Joy Arvin Ward

Joy Arvin Ward
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Farr West - Joy Arvin Ward, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away of natural causes early in the morning of Tuesday, December 3, 2013. He and his wife were asleep in his bed.

He was born on June 28, 1932 in Liberty, Utah to Raymond H. and Geneva Deem Ward. He was the third of four siblings. He was raised in Liberty; helping his dad on the farm. Some of his fondest memories during his youth were the times he spent with Harry, the Greek, during the lambing seasons. His relationship with Harry was a precursor to Joy's making lasting friendships in the Greek Community. World War II was taking all of the young men out of the valley when Joy was 10 years old. His dad purchased a tractor to help with the farm work. Because his dad had never driven a tractor he had Joy use it while he used the old work horses to plow. Joy was so pleased because he could work the ground faster than his dad.

Joy had a passion for farming; wanting to raise the best crops he could. He took great pride in this. He had his Custom Farming Business for 54 years. He took pride in the work he provided; his services were always in demand and his schedule full. His farming equipment had to be the BEST. His tractors were the Rolls Royce of tractors. Always looking like he just drove them off the show room floor. Between first and second crop of hay, he and his best friend, Grant Story, took their families to Yellowstone for many years. They would take the boat out and fish. He found great pleasure in watching his children and helping them learn to fish. Joy loved the outdoors and deer hunting. His stories were always fun to listen to. He enjoyed sharing this love with his father and sons.

Joy enjoyed cooking and he liked the finer foods in life. This was obvious at the yearly Christmas Eve Party for his family and friends.

Joy was a school bus driver for Weber county for 39 years. He was president of the driver's association and negotiated with the District Administration for the drivers to get benefits.

He had a passion for snowmobiling and they not only had to look good...they had to be the fastest. He had one speed, WARP 9. In 1971, he and his son, Ivan went to Yellowstone to the World Finals Oval. Joy tuned and rode...finishing in front of two factory sponsored riders and machines.

He also had a passion for horses. He was a member of the Weber County Mounted Posse for many years and was so proud to participate in the 1976 Pony Express race from Sacramento to Salt Lake City. By the way, Weber County Mounted Posse riders were the winners. Joy was a Weber County Deputy as well.

"The office" was visited frequently on his scooter that looked brand new. He made many life-long friends while taking time to regroup and bring everything into alignment.

Joy is survived by his wife, Lois Ann; his children, Michael Ward, Ray A. (Eva) Ward, Ivan (Linda) Ward, Rochelle (Doug) Owens, Ellen Ward, Stuwert (Robin) Johnson, Scott Johnson, Lori Johnson, Earl (Tanna) Carroll, Suzan (Chris) Durnell; 23 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and his sister, Carma Stegen and he is also survived by his favorite little sweetheart, Katie.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Myers Ogden Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd. A viewing will be held on Friday, December 6th from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery.
VisitationMyers Mortuary - Ogden
100 Monroe Blvd.
Ogden, UT 84404
December 6, 2013
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
ServiceMyers Mortuary - Ogden
1875 Monroe Blvd
Ogden, Utah 84401
December 7, 2013
1:00 PM