Boyad M. Tanner, 95, died Saturday April 1, 2017, of complications arising from old age. Born March 12, 1922, in Kirtland, New Mexico to Arthur B. Tanner and Elsie Taylor, he attended Central Consolidated School in Kirtland, and the Ryan School of Aeronautics in San Diego, California. He received further education at Kansas State Teacher’s College, Emporia, Kansas; Fort Lewis A & M, Fort Lewis, Colorado; and University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico. After serving a mission in Eastern Canada for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints he returned home and married Beth (Bette) Mortensen in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1943. That same year he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for four years in the Army Air Corp. He was a man of undisputed integrity, and genuine humility, who loved people “right where they were at.” His leadership, wisdom, and wit will be missed; not only by members of his faith, but all who knew him. He served faithfully in his church in many callings throughout his life, ranging from counselor in numerous bishoprics and presidencies, to Bishop, Stake President, Regional Representative, and as the first president of the Las Vegas Nevada Temple. But he always said his favorite calling was that of a Home Teacher. During his business career, he was an Indian Trader, Automobile Dealership owner, Shoe Store owner, Real Estate Broker, Insurance Agency owner, the Executive Director of Urban Renewal for the City of North Las Vegas, and later for the city of Indio, California. He was also on the board of directors for: Cumorah Credit Union, Tancor International, overseeing their Kentucky Fried Chicken Stores, Common Carrier Advertising, and American Vantage Company. His civic service included working with the Boy Scouts of America, where he received the Wood Badge and Silver Beaver awards. He also served on the Clark County Planning Commission. He had the opportunity to travel to all fifty states, Canada, Mexico, Iceland, Scotland, France, Bermuda, Azores, Morocco, Ireland, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Caribbean Islands, Belize, and the Yucatan Peninsula. Before he and his family settled in Las Vegas, he lived in numerous places: Kirtland, New Mexico; Aneth, Utah; San Diego, California; Chaco Canyon, New Mexico; Emporia, Kansas; Manchester, New Hampshire; Palm Beach, Florida; New York, New York; Pueblo Alto, New Mexico; Fort Lewis, Colorado; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Farmington, New Mexico; and Indio, California. He was preceded in death by his dedicated wife, Beth (Bette) Mortensen; and is survived by their three daughters, LaNae Vance (Paul), Sue Holman (Ron), and Karen Tanner (Alton Cox – deceased). He also leaves eight grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. “His strength [was] as the strength of ten: Because [his] heart [was] pure.” He will be missed. Viewing will be held Sunday, April 9, 2017, from 5:00-7:00 P.M., Palm Mortuary, 1600 South Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada. Funeral service, Monday, April 10, 2017, LSD Chapel, 1801 South Monte Cristo Way, Las Vegas Nevada, at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be Tuesday, April 11, 2017, 12:00 P.M. Mountain Standard Time, Parowan City Cemetery, Parowan, Utah. In lieu of flowers tax-deductible contributions may be made in Boyad Tanner’s name to Anasazi Foundation, 1424 S. Stapley Dr., Mesa, AZ 85204, or at www.anasazi.org.
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