1945 ~ 2025
Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Tad Richards Callister, returned home to his Heavenly Father on October 9, 2025, after a courageous, eighteen-month battle with ALS. He passed peacefully at home in Bountiful, Utah, at the age of 79, surrounded by his devoted wife and family. This devastating disease gradually robbed him of his ability to run, walk, eat, speak, and ultimately breathe, yet it could never diminish his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, his profound love for his family, or his lifelong commitment to serving others.
Tad was born on December 17, 1945, in Glendale, California, to Reed Eddington Callister and Effie Norinne Richards. As one of six children raised by “goodly parents,” he grew up in a home filled with faith, love, and service. From an early age, Tad stood apart from the crowd—blessed with a rare combination of keen intellect, athletic prowess, spiritual depth, a sense of humor, and genuine kindness. He had a way of making everyone who interacted with him feel special, inspiring them to live up to their full potential.
A heartbreaking, yet pivotal moment in Tad’s life came at the tender age of fourteen, when he faced the tragic loss of his beloved sister Paula, who passed away unexpectedly. Rather than allowing this tragedy to become a stumbling block, Tad transformed it into a stepping stone—deepening his faith and turning to the Savior with renewed devotion.
Ever the missionary, Tad served a full-time mission in the Eastern Atlantic States Mission, where his love for the gospel and the Savior took deep root. Upon returning home, he earned degrees from Brigham Young University (Accounting), UCLA School of Law (J.D.), and New York University (LL.M. in Taxation). As a distinguished attorney, he practiced tax law for more than thirty-four years, finding joy in working alongside his father and two brothers at their family firm. His legal expertise led to frequent speaking engagements, where he was admired for his clarity, insight, and ability to make complex topics understandable.
On December 20, 1968, Tad was sealed to his sweetheart, Kathryn Louise Saporiti, in the Los Angeles California Temple. Tad and Kathryn’s children can attest that their marriage was a model of devotion, faith, and joy. Together, they raised six children, making every effort to fill their home with uplifting music, inspiring media, and the light of Christ. To Tad, the roles of husband and father were sacred—roles he honored, relished, and fulfilled completely. His family never witnessed a cross word or even a raised voice. He was always there for them, somehow never missing a recital or sporting event.
Tad’s lifelong service to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reflected his conviction that “true religion is to visit the widows and the fatherless.” He served faithfully as bishop, stake president, regional representative, and Area Seventy; as president of the Canada Toronto East Mission (2005–2008); as a General Authority Seventy and a member of the Presidency of the Seventy; and as General President of the Sunday School (2014–2019), where he helped guide the Come, Follow Me curriculum centered on gospel learning in the home. In addition to these better-known callings and assignments, Tad relished the opportunity to teach the youth, both as a seminary teacher in the Glendale California Stake and as a mission preparation teacher in the North Salt Lake Utah Stake. His ministry was anchored in the example of Christ. He bore testimony, ministered to the sick, supported widows and single mothers, and quietly assisted those in need. His love for the Savior shone through his ardent testimony, daily scripture study, his habit of memorizing scriptures on flashcards, and his Christlike pattern of “going about doing good.”
As a lifelong learner and devoted student of the scriptures, Tad transformed a seventeen-year personal study project about the Savior’s Atonement into his beloved book, The Infinite Atonement. He taught that “there is a certain spiritual buoyancy that attends a study of, and reflection upon, the Atonement of Jesus Christ.” A gifted writer who deeply loved the Savior, Tad went on to author six additional books that drew, and will continue to draw, people unto Christ. Known to many through his inspiring talks, books, and articles, he lived the principles he taught with authenticity and humility.
Even as ALS gradually took its toll on his mortal frame, Tad faced the disease with strength, faith, and his characteristic humor, never once complaining. This resilience echoed the "never-give-up" attitude that defined his life and that he engrained in all his children. As a father, he playfully wrestled with his young children, pinning them down and asking if they gave up—coaching them to respond, "Never! I'll never give up!" This simple lesson mirrored how he approached every challenge, from his demanding career and church callings to his final battle with ALS.
When first diagnosed with ALS, Tad vowed to “sprint to the finish line”—to serve God, his family, and the community until the very end. And that is exactly what he did.
