Ward R. Forsyth, 95, of Aurora, Utah passed away peacefully on April 27 th , 2026, in Richfield, Utah. Dad was born on September 10 th , 1930 in Bicknell, Utah to LaVon Forsyth and Martha Naomi Clarke Forsyth. Dad joined his older brother Merrill and several years later Clark came to the family. The Forsyths made their home on the family farm at the foot of the Miners Mountain in Grover, Utah.

Tragedy struck the Forsyth family in December 1935. A house fire took young Naomi from the family leaving LaVon with two young boys and a badly injured baby Clark. God answered their prayers and sent a prized angel to rescue the young family. Grandmother Forsyth gave her whole heart and soul to these precious little ones. Dad spoke of her with heavenly reverence.

At 5 years old Dad missed the deadline for kindergarten and plead to follow his older brother Merrill to the schoolhouse. LaVon hatched a plan to “trade birthdays” that year with young Ward. The mothers of Grover became Wards mother baking cakes and planning a birthday celebration in his honor…..just a few days before the deadline. Miraculously, Dad entered Kindergarten that year firmly on the path of higher education, a lifelong pursuit.

Dad was his Junior Class President at Wayne High School, a captain of the wrestling team, member of the boxing team and played the trombone in a local dance band. LaVon had remarried a lovely woman, Ruby Morrell who became Dads stepmother. Sadly, Ruby was facing cancer and Dad finished High School early to assist on the family farm during her illness. After Ruby’s passing, Dad was awarded a special internship at the Utah State Legislature where he associated with many of the States most important men. His dutiful habits caught the attention of these Legislators and Dad was selected by them to attend West Point Miliary Academy in New York State.

Dad’s Bishop and Stake President were made aware of Dad’s appointment to West Point but felt inspired to personally deliver other news to young Ward who was gathering cattle with his father in the Capitol Wash desert. Dad was called to serve a mission that night by the light of the campfire. Several months later Dad was on a ship bound for Montevideo, Uruguay where he founded the first church farm in that country, became fluent in Spanish and assisted in the conversion of many men, women and children. On his last day of life, Dad spoke beautiful Spanish to a young grandson just returning from his mission.

Uncle Sam came calling and Dad soon found himself stationed in Japan. He began to learn Japanese, served in the LDS branch and was assigned as an instructor on the rifle range. He completed his Army service, was honorably discharged and enrolled at LDS business college where he was selected as the Student Body President.

Dad next enrolled at Brigham Young University and at the perfect time and in the perfect place, Gods greatest blessing was granted to our Dad. Her name was Judith Ann Petersen and from that moment until the present day she is perfect proof that God loves our father. She has been the light in his darkness and the fuel for his fire. They have loved one another for over 65 years and built a remarkable life together. There was no Dad without our mother and her saying yes to him will always be his greatest achievement.

Dad taught school for 25 years, cultivated a sizeable farm and raised Herford cattle. He rode the range in the Henry Mountains, the Hanksville Desert and the Water Hollow Mountain working beside many cattlemen he loved and respected. He was a meticulous farmer, loved straight furrows and tight haystacks. He often would say he was not just raising hay; he was raising sons. He was a good mechanic, welder, body man and painter. He loved to improve everything he touched. He served as a Bishop in the Aurora first Ward and served a second full time mission in Santiago Chile with our mother as his favorite companion. Together they served in the Manti Temple, Cove Fort Visitors Center and the Bishops Storehouse in Vermillion, Utah.

He is a father to 4, Chris, Jeff, Wade and Robert, and welcomed a foster son Bart Reynolds to the family. He is a grandfather to 15 grandchildren and a growing number of Great Grandchildren now approaching 40.

Dad took seriously his role as a grandfather sharing all that he had with them. He understood the scripture that “by their fruits ye shall know them”, and he was certainly known by each of his grandchildren. He showered them with fruits and vegetables grown in his meticulous garden. He and mother worked with purpose and by their own hands, financed education, paid for missions, repaired and painted automobiles, and traveled countless miles to support their activities.

He is survived by his Wife, Judy of Aurora, Children; Chris (Natalie) of Brigham City, Jeff (Annette) of Eagle Mountain, Robert (Jennifer) of Layton, Jackie Johnson of Aurora, Bart Reynolds, KS. Brother Donald Forsyth (FloVon) of Bakersfield CA, Myrna Morell Chappel (Dick) of Springville.

He is proceeded in death by his third son Wade, mother Naomi, father LaVon, his brothers: Merrill, Clarke, Terry, Brent Morell, sisters: Grace Morrell Blackburn and Montez Morell Chidester.

The family wants to acknowledge the members of the Aurora First Ward that have provided much love and assistance to Mom and Dad as they advanced in age. Kevin Sorenson has been a son and a brother, and we love him for his charity. Stuart Roundy, Blake Butler and many others have loved our parents and we are indebted to each of you. The family would also like to acknowledge the love given by Kendyl Brazell and Sidney Morrell. Lastly, we express gratitude to the staff at Stonehenge who provided medical care for two years during his time there. Thank you.

Funeral services for Ward will at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Aurora LDS Chapel. A viewing will be held from 10:00-11:30 AM at the church prior to services. 

Livestreaming of the funeral will be available at springerturner.com under Ward's obituary 15 minutes prior to service starting.

Burial with military honors accorded by the Utah Honor Guard and Sevier V.F.W. Post #5050 will be in the Aurora Cemetery under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina.