Donald Edward Ward

Chris and Todd, I am so sorry to learn of your Dad's death. I actually tried to contact him on the very day he passed away, but didn't learn of his passing until months later. It had been some time since I last spoke to him, but he had contacted me and said we should go to dinner when he was feeling better. Unfortunately, that never happened. I am sad that I didn't learn of his passing until after the funeral as I would have attended. I uploaded a couple of photos when your dad first when we met in the mission field and then when he came to live with us when attending BYU. Don stayed with us for some time while attending college and his mother came to visit for a week or two during this time. The first picture was taken in front of our missionary apartment in Baytown, Texas. The second picture uploaded was of Don and his mother in front of the "This Is the Place Monument". I am glad I had the opportunity to bring the light of the Gospel to Don and know he had a profound influence on so many for good.

One ENKINDLED spirit has the power to ignite the world. Thank you, dear Founder Friend, for using your light to inspire others. You are a true exemplar of what we aspire to achieve at the American Youth Foundation.


Founder Friend

This is an EXCELLENT summation of Don's life and who he was as a person. Don was all about YOU as a person and you were his focus in class and in life. I know I could say that I was his favorite student (and not true) BUT I'm speaking for everyone because that is how Don made you feel.

I enjoyed sitting on the front row of his APUSH class and he was a heavy Tab soda drinker and would always take a big sip, place his folded leg on my desk - while I had to move my books to make room - and he'd smile at me and proceed to wax eloquently about Jefferson, Lincoln, or the Gettysburg address.

I later was influenced by him after my Navy days and became a teacher myself and a Student Council Sponsor. That was Don...influencing many people without his knowledge but that shows you the depth of his teaching and impact. Miss you, Don. We will all see you eventually...save some Tab for us!

Greg Moyes - Class of 1984