Tad took great comfort in knowing that his beloved wife and children are sealed to him for all eternity. He is survived by his faithful wife, Kathryn; their six children, Angela (Kenneth Dalebout), Richard (Heather Baird), Nathan (Bethany Anderson), Rebecca (Robert Thompson), Jeremy (Mandy Thornton), and Jared (Yanni Lund); twenty-nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; as well as his brother, Douglas (Jeannette McKibben), and his sister, Susan (Dean Becker).
Without a doubt, Tad has crossed the veil and is now reunited with his loving parents and his three predeceased siblings—Richard, David, and Paula.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bountiful Regional Center, located at 835 N. 400 E. North Salt Lake, Utah. Viewings will be held Friday, October 17, 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the North Salt Lake Stake Center, 900 Eaglepointe Drive, North Salt Lake, Utah and then Saturday, 9:00–10:30 a.m., prior to the service at the Bountiful Regional Center.
For those who wish to join the services virtually, you may do so by clicking the blue “Watch Services” button at the top of the obituary.
Im so sorry to hear about tad I remember him we always having fun at your house in Glendale CA on Monday night for wrestling with him
Upon hearing of Elder Tad Callister’s death, I was immediately saddened. This world has lost the most kindest, humblest and most spiritual man I’ve ever known. Being a single mother to two children, one with special needs, Elder and Sister Callister took us and several other single sisters and their children under their wings and helped us sisters in our many different problems and challenges we had as single parents. But they also mentored our children in many ways. Elder Callister had us over every Monday for Family Home Evening. He personally helped me when both of my parents were fighting cancer and helped me get their finances in order and also came over to talk and give my non-members parents a blessing. Elder Callister has touched so many people with his humble kindness. I will always remember him with gratitude for him caring for me and my family! I’m sure he will continue his endless service on the other side of the veil. I pray that Sister Kathy Callister, her children, and all their extended family may be comforted by the knowledge of how much Elder Tad Callister affected other people’s lives and how he will continue working in the other side of the veil as he waits for all his loved ones to join him.
With a broken heart, my friend from long ago has passed.
Tad was one of the men that owned Sunset apartments. I owned Sunset Hair design and rented a unit on the main floor to operated my hair salon. I met with him often about various things.
He was a kind gentleman who was always kind to me
I pray for his family he left behind and know they will all be reunited at some time.
Good bye my friend, you have earned your wings.
God speed.
Our thoughts and prayers are will you all. Tad was a great leader in the church fulfilling every assignment with integrity and purpose. More importantly, he was an even better father and husband to you, and a friend to us. We know that he is busy in his new assignment, working with his father, mother, and friends to gather Israel. Love to you all and know that the Callister family is always fondly remembered. Your friends, always, David and Elisabeth Swan
Thank you for all you did and treating everyone from all backgrounds so well and leading by example. A role model.
My condolences go out to Sister Callister and her family. I can't begin to express my appreciation for Brother Callister's book The Infinite Atonement. I've read it many times and continue to read it because to me it's the most comprehensive and tender account on the Atonement and it makes me appreciate the Savior so much!...it has changed my life. I've also appreciated the wonderful talks Brother Callister has given at general conference (including on the Book of Mormon). What a remarkable man and disciple of Christ he was and still is. I'm so grateful for our Heavenly Father's fabulous plan and his dear Son, our Savior, who made it possible for us to overcome death and sin...and to be with Them and our families forever.
You are in my prayers.
Tad was a mentor to me as I practiced law with him for 5 years. He treated everyone in the office with respect, always had good humor, and was a master when it came to communicating difficult legal topics. When he left the practice, clients greatly missed him. I could never have filled his shoes, but it has been an honor and blessing to follow in his footsteps in some ways.
I regret I will be unable to be at his service on Saturday, but plan to watch remotely.
My sincerest condolences to your good family on the loss of such a wonderful man.
Kirk Broberg
Dear Kathy, I was so saddened to read about Tad's passing. He was a true hero to me and his wonderful talks in Glendale Stake, as well as his beautiful books, have shaped the way I think and study the Gospel. The Gospel blessings are such a joy. I am so grateful to you both for your example and goodness. I pray for you and your family at this difficult time.
Love, Rebecca
My deepest condolences to the entire Callister family! Tad was always a great mentor and friend. Perhaps my favorite was sitting with him during General Conference (back in the Tabernacle days). Whenever a speaker started to quote a scripture, Tad would try to identify the verse and open his scriptures to that location (in other word “Scripture Chase”) before any mention was made about chapter and verse by the speaker. He had a very high success rate! I’m grateful for the shadow that he cast and its influence on my life!
