1923 ~ 2004
John Robert Ward, MD, age 80, passed away on November 1, 2004 in Salt Lake City, Utah of natural causes.
He was born on November 23, 1923 in Salt Lake City, Utah, son of John Isaac and Clara Elzi Ward. He married Norma Harris on November 5, 1948 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the time of his death, they were preparing to observe their 56th wedding anniversary.
A life well lived by a man well loved. <! >
He graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. degree in 1944, and received his M.D. degree from the University of Utah in 1946 He was a resident in Internal Medicine at Salt Lake County General Hospital, and was later a Fellow in Rheumatology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. He joined the faculty of the University of Utah College of Medicine in 1954, and remained on the faculty for 38 years retiring in 1992, thereafter awarded the rank of Professor Emeritus. He was the first Chief of the Rheumatology Division in the Department of Internal Medicine, serving from 1957 to 1988. In 1967, he obtained a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of California, Berkley. He was the Chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine from 1966-1970. During his distinguished scientific career, he published more than 220 articles describing the many aspects of rheumatic diseases. He received numerous awards for his service, and was recognized internationally for his contributions. He was a Master of the American College of Rheumatology and received their Distinguished Rheumatologist Award in 1994. He was widely recognized as an outstanding clinician, diagnostician, teacher, and scientist, and taught generations of medical students through his outstanding example.
John was known for the depth of his humanity, integrity and charity. Typical of his humble, kind mentoring, is this quote, "I enjoy teaching. We, as teachers, have to show the students we are interested in them as people and not just as students. It's the same thing we teach them in dealing with patients as people and not merely as patients." He exemplified the best of humankind in every regard.
He also served his country in the Army during the Korean conflict, and retired from the Utah Air National Guard as a Colonel, serving as the Commander of the 151st USAF clinic for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Norma, and four children, John Harris (Constance), Pamela Lyn Proctor (Lane), Robert Scott (Diane), and James Alan (Laura). He is survived by brothers William (Barbara) and Robert (Ivy Jean) and sister Patricia (Iven) Alsop. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grand children.
He was preceded in death by sisters Dorothea Ward, Joan Haynes, and Marguerite Howard.
It has been an honor to learn from and be tutored by him. His warmth, wisdom, integrity and support were a constant source of strength and direction. Although we will miss his presence, his influence will continue to inspire us.
Funeral Services will be held on Nov. 5, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the Winder 8th Ward, 1361 E. 4000 S. There will be a viewing on the evening of Nov. 4, 2004 from 6-8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary. A viewing will also be held one hour before the service on Friday. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John R. Ward, MD fund at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center at 175 North Medical Drive East, Fifth Floor, Moran Eye Center, SLC, UT 84132-5902.