Richard Allen Ward, age 73, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a valiant struggle with congestive heart failure.

Richard was born January 11, 1943, in Malad, Idaho, to Golden Ward and Emma Spencer Ward. Growing up on the family farm, he learned how to work hard at an early age. He enjoyed working with livestock and had a special love of horses. He was raised in a family with a strong emphasis on the importance of music. Richard became an accomplished trombone player and performed with the Utah State University Concert Band and the well-known Scotsman Jazz group during his college years. He enjoyed playing with the Alumni Concert Band for many years afterwards.

He graduated from Malad High School in 1961, and then continued his education at Utah State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Education. Richard taught mathematics for 24 years in the Cache County School District, spending time at North Cache Middle School and Skyview High School before retiring to ranch full time in the Malad Valley.

Richard married his eternal companion, Helen Elizabeth Wayman, on November 14, 1968, in the Logan LDS Temple. Together they have raised seven children.

Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and attended OCS at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. at the Field Artillery and Missile School. He then served for three years in the United States Army Material Command Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Richard was an active member of the LDS Church. He served a full-time mission in Brazil and served in many ward and stake callings throughout his life. He was known for his kindness and patience and was a good example to family and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Golden and Emma Ward, and is survived by his wife, Helen, and their children: Elizabeth (Terry) Kealamakia, Kaysville, Utah; John (Tishara) Ward, Malad, Idaho; Melissa (John) Sorenson, St. George, Utah; Catherine (Stan) Makaafi, Denver, Colorado; James Ward and Peter Ward, Malad, Idaho; and Rachel (Kris) Blanch, Idaho Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by four brothers: J. Golden (Alice) Ward, Tremonton, Utah; Spencer (Arline) Ward, Hyrum, Utah; and Ryan (Bobbie) Ward and Kenneth (Tracy) Ward, Malad, Idaho; and three sisters: Lorene (Carl) Marsing, Draper, Utah; Mary Cheney, Malad, Idaho; and Carol Dawn Ward, Pocatello, Idaho. Richard also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Jerry John and his staff at the Mckay Dee Heart Failure Clinic in Ogden, Utah, for their exceptional care and kindness. They also extend their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team working with Alliance Hospice, especially Karen Jones, R.N., and Kim Day and Francis Allen for their kind and loving care. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 3 at 12 noon in the Malad LDS Stake Center located on 250 North 1100 West, Malad, Idaho. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Wednesday evening from 6-8 P.M. and prior to the services on Thursday from 10:30-11:45 A.M. Internment will follow at Malad Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.horsleyfuneralhome.com