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In Loving Memory Of
Craig Ward
June 8, 1972—April 20, 2022
Life & Legacy
Utah Highway Patrol Sergeant Craig Kent Ward, Badge #121, ended his watch on April 20, 2022.
Craig grew up in Preston, ID, and joined the Idaho National Guard. Subsequently, he enlisted in the US Army, serving for nine years. He attended the US Naval School of Explosive Ordinance Disposal. Craig achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, specializing in Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and ultimately serving as EOD Team Leader.
Craig served on a peacekeeping mission to Bosnia-Herzegovina from 1995 to 1996, and to Kosovo from 2000 to 2001. He also was assigned to the US Secret Service in Washington, D.C., due to his EOD expertise.
During one of the hundreds of emergency responses, Craig and his EOD team showed exemplary bravery while rending safe one of many explosive devices and was awarded the Bronze Star for his and his team’s valiant bravery.
Craig was an inspiration to his peers and his subordinates. His leadership as an honorable, savvy EOD technician and sought-after mentor as a noncommissioned officer characterized Craig’s Army career.
In 2001, Craig joined the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) and his first assignment was the 2002 Olympics. For his entire 20-year career with UHP, Craig was a patrolman with UHP Section 8 in Wendover, UT. Craig chose to stay in Wendover, bringing stability and continuity to the Wendover Section.
Craig achieved certification as an accident reconstructionist for UHP and testified as an expert witness in court for many accident investigations. Craig also shared his knowledge with new troopers who learned a great deal from him regarding the handling of accidents.
Craig achieved much as a soldier and trooper but it was as a husband and father Craig had no equal.
Craig and Brooke met on a blind date and eight months later in June 2004 were married. In June 2014 they were doubly blessed by the births of their twin daughters Maisie and Paige.
Craig is survived by his wife Brooke and daughters. Also surviving him are his parents David and Suzanne Ward of Dayton, ID, brother Rick (Dawna), sisters Julie and Lynn (Jason) Ringer, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers Jared and John.
A funeral service will be held at noon Thursday, April 28th, at Deseret Peak Complex in Grantsville, UT.
Craig grew up in Preston, ID, and joined the Idaho National Guard. Subsequently, he enlisted in the US Army, serving for nine years. He attended the US Naval School of Explosive Ordinance Disposal. Craig achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, specializing in Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and ultimately serving as EOD Team Leader.
Craig served on a peacekeeping mission to Bosnia-Herzegovina from 1995 to 1996, and to Kosovo from 2000 to 2001. He also was assigned to the US Secret Service in Washington, D.C., due to his EOD expertise.
During one of the hundreds of emergency responses, Craig and his EOD team showed exemplary bravery while rending safe one of many explosive devices and was awarded the Bronze Star for his and his team’s valiant bravery.
Craig was an inspiration to his peers and his subordinates. His leadership as an honorable, savvy EOD technician and sought-after mentor as a noncommissioned officer characterized Craig’s Army career.
In 2001, Craig joined the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) and his first assignment was the 2002 Olympics. For his entire 20-year career with UHP, Craig was a patrolman with UHP Section 8 in Wendover, UT. Craig chose to stay in Wendover, bringing stability and continuity to the Wendover Section.
Craig achieved certification as an accident reconstructionist for UHP and testified as an expert witness in court for many accident investigations. Craig also shared his knowledge with new troopers who learned a great deal from him regarding the handling of accidents.
Craig achieved much as a soldier and trooper but it was as a husband and father Craig had no equal.
Craig and Brooke met on a blind date and eight months later in June 2004 were married. In June 2014 they were doubly blessed by the births of their twin daughters Maisie and Paige.
Craig is survived by his wife Brooke and daughters. Also surviving him are his parents David and Suzanne Ward of Dayton, ID, brother Rick (Dawna), sisters Julie and Lynn (Jason) Ringer, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers Jared and John.
A funeral service will be held at noon Thursday, April 28th, at Deseret Peak Complex in Grantsville, UT.
Memory Wall
In Honor & Remembrance
Joseph Green
Not sure how to react to this. I was Craig's team leader a lifetime ago. Ft. Bliss TX.
I new he joined the UT state patrol after he left the Army
I actually ran into him when I worked the Salt Lake Olympics. I moved to Utah last year, I was doing a search in hopes of looking an old Army EOD brother up and found his obituary. I do not know how to express my sadness right now
If you are his wife or kids please reach out I would love to share with you what I know of your dad and husband.
Nov 22, 2022
Grant Curtis Kellogg
He knew my dad, Brad Curtis Kellogg. He actually left a message on my dads obituary back in April 2021. My name is Grant Curtis Kellogg and I am extremely sorry that he had to pass away. It seemed as if he was reaching out to people who helped him or changed his life, sadly my dad passed away in 2004 so when he tried to message him he found his obituary. I want Craig's family to know that he is still in your hearts and will always love you!
Nov 18, 2022
Carol Porter
A candle was lit in memory of Craig Ward
May 9, 2022
LaDon Forsgren
Sorry for the loss of a special person God bless your family
Apr 30, 2022
John & Rose Hanson
A candle was lit in memory of Craig Ward
Apr 30, 2022
Sandy and Steve Santillanes
A candle was lit in memory of Craig Ward
Apr 30, 2022
Chris
A candle was lit in memory of Craig Ward
Apr 29, 2022
Annalyn Orr
A candle was lit in memory of Craig Ward
Apr 29, 2022
Gwen and Charlie Tucker
A candle was lit in memory of Craig Ward
Apr 29, 2022
Shandy
A candle was lit in memory of Craig Ward
Apr 28, 2022
Brian Boatman
Worked as a patrol officer in Wendover, NV for six years and had many pleasant interactions with Craig. Always the consummate professional. Never the guy involved in drama and rumoring - such a nice guy. My heartfelt “sorry for your loss” to his family and brothers and sisters in blue. God bless Craig and his family.
Apr 27, 2022
Dawna Ward
Craig was a great guy. He will be truly missed. My condolences go out to Brooke, the girls and the rest of the family. RIP Craig and thank you for your service to our Country as well as your working to protect the citizens as a police officer in your community. You will not be forgotten.
Apr 26, 2022
Ladon forsgren
So sorry to learn of this loss. May the lord bless and comfort all of the family
Apr 26, 2022
Jeffrey C Monson
I met Craig one time and that one time he left such an incredible impression on me I will forever remember it..God bless his sweet wife and daughters and his family in it’s entirety. And thank you to this amazing soul for his contribution to his country and to the great State of Utah!
Jeffrey
Apr 26, 2022