Donald Edward Ward

Chris and Todd Ward are sad to inform you that their father, Donald Edward Ward, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and friend to many.

Don was born on December 31, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas to William E. Ward and Olive Rae Young. He was raised in San Antonio with one brother and graduated from Alamo Heights High School.

Don received his undergraduate degree in Sociology and Psychology at Southwestern University in Texas and the University of Maryland. He also attended graduate school at Brigham Young University where he received his teaching certificate.

After college, Don joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Baytown, Texas. His deep, abiding testimony in Jesus Christ was exemplified in every way as he diligently loved and served everyone. Don was in the Young Men’s program for 29 years and was currently serving in his ward's Young Men's organization. He was also a Bishop in the BYU 72nd Ward, as well as various other callings throughout his life. Don loved his current ward members in the Crescent 28th Ward where he had many friends who kindly returned service back to him.

Don married Sharon Kay Kirkpatrick on July 7, 1973, in the Provo, Utah Temple and then raised their two sons in Alpine, Utah. He was always so proud of Chris and Todd. He loved spending time with his boys and their families, especially traveling together. Of all his travels around the world, the trips that meant the most to Don were those he took to away BYU football games with his sons and grandchildren.

Don began his teaching career at Jordan High School in Sandy, Utah and taught there for five years. He then moved to Alta High School and taught AP US History for 30 years. Don had a passion for America and he loved sharing that enthusiasm with students. He especially loved team teaching with Mr. Ochoa every day. He also taught student government and was very involved in high school activities. Don truly was Alta’s biggest cheerleader long after he retired.

Don was a remarkable teacher who has impacted thousands of students. He had a gift of remembering the names and faces of his students and created a network of staying in touch with them through Facebook. His reach to change his students’ lives carried on for them well into adulthood. Don wouldn’t miss a wedding, a farewell, a homecoming or any big life event for former students. Everybody knows, loves and remembers Mr. Ward from Alta High School.

Even though Don received both state and national awards for teaching, his relationships with students were far more important to him. Through the years, he was able to take over 2000 students on 28 trips to Washington, D.C. Don also had the honor to serve on the board of the Utah Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge for 22 years. During that time, he took 1000 students to Philadelphia, PA to study and learn America’s history.

After retirement, Don spent the last 14 years helping 35,000 refugees settle in Utah. He gave countless hours shopping, delivering, and just plain loving refugees. If there was a need, Don would send the word out on Facebook and the need would be met immediately. He gave hundreds of people an opportunity to serve in the community as well. Through his network he was able to oversee providing Christmas for 2000 families and facilitated giving out nearly 3000 bikes to refugees, plus hundreds of other needed items. His influence and example will be greatly missed. However, his legacy of serving and helping refugees will be carried on through the Ward Foundation, of which he was the first president.

Don truly was about “the one.” He spent his life ministering to others and he loved every person who crossed his path. Don’s life was never about Don. He went about doing good works, never seeking recognition or accolades. His small acts of service have left a big, far-reaching impact on thousands of lives that will be felt for generations.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon, brother, William Ward, parents William E. and Olive Ray Young Ward. He is survived by his sons, Chris (Alison) and Todd (Jonni), grandchildren, Maci, Gavin, Laney, Jackson, Charles, Weston, and Oliver Ward.

You are invited to a celebration of Don’s life. A viewing will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Draper, Utah Crescent View Stake Center, 11626 South 300 East, Draper, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 11:00 am at the same building, a viewing will take place prior to services from 9:00-10:30 am. Services will be broadcast to an overflow meetinghouse at 89 East 11000 South, Sandy, Utah. Interment will be at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Sandy, Utah. If you would like to watch the services online, please click on the blue "Watch Services" button above or use the following information:
https://zoom.us/j/92145216588
Webinar ID: 921 4521 6588

Don loved flowers and always remembered those who had gone before with flowers. However, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Ward Foundation at https://donwardfoundation.org/ to honor his legacy.