John Bennion

1954 - 2025

John Stradling Bennion

1954-2025

Hampstead, NC - John Stradling Bennion, 71, was born September 19, 1954 to Mervyn Sharp Bennion,

Jr. and LaRee (Larrie) Stradling Bennion in Salt Lake City, Utah. He died December 9,

2025 in Hampstead, North Carolina.

John's love of science began early. He created his own chemistry laboratory (in a large

closet at his great-grandfather's home) while still in elementary school. His curiosity and

theories were not always non-dangerous; but he, others, and the neighborhood survived

his various experiments.

John attended Lowell and Lafeyette Elementaries and Bryant Jr. High. He graduated

from East High School and the University of Utah with a B.S. in Chemistry and

Chemical Engineering, a M.S. in Nuclear Engineering, and a Ph.D in Nuclear

Engineering. He was affiliated with Sigma Phi Epsilon. When he allowed people into his

life, they were solidly there.

John taught at the University of Utah as a graduate student and was a professor at

Idaho State University in his field of mechanical and nuclear engineering. He was

actively involved in many professional organizations, including the American Nuclear

Society. At the time of his death, he was employed by GE Vernova Hitachi as a Senior

Engineer/Technologist. John was brilliant, dedicated, and well-known for working

extremely long hours. His impressive curriculum vitae can be found on his LinkedIn

profile.

John is survived by his siblings Robert S. Bennion (Syd), Santa Monica, CA; Rebecca

A. Bennion, and J. Michael Bennion, both of Salt Lake City, UT. He is also survived by

six nieces and nephews, and fifteen great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Louise Clark Bennion, his

parents, and his oldest brother Mervyn Sharp Bennion, III (Mick).

There will be a graveside service at the Salt Lake Cemetery on Tuesday, December 30,

2025, at 2:00 p.m. People can meet at Larkin Mortuary, 250 East South Temple, at 1:00

pm.

The family appreciates John's colleagues and friends who recognized his talents and

enriched his life. We are deeply grateful for those who have been and are unbelievably

helpful and supportive as we finalize John's affairs.