William S. Ward

Friday, May. 16, 2014

SALT LAKE CITY — William S. (Bill) Ward passed away May 8, 2014.

Ward was born on Nov. 18, 1927 to John Isaac and Clara Elzi Ward of Salt Lake City. He received his Bachelor of Science degree, Master of Social Work degree, and Doctorate of Sociology from the University of Utah. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He served in the United States Army and retired from the Active Army Reserve with the rank of colonel. He was assigned to the 328th General Hospital Unit, served as liaison officer for the U.S. Military Academy, was assigned to the U.S. Army Institute of Social and Behavioral Research and was assigned to the Army Family Resource Center at the Pentagon.

Ward worked with the State of Utah Division of Welfare and Social Services in various positions, including being the director of Children and Family Services, and retired after 45 years of service. He wrote legislation to help improve services and helped to develop the Foster Care Program. He held various positions with the Child Welfare Leagues of Utah and America, The National Association of Social Workers, and a number of other social welfare organizations. 

Ward is survived by wife Barbara Bernardi Ward; daughters Mary Ann Ward and Jaime Horton; sister Patsy Alsop (Iven); and nephews, nieces, and cousins as well as in-laws.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.