J Frank “Tad” Bonell, beloved Husband, Father, Uncle, Grand and Great-Grandfather passed away at his home on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the age of 96. Born in Tooele, Utah on May 11, 1927, and raised in San Jose, California, Tad entered the US Navy at age 17, serving aboard the USS Comfort in World War II. During the Korean War, Tad served with the 93rd Air Installation Squadron. Receiving both BA and BS degrees from San Jose State University, he then received a MS degree in Engineering from the University of Utah.

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On August 11, 1962, Tad married his lifelong love, Karen Blanche Dymock, at the Logan, Utah Temple. Together they enjoyed 62 wonderful years of marriage. Tad and Karen raised their family in their longtime Murray, Utah home, hosting many wonderful holiday dinners and family gatherings.

Tad enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was skiing, fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, or tending to his yard and garden. Many weekends and holidays were spent with loved ones at his family cabin. He also enjoyed University of Utah football, traveling, and telling a great story.

Tad was a founding partner and president of ESI Engineering, as well as being an executive with Consalt International, BCM and Charnell Development. Early in his career as a professional engineer, he was given the opportunity to develop and refine the art of evaporative salt harvesting. He designed entire industrial plants including salt ponds, harvesting vehicles, washing and grading systems, as well as packaging, truck loading, and dock loading systems. Originating in the west desert of Utah around the Great Salt Lake, his design and expertise pulled him around the world. He quickly became an international expert in this field. His work took him all over the world, from Guerrero Negro in Baja California, Mexico, to Venezuela, Columbia, and as far away as Australia. Family slideshows always included many photos of all the machinery that he had created.

He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, neighbors, and by all who had the pleasure to have known him. Tad is survived by his wife, Karen, his sons, Brian (Leisl) and Brad (Rachel); grandchildren Ellie (Tucker), Coda, Tylar (Jason), and Sage, as well as great-grandchild, Teagan.

Tad’s family would like to extend their thanks to the many friends, neighbors, family members and care workers for their support over the years.

Funeral services will be held at Larkin Mortuary 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 2:00 pm. A viewing will be held the evening prior on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the same location.

To watch the service via zoom, please follow this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86058624858