Richard Kyle Ward

Birth date: May 19, 1956 Death date: Jul 19, 2021

Richard “Rick” Kyle Ward, loving companion, son, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on July 19, 2021, after battling ischemic cardiomyopathy. Rick was born on May 19, 1956 in Provo, Utah to Bill and Betty Ann Allen Ward. Read Obituary

Wall Obituary Events Media

Greg Dahl

231w ago

It was my privilege to know Rick in our Sandy Utah East Stake. I always appreciated his enthusiasm for life and his friendliness. He was friends with many in our Sandy neighborhood and introduced me to several including, Monsignor Robert Servatius, the Priest at Blessed Sacrament. With a new friendship formed, because of Rick, our Sandy East Stake and Blessed Sacrament came together and jointly performed the Messiah. I have admired Rick and his parents (and other family members for many years). We send our love and gratitude for the promise of the resurrection. Greg and Lorraine Dahl

Brad Peay

231w ago

Rick Ward,
What a great man, I met Rick at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Missionary Training Center in September of 1975. He was in the group ahead of me going to Japan. We became friends quickly, as does everyone with Rick. We also became companions later in the Tokyo 2nd Ward in Kichijoji Japan. We worked hard and had fun. One week during companion planning we were setting goals. We had been companions for several weeks, had set and attained goals in many areas from Japanese study, to tracting hours. This week we wanted to add a couple of goals that we could easily attain. Rick suggested we make a goal not to smoke or drink for the entire week!!! (Yes, we made the goal!!) Rick is a lot of fun.

Rick told me a few stories about him translating Japanese/English for President Gordon B.Hinckley. After translating the first time President Hinckley often sought Rick out to translate for him. Rick said, President Hinckley would speak a lot of words in English that he did not know in Japanese, but, the Japanese word would "Just come to him" as he was translating.

After translating for President Hinckley several times Rick asked President Hinckley why he always asked for me to translate. President Hinckley said, "Because, you are the only translator that translates well enough for people to laugh at my jokes." Then Rick told me, translating from Japanese/English you can not translate jokes. The cultures are too different; I always had a couple of Japanese jokes I could tell when President Hinckley told a joke in English.

Rick and I were able to have lunch together several times after returning to the USA. Rick kept track of many of the missionaries in our mission and always had a fun story about everything. I value my friendship with Rick and look forward to greeting him again. I am sure it will be a wonderful reunion.

Brad Peay

231w ago

Created a new album - Rick Ward in Japan 1976.

Roger Heumann

231w ago

A good man. willing to help and was everyone's friend. he and I did a lot of remodeling together. Also did a lot of deeds that some people didn't know that he did.
I'll miss my good friend.

Tamara Mulkey

231w ago

In March of 2020, a friend of my family, Rick Ward, reached out to me for a commission.
He and his family lived in the neighborhood where I both grew up and called home with my own family. His easy going natural made it hard not to like him. His mom, Betty and dad, Bill; lived one street over and he to lived there.
Anyway, Rick told me he was in hospice and dying. That came as a shock to hear. He asked if I would create a portrait of Jesus with a smile. He wanted to display it at the funeral, when the time came." That's what I hope to see when I cross over, not the serious expression He always seems to have in art." I told him I would, unsure how I would.
I wish I could say I had some other worldly experience in doing the piece, but I didn't. I used a variety of male faces. I was looking for beards, hair but mostly a great smile with all the expression lines. As for the background, I left it vague. I don't know what a heavenly kingdom looks like.
I kept Rick updated with my progress via text and when finished. His heart condition kept him mostly in his room in his dad's basement. He was so happy with how it turned out.
Rick died Monday before midnight. I read about it in a FB post at around 3:30 am. My heart
broke a little. He was such a fan of my artwork. I had missed doing an exhibition of my work at a library because of Covid. He suggested I do an online show, I did and dedicated it to him. He was honored.
Needless to say, I know he got more than a smile from Jesus. Bet there were hugs and back slaps, and laughter. Maybe, they even talk about Hotwheels. Rick loved them so much, he decorated his Xmas tree with them.
Anyway, I have a smaller print of Welcome Home in my livingroom and I will never look at it the same. I can only hope for the same greeting when its my time.
I'm glad to have known you in this life. You made a difference in mine.

Blair M Collins

231w ago

We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He was always so good to me. I married his cousin: Cathi Allen, and Rick was always so positive, friendly, and welcoming. He always had a friendly smile that drew everyone to him and made all feel included. I don't know how to explain the grief I feel for his daughters and Uncle Bill and all who ever knew him. He was very kind to all of us and we will miss him dearly.

With love, Blair Collins and Family.

Linda Lawyer

231w ago

So sorry to hear of Ricks passing. He was a good friend to me when I lived in Salt Lake.
His kindness and sense of humor will always be remembered.
Linda Lawyer

Jennifer Richter

231w ago

Rick is my cousin and I remember him always being happy to see me and greeting me with a “Hey Cuz!” Or “Hey Buddy.” He gave wonderful hugs and told funny clean dad jokes. He gave my kids matchbox cars and a homemade track. Cared about us. We love Rick and will miss him.

Brad Peay

231w ago

Brad Peay

Tribute Wall

Tribute Wall