Kenneth Joseph Bond

Kenneth Joseph Bond, a long-time resident of Mesa, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020. He was born September 4, 1931 to George Alma Bond and LaPrele Maeser Bond. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1949 and from Arizona State University in 1959. He continued his education by pursing an advanced degree at ASU and graduated in 1965. Kenneth was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in Guam and Japan. He loved his country and he was very passionate about preserving personal freedom and the Constitution of the United States. In his later years, this passion led him to actively participate in Legislative Districts 18 and 26. Professionally, Kenneth worked as a property insurance claims adjuster and examiner for 35 years. His work took him around the state of Arizona and to various parts of the country, including Alaska in 1989-90 after the oil tanker spill in Glacier Bay, and to southern Florida in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew. In his earlier career, he taught business courses for a year at West Jr. High School (now Carson Jr. High) and for four years at the Church College of New Zealand. Living in New Zealand was one of the greatest experiences of his life. He spoke fondly of wonderful memories from his stay overseas. As a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he had a strong, unwavering testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He served the Lord faithfully in many capacities, including as a missionary, teacher, and clerk. He was a beloved Bishop of the Prescott 1st Ward. In his later years, he spent the majority of his time serving in the Mesa Arizona Temple as an ordinance worker. His personality was warm, welcoming, good-natured and fun. He loved music, theater arts, poetry, and history. He was an optimist; he kept a smile on his face, and a twinkle in his eye, as he extended a hand of friendship to all he met. He loved people! Kenneth is preceded in death by his dear wife of 57 years, Genevra Nelson Bond. He missed her tremendously after she passed in 2015. Siblings Marian Mulkins, Karl Bond, Paul Bond and Joyce Leavitt also preceded him in passing. He loved his wife, parents, and siblings more than words can describe. We rejoice knowing that they are together again! Kenneth is survived by his children Kent Bond, Diana (Dan) Glenn and Sharon (Matthew) Freeman, and grandchildren Kimberly (Ty) Buchannan, Nathan Glenn, Jacob Glenn, and great- granddaughter Everly Buchannan. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and sisters-in-law, all of whom he treasured dearly. He is loved by his family and he will be missed.