On Friday morning, December 3, 2021, my beautiful wife Linda passed away as she was attempting to begin her day, but became too weak to stand. As she lay on the floor, she said she felt okay but just needed to rest. I raised her up sitting against a padded chair and held her semi-conscious. I then called 911. Paramedics came, but they were unable to revive her. Death is a heartbreaking experience, and there is never the perfect time, but to be with her, in the end, was a blessing to me. She died at 71, way too early for me. But I know we will be together again - I am "thinking Celestial." For now, please be my guardian angel.
Linda, you are my "Angel" forever! - the song I recorded in 1966 on my mission:
Pictures of Linda
When I was about 12 years old, I first learned of eternal marriage. I remember sitting on my back porch in the morning sunshine and dreaming of a little blond girl I would someday meet and marry for eternity. I think Linda was that little blond girl I dreamed of.
(Click Image to Enlarge)
In mid-July 1969, Dwayne Case, the program director of KOVO-960 in Provo, Utah, hired me to work on the air. I was planning to also attend BYU in September. In those days we had to read the news during our program. One month later Dwayne laid me off (terminated me) because I was poor at reading news on the air. So on August 28, 1969, I began working at Signectics up on the Orem hill on University Parkway as an electronics technician. This is where I met a blond girl named Linda Ward, who was among over 100 single girls working there during my shift, and I was the only single guy. I thought she was the prettiest girl there. A year and a half later we were married. Thank you, Dwayne, for canning me! I never would have met Linda otherwise since she was not a radio groupie who called on the request line.
Linda's Passing
In Spring 2019, Linda was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and was given 2 years to live with chemotherapy. After chemo, herbal teas, removal of a large tumor, radiation, cryo-ablation, and many blessings and prayers, we thought we had reversed her death sentence. But Heavenly Father had His divine reasons to bring her home immediately. After she received the 3rd round of her second chemotherapy program, we believe her organs began shutting down which lead to her peaceful passing - as if she fell asleep.
Linda's Funeral Services
Our Love Songs
I thank Cristy, Tauna, and Deserie for the wonderful blanket and pillow with Linda's pictures on them that I have placed on our bed.
Debbie West Coon released "There are Angels About You" on her album "Prince of Peace" at Christmas time 2021. It has become very meaningful to me. The pain that it once gave me has turned to joy! Thank you Debbie! Thank you! it is the story of my new life.
"There Are Angels About Us" - Debbie West Coon
"The Sweetest Gift" - Craig Aven & The Piano Guys
