MacCoubrey Funeral Home
30 King St. E., Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Surrounded by nature, Bill peacefully passed away at his home in Perth, on November 26th at the age of 74, after a brief brush with ALS.
Beloved husband (and high school sweetheart) of Brenda Liut for over 52 years. Loving father of Rebecca Bodanis, Rachel Galbraith (Duncan), Andrew Bonner (Jamie), and Andrea Pretty (Kyle). Proud Popsey of Ashlyn, Oliver, Bryson, Rory, Miller, Elyse, Lewis, Devan and Mae. Brother to Bob Bonner (Joy). Brother-in-law to Michael Liut (Mary Ann) and Paul Liut (Jo-Anne). Bill was predeceased by infant son, Ryan Bonner (1983).
Bill was a dedicated teacher in the Northumberland community for over 30 years. He was a gifted educator bringing patience and creativity to the classroom. In retirement, he turned these skills toward nature and became a passionate beekeeper, gardener, and nature photograper. In his final years you could find him either on the golf course or in the curling rink five days a week, depending on the season.
Bill lived his life with integrity, calmness and a sense of purpose to leave the world a better place and will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly." Richard Bach
A celebration of life will be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King Street East, Cobourg, on Friday November 29, 2024 at 11am.
Those wishing may make a memorial donation to their local food bank or humane society in honour of Bill.
My deepest sympathies to Bill's family - I taught with Bill at Burnham and remember him as a compassionate dedicated teacher - I'll always have fond memories of him
Hi Brenda You will, I think, understand a bit of my surprise learning that Bill was a teacher, but I know that his energy and enthusiasm would have made him a terrific one. Please know that you were both thought of so fondly as I went through our old yearbooks recently. Of course, in my mind we all still look just the way we did then! I hope that when this time has become a bit more distant that you will find comfort in the very rich life you had with Bill. I know he has taken a piece of you with him, but you still carry a piece of him too. Warmest regards.
Sending deepest condolences on behalf of my mother. Remembering Bill as a wonderful colleague and friend . Betty Morris
Brenda , my sincerest condolences to you and your family . You are in my thoughts and prayers.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
ALS Research at Sunnybrook Medical Centre
So sorry to here of Bills passing. Deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your nursing friend at the hospital . Cherish the good memories you had throughout your time together. Margaret Jibb
My sincere condolences to you and your family,Brenda. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I wish the Bonner family my sincere condolences on Mr. Bonner's passing. He was one of our favourite teachers at the "East".
My deepest condolences to the family .. Mr Bonner was an amazing teacher and never knew anyone quite like him .he will be missed ... Camilla Millar former student...
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
Thinking of you at this very sad time.Your 1stNorth nursing friend.Cathy(Lee)Atkinson Calgary Alberta
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
So sorry for your loss Brenda. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Brenda, may you be surrounded by the love of family and friends during this most difficult time. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Pamela Bates
Dear Brenda A donation has been made to The Northumberland Humane Society from your Red Hat Sisters
Thinking of you and your family during this sad time. Darlene Mack
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I got to know him through Water Power Fitness and he was a great guy. I remember visiting him after he'd moved to Perth & he was so proud to show off his new (amazing) place. Heaven is one guy richer.
My sincere condolences to Brenda and all of Bill’s family. He was a pleasure to golf with and will be sadly missed early mornings on the golf course.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
ALS Research at Sunnybrook Medical Centre
Brenda and family, I am so sorry to hear of Bills passing. I know this is such a difficult time for you all. You are in my thoughts and I am sending my love and support. Dorothy Way
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
Dear Brenda, My heart goes out to you and your family at this sad and difficult time. I had the pleasure of teaching with Bill at Grafton P.S. , working together to support the students in his class. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Salvation Army Community Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Humane Society of Canada
My sincere condolences to you and your family, Brenda. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences Brenda on the passing of Bill. My thoughts are with you.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
Sending so much love and condolences to your family. Love and hugs from Ramsey and I. We are so incredibly sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathies to the entire Bonner family, especially Rachel who was my class/team mate at the CDCI East. Mr. Bonner was also my grade 8 teacher at Grafton and he handled our class of heathens with dignity.
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Such a difficult time for all if you. May the beautiful memories you have made together , bring you and the family comfort. Thinking of you. Anne
Brenda…I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My memories of him, are a fun guy with a camera. I enjoyed the honey you shared with us at our reunion made by his bees. SophieXO
Brenda,Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Take care,Jan.
