Bradley David Ward

Bradley David Ward, 42, passed away on November 7, 2025, in Smithfield, Utah. He was born on March 6, 1983, in Logan, Utah, to Wyndon Glen and Julia Ann Tippetts Ward.

Brad grew up on his family’s cattle farm in Richmond, Utah, where he learned the hard work and steady perseverance that shaped the rest of his life. The youngest of four children, he grew up with two brothers and one sister. Brad graduated from Sky View High School in 2001 and then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Birmingham, England.

After returning home from his mission, he attended Utah State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management. Brad worked in purchasing for much of his career, including roles at Boomerang Systems, Utah State University, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Brad married Shannon Thedell in 2005 in the Logan LDS Temple. Together they built a beautiful life and became the proud parents of four children: Hallie (19), Breklyn (17), Roxie (13), and Houston (11). He was a devoted husband and father who poured his heart into his family. He made everyday moments feel special as he cheered on from the sidelines, teased his kids to make them laugh, and found small ways to show Shannon how much he loved her. His family was his greatest joy and the center of everything he did.

In his free time, Brad loved sports, especially coaching soccer and basketball. He served as president of Northern Utah United (NUU) Soccer for four years and coached dozens of youth teams, sometimes juggling four teams in different age groups in a single season. He also coached high school soccer and, most recently, girls basketball at Sky View. Beyond coaching, Brad enjoyed officiating football and basketball games. Whether coaching, refereeing, or cheering from the stands, he loved being part of his children’s activities and rarely missed a game.

When he wasn’t on a field or on a court, Brad spent his time making memories with his family. One of his favorite memories was the family’s first trip to Disneyland. He was always up for an adventure and loved riding Razors and four-wheelers through the mountains, exploring new trails, and helping his kids raise sheep and pigs for the county fair.

Brad was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and had a gift for recognizing when others were in need. He showed love through simple acts of service, from sending a kind message or stopping by for a visit, to quietly plowing a neighbor’s driveway. At the time of his passing, he was serving as Bishop of the Smithfield 25th Ward.

Brad’s influence reached far beyond his home. Through his church service, coaching, and friendships, he lifted hundreds of youth and adults with his kindness, humor, and faith. He never judged and would drop everything to help someone in need. His love, example, and service leave a lasting legacy in the community he loved.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Cameron Ward. He is survived by his loving wife, Shannon; their children, Hallie, Breklyn, Roxie, and Houston; his siblings, Lori (Erik) Durrant, Michael (Jaime) Ward, and Daren (Jennifer) Ward; and many nieces and nephews that he loved to tease.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Smithfield Utah West Stake Center, 155 W. 400 North, Smithfield, Utah. Viewings will be held Thursday evening, November 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church and Friday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. also at the church. Interment will follow in the Richmond Cemetery. 

Services will be streamed live and can be viewed on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11:00 am (MST) by clicking on the following link:

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at the link above. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shannon and the children to help cover funeral costs and other unexpected expenses at www.supportnow.org/family-of-brad-ward.

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