Preston Beales Ward

TO VIEW PRESTON'S FUNERAL SERVICE LIVE PLEASE CLICK HERE

Preston Beales Ward passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024, at his home in Sandy, Utah, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Preston was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend who lived a life marked by love, service, and unwavering faith.

Preston was born on September 23, 1951, in Billings, Montana, the second child of Karl Edwin Ward and Beverley Beales. After spending some time in Rupert, Idaho, the family eventually settled in Hyde Park. He grew up learning the family values of love, forgiveness, kindness, charity, and acceptance from his parents and siblings—Karl, Signe, Joel, and Wendy. He loved his siblings and cousins very much and often spoke about the fun times they had together at Grandma and Grandpa Ward and Beales houses, camping, or just enjoying time together. After graduating from Sky View High School, he served a mission to England, the land of his Ward and Beales ancestors. He loved the people there and we loved his stories and the accents with which he used to tell them. Upon return from his mission, he began studies at Utah State University, which is where he met his sweetheart and eternal companion, Janine Holmstead. They were the ultimate complements to each other and loved each other deeply.

He took a position at Cache County working for the surveyor’s office, eventually becoming the county surveyor. He spent his entire career working for the county and loved the great people he was able to meet there. He especially loved when the work required him to be in the mountains. He spent countless hours exploring the mountains and wilderness of Cache County, looking for old section corners and reading the old surveyor’s notes.

With Janine, he had four children, Daniel (Janie), Bradley, Lindsay Salisbury (Mo), and Amalia (Luke). He is survived by his children, as well as 5 grandchildren, Preston Andrew (Savanna) Ward, Abigail Claire (John) McOmie, Jacob Daniel (Ellie) Ward, Esther Anne Ward, and Mckensie Mouritsen. 

Despite the progression of his disease, Preston continued to embrace life fully. He loved the outdoors whether he was working, camping, or just in his yard building fountains and rock walls. In his later years, he was able to travel to Hawaii, England, and Sweden and enjoyed boating and camping until he was no longer physically capable. His family fondly remembers having to convince him to slow down, but his adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors always shone through.

Preston had a huge heart and loved people unconditionally, regardless of their choices or paths in life. His love and kindness knew no bounds, and he touched the lives of many with his generosity and compassion. He was deeply committed to his faith and served in various capacities within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in bishoprics, elder’s quorums, and young men’s groups, but his favorite calling was always as children’s Sunday school teacher. He loved spending time with children and dedicated countless hours preparing activities, treats, and toys for them. He loved making them feel special and he was a favorite amongst the children. 

His big, tender heart was also noted by man’s best friend. No matter who, what, or where he visited, we could always count on him becoming the immediate favorite of anybody’s family dog. 

Since Janine—the light of his life--unexpectedly passed away over 14 years ago, Preston has been waiting to rejoin her. She was everything to him and those of us left behind to feel his absence find great comfort in knowing that he is now at peace and reunited with her, free from the pain and suffering of his physical condition. We take comfort in his deep spiritual faith, a faith that helps sustain us. He never wavered in his faith, and we are grateful to share his faith that families can be forever.

A viewing will be held on Friday, August 2nd from 6:00-8:00pm at Allen Mortuary of North Logan with an additional viewing to be held on Saturday, August 3rd, from 9:30-10:30 AM at Aspen Hills Ward Chapel 65 E Center St, Hyde Park, UT. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM with interment at Smithfield City Cemetery.

We are forever grateful for your example, Dad – one of kindness, love, and humor. Your memory will endure with us forever. Thank you for your boundless love and for helping us know we were always loved. We will miss you and will always love you.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.

TO VIEW PRESTON'S FUNERAL SERVICE LIVE PLEASE CLICK HERE