spierer needed a job done, he said he would turn to Warford who he jokingly called "Warfie."

"He always came through for me, no matter how difficult the work was or the deadline," Spierer said.

It was Warford who began Neighborhood Watch in the Santa Clarita Valley. He oversaw the volunteer search-and-rescue team. And he was remembered as the jolly old St. Nick, who he portrayed at Christmas time during toy giveaways.

But probably highest on his list was working with youth, said Capt. Marv Dixon. In addition to heading the volunteer teen Explorers program, Warford also taught law enforcement courses for 27 years through the William S. Hart Union High School District at COC.

"He was a teacher and a role model," Spierer said.

"He was magic," Dixon said. "You look around today and I think you would know Bob meant a great deal to our youth."

Robert Wankel was one of those teen-agers Warford made an impact on.

"We loved him," said Wankel after the services, trying to hold back his tears. "He will always be our sarge. He was a great man. He was my second father."

Explorer Jenny Pederson said Carey's song "Hero" best fitted Warford. She said she was touched by his memorial service.

"I thought it was a great tribute," she said. "It couldn't have been better. He was a role model, a father figure and he was funny. It's a great loss."

At the request of Warford's family, the Rev. David F. Granadino invited guests to get on stage and share their favorite stories about Warford. Nobody hesitated.

"I wanted to tell you how important this man was in my life," said Jennifer Storle, a friend and former student of Warford's. "You need to know that this man was my hero. I looked up to him so much. His Explorers meant a lot to him."

But Estelle Foley, a volunteer who works at the Santa Clarita Valley station, best summed up feelings for Warford. She wrote them in a poem entitled "He is Gone But Not Forgotten."

"I saw him yesterday for a while and then he was gone. It was a bright and sunny day. His presence lighted the room he was in. That light has now dimmed.

"Sgt. Bob Warford was a man to behold, a man of great stature, a manly man. He was many things to many people, a husband, a father, a friend, and officer, but most of all he was a caring man.

"His many years in law enforcement endeared him in the community. So let's remember our friendship with him.

"May the pathway to heaven be covered with rose petals. Remembering he is the evening star, that will shine upon his brothers as they patrol every night."

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Photo (1--Color only in SAC edition) Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies pay their last respects to Sgt. Robert Warford who served in the department for 34 years. Warford died after a heart attack March 8. Hans Gutknecht/Daily News (2--SAC edition only--Color) A sheriff's deputy hands Warford's widow, Pat, the American flag that covered her husband's coffin. (3--SAC edition only) A sheriff's deputy waits to play taps during the memorial service for Sgt. Robert Warford at College of the Canyons on Thursday. Hans Gutknecht/Daily News