LaVar Kennard Ward Obituary (1933 - 2019)

LaVar Kennard Ward, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on October 17, 2019. LaVar was born on July 1, 1933, in Logan, Utah, the fourth of eight children born to LeRoy and Marguerite Ward. At the time, the Ward family was living on a ranch on the Camas Prairie near Fairfield, Idaho, in the tiny town of Corral. In the midst of the Great Depression, the family moved frequently, wherever there was work, living in Weston, Preston, Clifton, and Thatcher, Idaho, and in Liberty and Logan, Utah. Although they experienced many lean times, there was never a shortage of love in the Ward home; LaVar adored his parents, and they worked hard to provide for their family. In 1946, when LaVar was 14, the family settled in Boise, Idaho. LaVar raised rabbits, which he traded to a small store for the family's groceries, and, during his teen years, he worked at Orr Roofing and Building Supply, where he realized his great love of wood. In the summer of 1947, his parents were operating the Cannery of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it was there, as he was coming up from the basement on the rope-operated elevator, that he saw the love of his life, Lois Joan Jones. LaVar and Lois were married and sealed for all time and eternity in the Idaho Falls, Idaho, LDS Temple on February 26, 1953. LaVar joined the National Guard and later served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia, earning the rank of Sergeant. Following military service, Lois and LaVar started their family and lived in Logan, Utah, where LaVar studied Forestry at Utah State Agricultural College. While in college, LaVar was recruited by Chandler Supply Co. in Boise, where he worked for 19 years, quickly promoted to eventually serve as Vice President of Trucking and Vice President of Masonry. LaVar was elected President of the Idaho Motor Transport Association Board and traveled with Lois to New York City to represent the Association at the national convention of the American Trucking Association. LaVar went on to earn his real estate license, selling real estate and working in property management for Martin Zachreson Co., Homeland Realty, and Fox Real Estate. In 1991, LaVar was hired as the Physical Facilities Manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in this capacity until his retirement in 2000. As a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LaVar dedicated his life to faith and family, serving in various Church callings, including Scoutmaster, Sunday School President, Counselor to Bishop Keith Higginson, and Executive Secretary to the Stake President. LaVar served on High Council for several years and was called to serve as Bishop in May 1975, serving for five and a half years. After retirement, Lois and LaVar served as missionaries from 2002 to 2003 for the Santa Rosa Mission in Fort Bragg, California, where all of their children visited to help them celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. LaVar's work ethic was known far and wide; anyone who knew him knew that he rarely stood still. When he wasn't working, serving his family or serving his Church, neighbors, or friends, he enjoyed being outdoors, snowshoeing in the winter and camping and hiking in the summer. LaVar celebrated annual family reunions with his parents and siblings for many years. He and Lois continued this tradition with their own family and, to this day, hold a family reunion each year. This summer, all of their children and their spouses, along with most of the grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, were able to attend, some traveling from afar, gathering at the family homestead to catch up, enjoy one another's company, and, of course, make homemade, hand-cranked ice cream, closely supervised by Grandpa. LaVar was an avid runner, participating in three triathlons, twice in the Deseret News Marathon, and he ran the Race to Robie Creek half marathon eight times. After retirement, he thoroughly enjoyed working in his wood shop, where he created beautiful works of art in the form of bowls, clocks, and other treasures, which he lovingly bequeathed to fortunate family members and friends. LaVar enjoyed traveling when he could. He and Lois took a Church History Tour, they went to Hawaii, and they traveled abroad, visiting Holland, Belgium and England in 1986. Some of LaVar's favorite days were spent at the family cabin at Karney Lakes. Even here, at this place of rest and relaxation, LaVar served. He was a member of the Karney Lakes Club Board, serving as President for six years. He oversaw a logging project, garnering funds for an underground water system (the installation of which he also supervised), which allowed families to enjoy their cabins year-round. Even though the original cabin burned, taking with it some irreplaceable family treasures, construction of the new cabin resulted in priceless memories of LaVar working side by side with his sons. From his humble beginnings, a family cabin nestled in the trees was only a dream, so it was a great source of pride for LaVar and a sanctuary for him, Lois, and their family. Lois and LaVar made a home in Boise, where they raised their children, where they lived their life together for the past 56 years, and where LaVar passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, who love and will miss him beyond words. LaVar was kind and generous, and he was loved and respected by all who had the good fortune to know him. Lois would like to thank all those who visited, brought food and helped and cared for LaVar in his final days. We are truly comforted in knowing that he was welcomed with great joy and open arms by our Heavenly Father as he passed from this life to the next. LaVar was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Paul, Lynn, and Keith; and a son, Ross J. LaVar is survived by Lois Ward, his wife of 66 years; and eight children: Marvin (Gayle) Ward of Meridian, Idaho, Alan (Deborah) Ward, of Meridian, Idaho, Marie Ward of Nampa, Idaho, Scott (Gina) Ward of Boise, Idaho, JoAnn (Tim) Martin, of Boise Idaho, Stacey (Melissa) Ward, of Naples, Idaho, Cari (Kennon) Cooper of Saratoga Springs, Utah, and Joseph (Diane) Ward, of Manlius, New York; sisters Beth Wheeler of Nampa, Idaho, and Carolyn (Rex) Johns of Idaho Falls, Idaho; brothers Mondell (Sonja) Ward of Arizona, and Frank (Barbara) Ward of Portland, Oregon; two sisters-in-law, Toosje Ward of Meridian, Idaho, and Janice Ward of Salt Lake City, Utah; 27 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.