Ronald W. Ward

Ronald W. Ward, M.D.

Ronald Willis Ward passed away May 26, 2010 at his home in Bountiful of causes related to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born September 3, 1937 to Willis E. Ward and Geneva Novene Gee.

Ron was born in Rupert, ID but spent most of his youth in Paradise, California. He graduated from Chico High School then moved to Utah where he received his undergraduate degree from BYU. He then received his medical degree from the University of Utah Medical School. He did postgraduate training in Internal Medicine at the University of Oklahoma where he also did a fellowship in Cardiology.

In 1968, Ronald began private practice in Salt Lake City and was affiliated with Salt Lake Regional Medical Center (formerly Holy Cross Hospital). During his 40 years of practice, he developed many close relationships with his fellow colleagues, and was well respected. In addition to his private practice, he was a physician for the employees of the Union Pacific Railroad where meaningful friendships were formed. He was dedicated to improve and enrich the lives of his patients. He reluctantly retired in February 2009.

He was married to Ann Hixson Tillson for many years, they were later divorced. He spent the last 15 years with his wife, Barbara Webster, who provided him care with love, kindness and a sense of humor. They loved travelling together and went on lots of wonderful trips, trying to beat each other in Gin Rummy.

He enjoyed racquetball, jazz music, travel, photography, western movies, crossword puzzles, and bird hunting. He loved to grill, plant tomatoes and cheer for BYU with his Ten Gin in hand. Ron loved spending time at Jackson Lake in Teton National Park where he went to recharge his batteries. He loved and will be missed by his "Archie Cat" and "Lester Dog."

He will be deeply missed by his family, dear friends, colleagues, and many patients.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Suzanne Clissold (Matt), Lisa Ward Jeppsen, and Lindsay Ward (Brian); eight grandchildren; his brothers, Richard (Marianne) and Philip; and his mother, Novene.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday June 1, 2010 at 2 pm at Lindquist''s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. (Orchard Drive) where a visitation will be held Monday May 31 from 7-9 pm and Tuesday 1:00-1:45 pm prior to the services. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park.

Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com