Tad was a great influence to the Garry and Sharon Hatch family when in California.
Our family has been greatly blessed by his example.
We will forever be grateful to the Callister family.
Matthew Kelly
This man will always be an integral part of my life. When I was a missionary under his leadership, I felt nothing but love from him and sister Callister. His teachings will stay with me forever. And I know that God is still using him in the spirit world to teach about Christ to those who need it and to those who know it. God bless him and his family for the impact that they've had on my life.
There are so many memories of Tad that any number of his friends and family could include here. One memory that has influenced me for decades is the following:
As a Young Adult, I found myself one Saturday morning setting up for something in the cultural hall of the Glendale Stake Center. It was quite chilly and everyone was wearing their jackets and coats. I noticed a bit of a disturbance at the door of one of the restrooms. Then I saw Tad opening the door and all his little kids filing out of the restroom, bundled in their coats, carrying buckets, and brooms, and mops, and other cleaning supplies, all traipsing off to another restroom to clean. And they all seemed to be smiling!
I'm sure it was difficult to get up so early on a Saturday morning, especially to also get all the little kids up, too, in order to show them that it is fun to do service. Tad taught by example, and we will always be grateful for his example in everything he did.
We will all miss having him with us, but his influence will always be felt and remembered.
We pray for peace and comfort at this difficult time, Kathy, for you and your family, and all of Tad's family. Please accept our sincere condolences. And know that your influence was part of what kept Tad going in the last months. You are a great example, yourself, in Gospel living.
All our love,
Randy and Andrea Rounds
May you take comfort in his accomplishments and service to Heavenly Father.
Larry and Gloria Haws
My grandmother is in Elder Callister’s son’s ward, and I was honored to meet him when he presented his “Case for the Book of Mormon” at the Tempe AZ institute. I owe Elder Callister a huge debt of gratitude for his example. His talks and books changed the way I think about God, the Atonement of Christ, morality, reason, and revelation. I offer my condolences to his family and Gods blessings upon them. Heaven has gained a spiritual giant and he will be sorely missed until the sweet heavenly reunification.
I'm thinking of you and your family. May your faith give you strength and solace, and may you feel God's love carrying you through this sorrowful time.
Dear Bishop Callister and family, we were so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Please know that you're in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you feel comfort and peace through the Savior's love and the assurance of eternal families.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Chip & Paulette White
Because I was blessed with the friendship of Tad’s sister Paula, I had the opportunity and blessing to be in the Callister home during some of my formative years that taught me lessons which will bless my life forever as I observed Tad’s family and his marvelous parents. I’ve admired him from afar now for many years. He has definitely been an unwavering example of the gospel in action and of patriotismMay Kathy feel his presence, his love and support in the days ahead! May our Heavenly Father bless their lives. I send love and prayers toTad’s dear family. With admiration and love, Marjorie Hyde Nichols.
Dear Kathy and Family,
Growing up in Glendale was the best place to grow up and one of the reasons is because we had wonderful leaders like Tadd and Doug. You will always have a special place in my heart. Dave was my eye doctor, and Tadd's parents were the best. Our family loved your family. I still use the china plates you and Tadd gave me for my wedding. I always think of you when I am using them.
I'm reading one of Tadd's books right now, America's Destiny, and am loving it. The Infinite Atonement made a profound influence on my life. Thank you for sharing your lives with us all.
I was so sad when I first heard Tadd had ALS, knowing how horrible of a disease it was. I want you to know of the love the Christiansen family has for you all and we pray for your family at this time. We know that the love and peace of the Savior is with you and your beloved family.
With love,
Jolyn
Hermana Rebecca. Lo sentimos por vuestro padre. Pienso que visito Madrid y lo vimos. Que nuestro padre celestial la acompañe en estos momentos.
Just heard via Sis Lily Anderson's podcast that Brother Tad had passed last week. Sending much love and condolences to all the family.
Rest in peace in Heavenly Father’s embrace, President Callister.
I will always remember you as the kind leader, gentleman, and family man. I will sure miss your conference addresses.
