Max Ray Harward

Our much loved father, grandfather and great grandfather, Max Ray Harward, passed away on April 3, 2019 in Bountiful, Utah.  He was 90 years old.  Max was born on January 12, 1929 in Elberta, UT to Jabez Broadhead and LaVern McDonald Harward.  He grew up in Payson, UT and on Antelope Island where his parents were ranchers.  He was the youngest of five children.  He graduated from Payson High School and went on to the University of Utah where he earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree and a PhD in Botany. 

He married Beverly “Betty” Bishop on February 19, 1954.  They had three children, Briant, Cheryl and Marc.  Max and Betty were married for 61 years until Betty’s death on June 26, 2015.  In the last few years of her life, Max dedicated his time to caring for Betty.  He loved her deeply and her passing was very difficult for him.

Max taught Biology at Bountiful High School for 29 years from 1958 to 1987.  Everyone knew him as “Doc” Harward.  He also taught for many years at the University of Utah and BYU.  He loved his students and enjoyed helping them learn and grow.   Even in retirement, his students would recognize him and tell him how much they enjoyed being in his class.

Max fondly remembered his younger years growing up on Antelope Island.   Later in life he was a guide at Antelope Island State Park Ranch House, where he grew up.  He always enjoyed returning to visit the Island.  He also authored several books about his life growing up on the Island and its history.

Max was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents, and siblings: Ida Haskell, Gladys Haskell, Ralph Harward and LaVern Hale.  He is survived by his children: Max Briant Harward, Cheryl (Kevin) Hedquist, Marc Stafford Harward; grandchildren: Dana (Kate) Hedquist and Derek (Mysti) Hedquist and his great grandchildren: Henry, Rachelle and Clara Hedquist and Andrew Hedquist.

We would like to thank Adagio Hospice (Sharlene, Shelly and Rosemary) for their care and love.  We would also like to thank everyone at Country Home Assisted Living for their around the clock care and support in Max’s last few months.  Thank you Amy for your continued support, meals and friendship.  Thank you Brinkerhoff’s for all the treats.

A public viewing will be held at Russon Mortuary at 295 North Main Street in Bountiful on Friday, April 12, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  Funeral services will be held at the Ward Canyon Chapel, 540 N. 1200 E. Bountiful, UT on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 AM, with a public viewing from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the chapel.  Burial will be at the Bountiful City Memorial Park Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West in Bountiful, UT.