Lyndell Ward

Lyndell, was a strong man with a big heart. A friend to all, who would give you the shirt off his back.

Lyndell Bruce Ward passed away peacefully at home, August, 5th 2020, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Grand Junction on September 19, 1957. Lyndell was a blessing to his parents; Louis Ward and Darla Butler. His parents liked to say “he was born on a horse” as nothing made him happier than spending time in the saddle. He was a true cowboy. A graduate of Central High School, he rodeoed through high school along with his best buddy Paula Hackler and continued on as an adult until he was gored and hospitalized.

Besides competing in rodeos, roping competitions, he loved baseball, going on Gobbo’s ranch, snowmobiling, UTVing, camping and most anything else outside except for fishing. Fishing in his opinion was boring and lacked excitement and challenge. He was an avid hunter, with a bow and rifle and an amazing shot! He also loved shopping... any kind of shopping, especially looking for tires, even if they were for complete strangers.

He loved big beautiful trucks and pickups. His trucks and pickups were always eye catching, whether it was the bright yellow of his pickup or the number of lights on the truck. The more lights he could put on his vehicles, the better. He had his own trucking business for years and loved driving long haul. Everyone in the neighborhood, would know when Lyndell arrived home as he would set those very loud jake brakes.

He was very particular and took care of his belongings. He lined all of his winning belt buckles from dozens of rodeo winnings on his dresser and if someone touched or messed up

his order, he knew and would quickly restore the placement! His trucks, cars, trailers and snowmobiles were all polished to perfection both inside and out! There was a place for everything and not a ding or a scratch on anything or he would buff it out for hours. Beware the passenger that would dare to put their feet on his dash! His tools and equipment all had a place and he knew if you didn’t return something to its place..

His strong but gentle voice you only needed to hear once to know who was on the other line or behind you. Not a week went by without him using one of his favorite sayings: “Been there, done that!”, “It’s not my first rodeo” or “It’s your story, you can tell it like you want”.

As a lifelong resident of Grand Junction, he was known by many in the community. As a long-haul trucker there was always someone Lyndell knew whether he was in a diner in California, Wyoming or at the mall Grand Junction. He cared deeply about his friends, and family; Bobbie and Blake were with him or called him everyday and they were Angel’s in his life.

His spirit carries on with his loving wife Cindy; his Mother, Darla; Sister Lisa; Niece Katherine;

Children; Blake (Amber) Kelleher, Katie (Josh) McKnight; Bobbie Jo (Jeremy) Gilliam, McKenzie Ward and Austin Ward; His beloved Grandchildren; Camden, Khloe, Aalianna, Myia, Paislee, Ariah and Dillon.

Lyndell’s favorite song was Barracuda by "Heart", the color yellow for his pickup and steak for dinner. His wife, mother, children and grandchildren were his life. He will be missed by so many and our hearts will always hold him dear. Thank you, to Dr. Work and St.Mary's Cancer Center. Hope West; especially; Stephanie, Robin and Chantelle; Firehouse 4 and our angels Jason and Steve.