JORDIE &RABIA SAYING SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS THE BONNER FAMILY.
To Brenda and family, my sincerest condolences to you. As a young teacher I was fortunate to have Bill as a colleague, mentor and friend. We all benefited very much from his leadership and the ideas he provided, his willingness to take on clubs and teams and help wherever he could. He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by myself and many others. Thinking of you.
My deepest condolences to the Bonner family on your loss. Bill is in the hearts and minds of many of us who were fortunate enough to golf with him at Mapleview over the years.
We were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our condolences go out to you and your family. Such a difficult time for all if you. Gail
Brenda and family, my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and father. This is a very difficult time for all of you. May the beautiful memories bring you comfort. A big Hug for you Brenda from my heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Bianca and Ed Carter.
Brenda and family, l am so sorry to hear of your loss. Time passes all too quickly. Cherish your memories. Thinking of you. Anne
Brenda and Family. I am so very sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts are with you and I am sending a big Wellesley hug to you. Pearl
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Farley Foundation
Dear Brenda & family. We are saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Thinking of you all. Sending our condolences & hugs to all.
Dear Brenda and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Bill in your room in residence when we were just baby nurses. And then listening and laughing to all your stories of life with him at our reunions, over the past 54 years. A long life of marriage, with great kids, and greater grandkids, filled with mountains of experiences and memories. It's obvious from the many messages here that he was well loved, and will be missed. Sending hugs to you, Kathy
Brenda, I am so sorry to hear this news. I suppose some comfort in his illness being short, such an ugly illness. I know you have great support within your family and certainly, circle of friends. I know The Wellesley girls will be feeling this for you as well. God bless.
Brenda and family I have been thinking of you. I am sorry for the loss of your husband. I didn’t know him but it sounds as if he was an awesome guy and that he had a good life. Sending my condolences and a big hug❤️
I had the privilege of working with Bill for 5 years at Grafton Public School. Not only was he a great teacher librarian, he was also a team player contributing to the positive culture in the school and community. He will be sorely missed, not only by his family but also by his friends and colleagues.
Brenda and Family Sending my sincere condolences. I was lucky enough to teach with Bill at Grafton for many years before his retirement. He will be remembered as a patient, kind and caring teacher and friend.
We remember Bill as a dedicated beekeeper, nature enthusiast and loving husband, father and gramps. He will be missed by many people. Our condolences to you and your family
My sincere condolences to Brenda and family.
Sincerest condolences Brenda, Rebecca, Rachel, Andrew, Andrea and families. Memories of time spent at the rink, and learning that I should never put Ketchup on my meat just came flooding back. Thinking of you all as you navigate this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
ALS Canada
Dear Brenda, Andrew, Jamie & family. Bill was such a great guy & will truly be missed. Although we did not know him well we always enjoyed his company. May all of the wonderful memories you have of him bring you comfort during this difficult time. With sincere sympathy. Gisele & Brent
Dear families of Bill Can't stop thinking of you all May your memories help you all get through this difficult sad time Many prayers and my love Mae
Sending my condolences to Brenda & the Bonner family!! I will miss seeing Bill every 2 weeks on cleaning day. I hope you can all find strength in the family memories you shared together. RIP Bill & I hope you are enjoying a good game of golf.
Brenda and family I am so sorry for your loss. You all will be in my thoughts
Brenda and family, I am so very sorry to hear. Cherish your special memories of Bill at this difficult time.
My heartfelt condolences goes out to you Brenda and your family at this sad time.?
Brenda and family. I am so sorry to hear about Bill. May you find comfort in your memories and cherish them. I think of you often Brenda and miss our chats. God bless you and your family. Sending hugs.
Brenda and family: I'm very sorry to read about your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill, Brenda, and family were my neighbours in Cobourg for many years, and I hold lovely memories of them. When we last saw each other a few years ago, Bill was retired and enjoying beekeeping and other outdoor activities at their property....I remember him as an outdoor enthusiast even as a teenager! Devastating to learn of his passing, and our hearts go out to Brenda, Rebecca, Rachel, Andrew and Andrea. May he RIP.
Sending deepest condolences to you, Brenda and family. Bill's legacy speaks for itself and all those Bonner grandchildren have a wonderful Popsey indeed. Peace and love to you all. Vel and Kelly
Brenda, You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. With Deepest Sympathy Much Love Danielle, Melissa & Michelle
I can only imagine Bill’s spirit rising, soaring and taking great dives just as in Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Sending much love to you all.
