Brien Dale Ward

1932 – 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brien Dale Ward on April 7, 2024 at the age of 91.

Dale was born on July 29, 1932 in Box Elder County (Willard), Utah during the Great Depression. He was introduced early in life to the demands of agrarian work on the family farm where he developed a strong work ethic and steely resolve that would take him beyond his roots to a distinguished military career. He was appointed to West Point and graduated in 1955. Upon graduation from West Point, Dale entered the U.S. Air Force and became a pilot. In 1955, Dale married Edris Larsen who predeceased him in 1977. Dale and Edris had four children: Katherine (1956), Brien Duane (1957), Steven Eric (1959) and Jeffrey Dale (1961).

Dale earned two master’s degrees, one in mathematics and one in aeronautical engineering and a PhD in control systems engineering. Following completion of his PhD, he volunteered for assignment in the Vietnam War as a tactical fighter pilot. Dale flew more than 180 night-only combat missions as an air commando pilot. Dale was awarded the Air Force’s third highest medal, the Silver Star (with two oak leaf clusters), the Distinguished Flying Cross (with oak leaf cluster) and the Air Medal (nine oak leaf clusters). His commitment to the Air Force was strong as he rose up the ranks graduating from the National War College, assuming many senior positions and attaining the rank of Major General (two stars). He retired from the Air Force in 1985 a highly decorated senior officer with the status of general command pilot. In 1986, Dale married Bonnie Walsh and they moved to Bellevue, Washington where Dale began a short career with Boeing.

He endured many hardships with his family growing up, including the death of his beloved brother, Duane. He became a widower at age 43 and as a single parent assumed full responsibility for the upbringing of his four children.

Dale was preceded in death by his first wife, Edris, his son Jeffrey Dale, parents, Donas Ray Ward, Verlie Elvira Ward (née Bott), brothers Duane LaMar Ward and Robert Ray Ward and Ray’s wife, JoAnn (née Maurita Miles).

Dale is survived by his wife, Bonnie, his three children Brien Duane (wife Julianne), Katherine Snow (husband Stuart Snow) and Steven Eric, his brothers James Noel (wife Dalene), Lloyd Reed (wife Sandy) and sister Julie Ann Facer (husband Steve). Dale had ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, UT with a viewing prior from 11:40 am to 12:30 pm.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com.