Edward J Winward

Edward J Winward, age 94, passed away peacefully at home on December 5, 2025. He was born on October 27, 1931 in Logan, Utah, the third of twelve children, to Bertie William Winward, Jr. and Elizabeth Wuthrich Winward. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a deep love for the Savior Jesus Christ and the gospel.
Edward grew up on a farm in the small town of Clifton, Idaho where a love for the world around him was fostered. As a young boy, he spent countless hours roaming the hills behind his home, climbing trees to look for bird nests, and running around with his dog. He would often wake up early and spend the entire day alone in the hills. His parents would call for him to come home but their calls were ignored. He often went without supper because of his roamings. Fortunately, his father had taught him early on how to survive by eating sego lilies, so he didn't mind missing supper. He was interested in birds and from an early age raised young magpies. Once his mother found he had pigeons roosting in his downstairs bedroom. In high school, he found a young eagle from a nest which imprinted on him and became tamer than a kitten.
Growing up, Edward participated in many sports, excelling in boxing. He was his high school class valedictorian. He was awarded an athletic scholarship to Idaho State University in Pocatello, where he was on the freshman boxing team for a short time. He was so talented in boxing, he was known in the community as "that boxer." He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western Canadian Mission. Within three months of returning from his mission, Edward was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War and served for a period of two years. He then attended Brigham Young University until he married Margaret Beutler in the Logan, Utah Temple on November 14, 1956. They lived in Logan where he attended Utah State University and earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees.
Upon graduating from USU, Edward worked at Brigham Young University in the psychology department until taking a sabbatical to pursue a PhD in Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri. After obtaining his degree, he returned and spent the rest of his career at BYU where he taught graduate level courses and was a counseling psychologist for students. He would often remark that working with the students gave him the greatest sense of fulfillment. He was employed at BYU for a total of 38 years. He was also a licensed examiner and performed diagnostic evaluation work for the Disability Determination Services for the state of Utah.
Edward was deeply committed to learning and was knowledgeable in many fields. He had an extensive knowledge of the gospel and was a devoted scriptorian. He loved helping others and spent many hours serving his neighbors and friends. It was very common for him to teach a neighbor how to prune a tree, care for roses, or to help cut down a tree. He was the one to call when anyone needed help. His life was a life of service. Within the church, he served as a bishop, as a member of the high council, and a temple worker, among other various callings. When asked what he enjoyed most, he never hesitated to say, "teaching Sunday School." He loved sharing his knowledge and testimony of the gospel and the scriptures.
Edward loved animals. He enjoyed raising bees and spent many years supplying his family with honey. His passion for birds from his youth continued throughout his life. He raised pheasants, quail, chukars, ducks, pigeons, partridges, and turkeys among others on his property where he built his own pens. He also had flying squirrels, cottontail rabbits and various owls and falcons. Whenever there was an injured bird or animal found, Edward would be the one called. Each year for many years, the kindergarten class from Orchard Elementary would visit his aviary for a field trip. He was a master falconer, and enjoyed sharing his love and knowledge of falcons with others. He took great joy in mentoring others, inspiring them to develop an interest in falconry. He loved to go hunting and fishing, especially with his family, and seldom passed up an opportunity to be in nature.
Edward had a green thumb and maintained an orchard, a large garden, and many flowerbeds for years. He had a great sense of humor and a very quick wit. Once, when asked to teach one of his sons how to prune trees, he responded, "Just act like you know what you are doing, and nobody will question." He was a rock hound and would make jewelry from the rocks and minerals he collected. He enjoyed playing church basketball and when he played, the crowd would chant, "Win with Winward." He was known for his calm demeanor. He was a peacemaker and had legendary patience. He had genuine integrity and would easily be considered a man without guile. Edward had a hidden talent of yodeling and could multitask as he would watch the news, read the newspaper, and listen to the BYU game on the radio simultaneously, all while eating a big bowl of ice cream.
Edward was a master storyteller and would tell stories from his youth as well as "Jungle Boy" stories that became legends among his children and grandchildren. His favorite foods were ice cream, chocolate, and anything containing chocolate. He was frequently found with Hershey's kisses in his shirt pocket to give to grandchildren. Once he was asked, "What if the doctor said you could no longer eat chocolate?" His reply was, "I'd get a new doctor." He was then asked, "What if all the doctors said no more chocolate?" His reply was, "I'd quit going to doctors."
Edward and Margaret had eight children and were married for 44 years until her death on March 30, 2001. He married Tara O'Collins on April 20, 2002 in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. They were married for 23 years.
Edward's children are deeply grateful to Tara for the loving care she provided, especially as Edward's health declined and he needed increasing support. With Tara's dedication, and Tyra's help as well, Edward was able to remain comfortably in his home.
A very special thank you to Aspen Ridge Home Health and Hospice for his caregivers Jordan, Melissa, Casey, Trixie and Cheyenne. They provided very gentle and loving care as if he were their own family member, and it was truly felt and appreciated.
Also to his dear friend, Emma, from the MAG Program, who met with him each week. She thoughtfully tailored every visit to his needs and interests and was always caring and sensitive.
He is survived by his wife, Tara; children: Kirk (Colette) Winward, Karrie (Tom) Elder, Clay (Tawny) Winward, Jill (Mark) Ostraff, Kristi (Geoff) Matthews, Rand (Debbie) Winward, Rick (Sarah) Winward, Troy (Aimee) Winward, Tyra O'Collins; 38 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers and three sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife: Margaret Beutler Winward; his parents; two brothers and four sisters; granddaughters: Angelica Elder and Emily Winward; and a great-granddaughter: Lexi Jones.
A Graveside Service will be held on December 12, 2025 at 1:00 pm for immediate family only. Internment is at the Orem City Cemetery.
If you would like to honor Edward, please take a moment to admire a beautiful flower or to witness the beauty of a falcon flying above.
The graveside service may be joined via online at: https://meet.google.com/xtq-qogv-jsz or via phone: (US) +1 413-276-7768
PIN: 851972825