LDS service missionary helps jump-start stalled project

Bob Ward has been a service missionary for only three months, but

he has already made an impact by helping a stalled project to build a

community center in a low-income area get back on course.In response to the killing of 7-year-old Hser Ner Moo, South Parc

Townhomes at 2250 S. 500 East in Salt Lake City initiated the building

of a center that will include services for refugees. The

center-in-progress became an overwhelming task, requiring resources and

manpower that they did not have.In a meeting joined by Bob Ward, Juanita Hertero, manager of

South Parc Townhomes, listed concerns that would delay the project

beyond its anticipated opening in early August. Ward stepped up,

volunteering the help of service missionaries from The Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints in skills and working boots on the ground."I saw a need and an opportunity," Ward said. "And it all fell into place."Ward now supervises the building of the center, having duties that match well with the long-time handyman."I'm a jack of all trades and master of none," Ward said.Ward, a southern California native, developed dexterity as a

child that included helping his dad lay carpet. Ward later became a

professional carpet layer, taking business classes at BYU and "picking

the brains" of a former boss who owned a carpet store in Orem. Ward and

his wife, Gayla, eventually opened their own company, Ward Discount

Carpet in Sandy.As a teenager in the 1960s, Ward wanted to own a muscle car like

his friends were driving. He learned how to restore a car at a friend's

gas station, where he tore it apart and put it back together. Tinkering

with cars later became a hobby he now enjoys with his daughters. Ward

never bought that dream car since his savings went toward a mission, he