Gregory Moreton Ward Sr.

Gregory Moreton Ward, Sr., farewelled by family, set sail on February 15, 2026, at age 78 after complications from a fall 17 days prior. He will be remembered for his optimism, unconditional love, commitment to his faith, and dedication to his family.

Gregory’s sailboat, the Pollyanna, symbolized his optimism. He possessed an attitude that things would turn out okay. He often quoted a saying he learned from his grandfather Moreton, “The harder I work, the luckier I become.” His optimism, sometimes erroneous, is also seen in the driver’s education he offered to his children and grandchildren, with advice like, “Pass if you can, don’t if you can’t,” and “Double yellow lines are suggestions.”

Unconditional love was a hallmark of Gregory. He radiated a big personality with a story always to share, making him a warm and friendly presence wherever he went and with everyone he met. He encouraged his children to be independent thinkers, loving and accepting them even when their paths diverged from his own.

Gregory was devout in his faith. Each day, he prayed, thanking Heavenly Father for what he had and for the Atonement, asking that his loved ones be kept safe from “harm and accident,” and seeking the “strength and nourishment” to do His work. He held many Church callings and served in the Durham, North Carolina Mission with his wife, Berlene. Together they taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and lived as role models to members of the Church and the community of South Boston, Virginia.

Gregory loved his mother, Isabel Coats, tremendously. She is still with us at 103. One of the most cherished gifts she gave her son was instilling in him the importance of family. Gregory loved collecting family history and genealogy and sharing them with others. He was proud of his Mormon pioneer heritage, which dated back to the handcart companies. The faith they showed with “every footstep” was something he admired and celebrated. He often proclaimed we were “sturdy Utah pioneer stock.” On July 24, 1997, he wrote to his family in a letter, “When opportunity, challenge, and/or adversity arrive, call upon your heritage. Remember where you came from, remember those who came before, remember who you are, and remember those who follow.”

The reverence Gregory held for those who came before him was reflected in how he loved and engaged with his family. Gregory strove to know each of his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as individuals. Many can recall trips with him to California or Jackson Hole, as well as excursions like eating out or attending the rodeo. Gregory greatly valued time spent with family in Brighton, with memories of catching fish in Silver Lake, walking around the Brighton Circle, or talking together on the deck, moments that spanned five generations for him.

More than anything, Gregory loved his wife, Berlene. They were married for 57 years and sealed in the Temple, affirming their eternal commitment. Through example, he taught others how to love and respect a spouse. Those around Gregory frequently heard him tell Berlene, “I love you,” thank her for being a devoted wife and mother, and express his admiration for her beauty. In his final days, he was in pain and uncomfortable but found a noticeable peace in her presence.

Gregory’s legacy lives on through his mother, wife, children, family, and friends. Children include eight: Gregory and Sergio, Peter and Carrie, Michael and Alyson, and Scott and Sarah. He is endearingly called “Grandfather” by eleven grandchildren: Elizabeth “Ellie”, Lily and Dylan, Sergio, Jacob and Melanee, Nash, Camilla “Milly,” Zachary, Clara, and Lulu. Gregory is also survived by his five brothers (Peter, Paul, Jonathan, David, and Burton) and his two sisters (Belle and Mary), mother-in-law (Juana Hunt). He is fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Family members who passed before Gregory include Fred and Sarah Moreton (grandparents), Joseph “Frank” and Elizabeth Ward (grandparents), Robert Ward (father), Wally Coats (stepfather), Berl Hunt (father-in-law), Florence Ward (stepmother), Charles “Moreton” Coats (brother), David Lehnhof (brother-in-law), Kandi Hunt (sister-in-law), Ted Newman (brother-in-law), Judi Lyon (sister-in-law), Timothy Ward (nephew), and multiple generations of relatives, including grandparents, uncles, and aunts across the Armstrong, Burton, Busk, Coats, Garr, Hunt, Julander, Moreton, and Ward family lines, as well as many others identified through his extensive genealogy work.

Enjoy the ride in your Corvette—"top down!” We love you, “a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”

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Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27 at 12:00 pm in the Logan 4th Ward chapel, 294 North 100 East, Logan. There will be a viewing held on that day from 10:00 am - 11:30 am. Interment will take place on Saturday at the Lakeview Cemetery in Bountiful at 1:00 pm. 

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.