Richard "Dick" Jay Bona

In Loving Memory of Richard “Dick” Jay Bona

Richard “Dick” Jay Bona, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully in his home on September 8th, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones.

Dick was born on July 7th, 1942 to Arthur David Bona and Norma Burraston Bona. He grew up in Payson, in the Bona family home where his father was raised. Dick spent his childhood playing outdoors with the family's many animals and his favorite dog, Snapper.

He attended the Peteetneet School, Payson Jr. High School and Payson High School where he was voted Prom King.

Dick served in the Army, and was a proud member and supporter of the American Legion.

Dick was an avid hunter, businessman, and a gifted artist and musician.

Dick loved hunting and lived for adventure, which led him to travel to various parts of the world. Over time, he decorated his walls with magnificent trophies of his hunts. After he accomplished his goal of completing the Grand Slam of Big Horn Sheep, he decided to hang up his gun.

He and his friends once purchased acres of land down in Fayette, where they grew the property into a commercial pheasant hunting club named “PIGS”. Dick enjoyed many years working on the land, cooking wonderful meals for everyone and sharing stories, songs and laughs around the campfire. Many of his favorite memories revolved around those days with friends and family at PIGS.

Dick operated his successful sign company, Bona Signs, for 41 years. He led a large team and brought countless creative ideas to life for his customers. The company adapted to changing times by utilizing various mediums, from hand-painted lettering and neon signs to grand industrial commercial installations.

Born with an artist's eye and talent for oil painting, Dick spent much of his free time in his studio creating beautiful paintings and had shown his works in several galleries. Over the years, he built a network of artists whom he greatly admired.

Dick had a passion for music, he was able to play songs by ear on his various guitars and had a beautiful singing voice to accompany his playing. He and his brother Steve formed a duo called "The Bona Brothers" and entertained audiences at numerous venues and events over the years.

Dick is now reunited with the love of his life, Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Johnson, who he married on October 26, 1968 and shared 58 years of marriage.

Dick was preceded in death by his father Arthur David Bona and mother Norma Burraston, sister Karma Rosenlund, brothers David Bona and Steve Bona, and brother in law Lynn Clayson.

He is survived by his siblings Monte (Mary) Bona, Martha Clayson, Mary Jane (Jay) Isaac. He will be deeply missed by the many close family members and friends with whom he shared a lifetime of adventures, laughter, and cherished memories together.

Dick will forever be cherished and loved by his daughter, Cindy (Toby) Szalkowski, grandchildren Shanice (Austin) Hone, Shayla Belle Szalkowski, and Ashton Bona Szalkowski, and his great grandchildren Clyde Hone and Cleo Hone.

The family would like to thank the Healthwatch Hospice team with special appreciation to Bonnie Ballard Valdez. We were so blessed to have a special family friend as his hospice nurse. Bonnie, we all love you and appreciate your warmth, reassurance and the love you gave.

Funeral services will be held at River Bridge Event Center, located at 1225 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:00am. There will be a viewing prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30am.

Additionally, an evening viewing will take place at Wheeler Mortuary, located at 211 East 200 South, Springville, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00pm. 

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.