It was a pleasure, many years ago to organize a Filipino Cultural Night (at the Glendale Central Building) where we had a well-known Filipino singing group directly from the Philippines; we sang Filipino songs and our Church songs; beautiful exhibits; and delicious Filipino delicacies at the end of the program.
Thank you also for your beautiful and thoughtful card of gratitude.
“God be with you ‘til we meet again.”
Our family’s most sincere condolences to your sweet family.
Love in Jesus name, Amen.
Tess Reyes & family
Oh, it was such a blessing that we could watch the funeral services. The words spoken by each of your children were tender testimonies of all that Tad and Kathy brought into the world. Heavenly Father is smiling for all the incredible influences Tad and Kathy shared with so many. So thankful for the life of Tad and the eternal joy he brought personally to Rick and me. Truly a great example of Jesus Christ and the love of God's perfect plan. Bless the whole Callister family. Now, the Browns feel to increase our devotion, service, and love for all and be an example of Jesus Christ, just as Tad did so beautifully. Bless you all!
Dear Kathy and Family,
How I loved Tad. What a great blessing in my life. To have Tad in one's life was to have both of you. I thank him for setting up the Family history center in the Wilson building setting my parents, James and Evelyn Allard as the leaders. I eventually became the leader of that sacred assignment, beginning me, in full time, on the fulfillment of my assignment given me in this life on earth by Father. I morn Tad's loss in this mortal existence but rejoice that he is of well body again! I pray for father to keep his arm around your shoulders. Widowhood is a tough road to walk, but I can testify Father loves us and we are not ever forgotten by him! Till we meet again Sister, much love and prayers for you and yours!
He was a wonderful mentor and example of Christ love to my nephew Dewey Fisher. May our Lord Jesus the Christ welcome him at heavens gates.
Tad Callister was a spiritual giant, a true American patriot, and a gracious and loving friend. He was always so kind toward me and my wife Dana. My life has truly been blessed by my association with Tad, and I am grateful for that. My thoughts, prayers, and love to Kathy and the Callister family.
My sincere condolences to the Callister family. What a blessing to have shared those precious days with all of you in Glendale. Mr & Mrs. Callister always welcoming, kind, wise, generous and joyful. What a wonderful introduction to America and to real American values and traditions. Blessed to have known him and received encouragement. Angela, dear friend, a huge hug across the seas. Much love to you all.
As missionary leaders for the CTEM, Tad and his wife, were pivotal influences in my life while I served as a missionary in Toronto, Canada under their leadership. Tad’s shining example of discipleship, Christlike service, positive attitude and tenacity helped me through some difficult days. Often times after my mission, it’s been the words of Tad that have bolstered my faith in dark hours. I am sorry for the Callister families loss, please accept my condolences.
Jeremy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Love
Clinton Lingren
Dear Kathy,
Our hearts are so tender for your recent loss. We love you both so very much. We were saddened to hear your news. We remember our time together with cherished love and gratitude. Thank you for loving and teaching us. We enjoyed every minute. Please forgive my delayed reply. I was hoping to send a personal card, and couldn’t find your address. We love you so very much!
Dave & Brenda McMIllan
It feels as if I’ve known Tad all my life. If you have met him, you probably sensed a distinct gentleness and caring within him. Which made him lovely to be around. It was interesting just to listen, as he was eloquent, thoughtful.
I admired how he so loved to read and learn. (And finding from the memorial how writing was a way of learning, discovery for him.) Once he was pleased to read a story I wrote. It presented a perspective of Jesus’ person and work which differed from his own. He wrote back with such a gracious response.
I had known since last year of his difficult diagnosis. Seeing his familiar picture, now adorning a story of his passing, still seemed incongruous. I am happy having known him, and the kindness he showed me. I think of him often (once seeing him in a dream; his outfit included a smart yellow sweater vest). He will be keenly missed.
It’s with deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolence I send this message after learning today of Tad’s passing.
Tad was our attorney when I first started practicing back in 1986 and represented our medical group ( The White Memorial. Gyn/Ob Medical group for many years. He was a true man of God and I know we will meet him again. I’m blessed to have had the privilege of knowing him.
With many wonderful fond memories
Laurence and Mary Spencer-Smith
His son Rick was my trainer in the Mision Argentina Rosario and taught me well. Rick would often speak of his father and envoke his name when teaching me and converts. Tad was obviously a great influence for good on his children who went out in the world and influenced others. My condolences to the Callister family.