Hugh Bonner

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Hugh Joseph Bonner, also fondly referred to as “Hughi” by family and close friends in Ireland, had a larger-than-life character. Being a well-traveled man and having proudly served in the US air force along with all his work experience as a salesman, Hugh had many stories to tell. He had the gift of the gab and was known to recite Irish song lyrics and poems or strike up conversations with anyone, anywhere at any time, young or old. He was a source of endless jokes and stories (not sure which ones were true) and loved making people smile, laugh or blush.

Hugh was born in Dungloe Ireland and raised by his parents Jeanie and Patrick Bonner along with his 4 siblings Noreen, Stephen, Rose and Mary. He graduated from Lougharnure Letterkenny school in Donegal and received his CPA degree after he moved to America. He was a part of his school band and played soccer (football) competitively during his school years in Ireland. He had a passion and love for animals that would carry on throughout his life which resulted in him rescuing and adopting many dogs and cats that proved him endless love and much cherished companionship over the years.

Hugh and Linda, his surviving wife, met in Scottsdale Arizona in the early 1990’s. Hugh answered an ad in the paper for a business investment opportunity that Linda had placed. He responded to the ad and ended up making an investment into the business but also ended up making a life investment of love to Linda. Linda also has a great love for animals and animal rescue and the two rescued countless dogs and cats together over the years. Some of these animals were found new families to love them and others found their way into the Bonner household as permanent family members. Hugh and Linda were married after a couple of years of courtship and were one day shy of celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary on July 30th 2022. Hugh did not just become Linda’s husband but also became a stepfather to her two pre-teen daughters Tammy and Shawna. As difficult as pre-teens are Hugh took it all in stride and quickly developed a strong bond with both girls and proudly referred to them as “his” daughters to whoever he was talking to.

Hugh was very proud of his Irish heritage and his family. He loved to brag about the accomplishments and achievements (big or small) of all his family members. Although Hugh lived far away from his family back in Ireland, he still formed strong bonds and created many fond memories with his nieces and nephews from back home. Whether it be from his visits back home or with their visits to see him in America. One of Hugh’s proudest achievements in life was becoming a Papa, not once but twice to the greatest loves in life, Bethany and Catherine, daughters of Tammy and Darrel Gordon. He cherished every moment he spent with his granddaughters and both girls loved and admired their Papa. There was always laughter and smiles in the room from the girls when they were in the company of their Papa.

Hugh’s love for sports continued throughout life and there was not a professional sport you could ask him about that he wouldn’t know the team standings for. The constant watching of sports or “napping” with sports on the TV with the volume far too loud as his wife Linda remembers, led to Hugh to creating his own little TV room so others in the home could have some peace from the noise and could watch something else while he was napping… I mean watching his sports through closed eyelids.

Linda was by Hugh’s side the whole time he was in hospital. She had the hospital staff place a cot in his room so she did not have to leave his side and dedicated every minute to him, making sure he was properly cared for and never alone. Hugh was so very grateful to have Linda there with him the whole time he was in hospital and told Shawna he “wouldn’t know what to do without her”. Even while in hospital, as difficult of a time it was, Hugh was still telling stories, making the hospital staff laugh, and creating memorable bonds with all those around him as he had done throughout his whole life.

Life will be very difficult for Hugh’s family without his presence, but death cannot take away the memories and love we have for him, those will live on in our hearts. Please know that while on a video call with his daughter Shawna, Hugh was told by her how much all his family loved him and how they were all thinking of him and holding him in their hearts. Hearing these words brought him peace, stillness and placed one last smile upon his face in the moments before his passing.

May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Survived by:

Immediate Family

Wife: Linda Bonner (Fedyck), Daughters: Tammy Gordon (Pollack) Son in-law Darrel Gordon, Shawna Southwick (Pollack) Son in-law Casey Southwick, Grand Daughters: Bethany and Catherine Gordon. Siblings: Noreen Bonner, Stephen Bonner, Rose Edge (Bonner)

Nieces and Nephews: Mary (Bonner), Patricia (Bonner), John Banner, Patrick Bonner, Jackie (Bonner), Aideen (Edge), Declan Edge, Sharon (Edge), Darragh (Edge), Fionnuala (Edge), Aisling (Edge), Ciara (Edge), Deirdre (Edge), Magarite (Bonner) and Patrick Bonner.

Preceded in Death:

Grand Parents: Nora and Patrick Bonner, Parents: Jeanie (Ward) and Patrick Bonner, Sister: Mary Edge (Bonner), Niece: Sinead Edge.

In lieu of flowers please make a dotation to

Your favourite Animal rescue charity

To one of the following compassionate housing programs that generously provided Linda free accommodations so she could be with Hugh.

The Liberty House Fort Harrison in Helena Montana

https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/

The Great Falls Clinic Legacy Foundation

https://www.gfclegacy.org/donate/

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