Donald E. Ward

Donald E. Ward was born Feb. 15, 1943, in Spokane, Wash. He passed away unexpectedly Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, at his home in Salmon, Idaho.

Don grew up in Cobalt, where he attended grade school, then lived in Lemhi with his aunt, Clover Aik- ens, where he attended Leadore High School until his family moved to Idaho Falls. After high school, he returned to Salmon, where he lived at the Indianola ranger station and worked on the fire suppression crew as a helitack squad leader.

While attending a basketball game in Salmon, he met the love of his life, Sharyn Jolley. Don and Sharyn married Sept. 26, 1964. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Idaho Falls, where he worked for Western Electric Co. (Lucent Technologies) as a communications technician for 30 years and where he raised his family.

Upon retiring, he and Sharyn moved back to Salmon and built a home on Wimpey Creek at Baker. They managed the Salmon Meadows Campground and mobile home park for several years.

Don enjoyed motorcycling, four-wheeling, fishing and hunting. He loved working in his shop and was well-known for his ability to repair anything. Don and his wife enjoyed their many property improvement projects.

He had many dear, close friends who he always entertained with his many funny stories. His keen interest in history fueled his love of learning through reading.

Don's friends and family knew him to be a wonderful father, loving husband, protective big brother and loyal friend. Those closest to him knew the strength of his demeanor surrounded the warmest heart.

He is survived by his wife, Sharyn; his daughter, Jennifer (Mike) Knudson of Hailey, Idaho; his son, Steven (Valerie) Ward of Camas, Wash.; his brothers, Tom Ward of American Falls, Idaho, and Jim Ward of Las Vegas; his sisters, Mary Christopherson of Hazelton, Idaho, and Judy Talbot of Idaho Falls; father-in-law, E. Dale (Patricia) Jolley of Salmon; sisters-in-law, Reah (Jim) Tarkalson, Barbara (Boyd) Stokes of Salmon and Annette (Kent) Knight of Tucson, Ariz.; and brother-in law, Von (Patricia) Jolley of Orem, Utah.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Williams Ward; and mother-in-law, Mildred "Millie" Jolley.

As Don requested, no official services will be observed. A private family gathering has been held in remembrance. The family would like to express their gratitude for the loving support of their family and friends. Arrangements are under the care of Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Salmon.