Golden Kenneth Ward, 41, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Henderson Hospital as the result of complications related to Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. He went throughout his life known as Kenny by those who loved him. 

Kenny was born November 27, 1982, in Malad, Idaho, the son of Kenneth William and Tracy Jean Budge Ward. He was raised on the family farm where he worked close with his brothers and Dad and learned the value of hard work. Kenny was very active in his youth and was very competitive in nature. He had a love for all sports, especially basketball where he went on to play at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Oregon. 

Kenny excelled throughout his education. He graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. He later dedicated his education and efforts to earn his Professional Engineering license in 2012.

Kenny married Avis Danielle White in 2006. To that union was born, Kason Kenneth Ward (16). Kenny and Danielle later divorced, but continued to love and support their son together. Kenny and Kason had a special bond. They shared the love of basketball, good music, and Kenny was sure to teach Kason his signature dance moves. 

In 2010, Kenny found the love of his life, Emily Brooke Fairchild and they were married and sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple. They worked hard to grow their family. Through many prayers and the help of others, Kenny and Emily were blessed with two successful pregnancies through IVF. Their son, Easton Wayne (8), and twin daughters (6) Olivia Brooke, and Addison Lyn. Kenny’s family was his entire world. He constantly sacrificed and worked through his trials to provide for his family and ensure that all of their needs were met. Kenny and Emily made it a priority to create memories with their children that will be cherished forever. 

Kenny’s outgoing personality had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and he easily made friends everywhere he went.  He deeply cared for others. Kenny was always the life of the party, drawing in a crowd with his signature dance moves. He was fearless and never shyed away from the spotlight. 

Kenny and Emily made their home in Henderson. Kenny worked for Horrocks Engineers for 10 years as the Sub Utility Engineer manager.  He loved his coworkers and was always concerned about their well-being. While Kenny and Emily lived far from their families, they created a large family of friends. He loved their friends dearly and looked forward to frequent get-togethers and vacations. 

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kenny served in multiple callings and especially loved his time serving with the young men. Kenny had a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and eternal families. 

He is survived by his wife Emily and 4 children.  Kason Ward of Prosper, Texas, Easton, Olivia and Addison Ward of Henderson, Nevada. His Grandfather, Lowell J. Budge. Parents, Kenneth and Tracy Ward. Brothers, Kenneth Brandon (Terra) Ward, William Jedd (Mandi ) Ward, Joshua Blake (Alexis) Ward, Trevor Mark (Kasey) Ward, and Derek Jason (Jordan) Ward and a sister Jessica Ann (Bryson) Wolfe. Father and Mother-in-law Wayne Kent and Bonnie Lynn Fairchild. Brothers-in-law, Scott Alan (Vicki) Fairchild, Michael Jay (Jill) Fairchild, James Bryan (Justine) Fairchild, David Ross (Robyn) Fairchild, and Mark Douglas (Becky) Fairchild and sister-in-law Kristina Lyn (James) Rodgerson. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.

Kenny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Deanna Kay Price Budge, Golden Clifford and Emma Louise Spencer Ward.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 12 P.M. Friends may visit with the family at the Malad Stake Center, 1250 N. 1100 W., on Friday December 15 from 7:00-9:00 P.M. and Saturday, December 16 from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Burial will follow at the Malad City Cemetery. 

Remembering Kenny:

Kenny was a part of so many of my childhood memories. Night games, dances, toilet papering wars, competing academically and in sports (I think by 7th grade us girls had to admit we could no longer keep up with the boys).  He was always up for a good time! What I remember most about Kenny though was his kindness, I can’t remember an unkind thing he ever said or did.  Love and prayers to his family.

Lynsey Firth Dorsey

Kenny was a great friend.  He was smart and athletic.  I am going to miss Kenny’s sense of humor and love for life.

Trent Buehler

My favorite Kenny story: We were at a party at Chase Beecher's house and there was a girl at the party who wasn't from Malad.  She and I were sitting next to each other. Kenny had his arm around her and went to grab her hand and grabbed my hand instead.  It was so funny!  A good story I will never forget.

Kenny was always outgoing and fun to hang out with.  He was also one of the best athletes in our class.  His bright smile will surely be missed!

Lacey Clark

I would not say that Kenny Ward and I were best friends but we were both athletes and as such spent a fair amount of time together. I always enjoyed talking to Kenny. When I think of Kenny, I always picture him with Clayton and Dusty. These three always seemed to be having a good time. I am saddened to see him go so early, my heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. 

Bryan Scott

Kenny was a special guy.  It didnt matter what he was doing - Sports, Mr. MHS, History Fair, Science Projects, Media Projects - he was great at everything he tried, but he wasn't arrogant about it.  He was the center of the room but was inclusive and open at the same time.  He was responsible for and apart of so many fun memories I have.  I always knew he would go on to do great things, make his mark, and influence others in a positive way - and based on what I've followed over the years, thats exactly what he did.  

Jason Corbridge