Brenda and family. We were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We have good memories of our early times together raising our families in the Curtis Cr./Burnham St. area. Later, I was fortunate to have Bill as a very supportive and encouraging mentor when I returned to my teaching career at Grafton P.S. Our sincere condolences to you and all your family at this difficult time.
We are thinking of all of you as you go through this tough time. What a horrible disease! May Bill finally be at peace. Fortunately, we saw Bill and Brenda at home a number of years ago with Bill's beloved Lucy snuggled up with him on his favourite chair. For that reason, we will make a donation to our humane as society. Bill was definitely someone who loved Brenda and his family. After he retired,he gave me some of his minerals for my class. His brother, Bob (Joy) will greatly miss him as will we. We hope to catch up to Brenda soon. Having had knee surgery recently, I do not think I can make the trip for his funeral but am thinking of all of you. I still picture Bill with his friends as a young kid in front of the fire hall in Kenora.
Dear Brenda, so sorry to hear about Bill. Have not seen or talked to him in years but still remember his enthusiasm for his bees when last we met. I am glad you have family to help you through this terrible time. Peace be with you. Bonnie
Brenda and all the family: I am sorry for your loss of a dear husband, father and Popsey, Bill was a true gentleman who was highly regarded. I knew Bill as a fellow teacher at Burnham and Grafton Public Schools and as a neighbour on Curtis Crescent. You have so many wonderful memories to share. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
Dear Brenda and family So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Enjoyed our neighbourhood visits on Curtis Crescent. Our thoughts are with all of you.
I am so very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing, Brenda. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Dear Brenda & family Steve & I send our condolences at this difficult time.
Deepest sympathy to you and your family Brenda. Thinking of you all at this difficult time and wishing you peace.
Brenda and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. We often think of you and miss you. Take care of each other.
This is so sad to hear. He was my music teacher at Howard Jordan. The man could sing, play guitar and teach others how to play. To this day I still have my HJ recorder and learned how to play it with his teachings. My deepest condolences to everyone that knew him. A magnificent man made for teaching others
My deep sympathies go out to Bill's wife and family. Bill was a delightful and thoughtful companion on the golf course where he played first thing in the morning, most days of the week. I had the good fortune to play with him many times over the last couple of years. Our group at Mapleview will miss him sadly. Sincerely, Gardner Church
Dear Brenda and the entire Bonner family, I am truly sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I have such great memories of our time working together at Grafton P.S. I remember how patient Bill was, as he tried to teach me a few guitar chords. Later he even gave me some golf tips to help my game. Bill was always willing to help others. He will be sadly missed.
My thoughts are with you Brenda and family. Bill was so kind when I taught with him at Grafton P.S. I was a very insecure new teacher having started my career later in life. He was always encouraging, and reassuring with a ready smile. He will be sorely missed.
To the Bonner family, so sorry to hear of Mr. Bonner’s passing. He was certainly one of my favourites at Colborne PS. He had such immense pride in his children, bringing them in to class one day to sing with us. He was a gifted teacher and I am a better person for having had the privilege of his teaching. May your fond memories help you through this next chapter.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Bonner was one of my favorite teachers, sharing a deep love for music and it's hard to imagine a man so full of life is now gone... my sincerest condolences to your entire family.
My deepest condolences to the family. I know Bill through curling at the Perth Curling Club. I curled with him and number of times and he was our club president at one time. There was something about Bill that made me feel he was a kind and caring person.
Brenda and Family We are shocked to see Bill has passed away! WHAT A SHOCK ❤️?
To Brenda and family Thinking of you at this difficult time. Hoping you can focus on all past good memories of your family times together. From the Galbraith Clan
So sorry to hear about Bill. Remembering our times on Curtis Crescent. Gone too soon.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
ALS Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Trillium Childhood Cancer Support Centre
I was lucky enough to have Mr. Bonner as my teacher over 20 years ago in Grafton! He was a wonderful caring teacher! May he rest in peace.
Brenda and family, I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult days and beyond. Hold your good memories in your heart.
So sorry for the loss of your dear one. I hope in time memories will bring you smiles. You were so blessed to have found each other and been together all those years....but I know never long enough.
Dear Brenda and family, My memory of Bill will be of a quiet man who had a keen thirst for the beauty of nature as shown in his care of deer, his bees and his photography. My condolences to you and your family.
Brenda & family I had the privilege of working with Bill as an EA many years ago. A very special man & a great teacher who impacted many young people. My sincere condolences to you all. Carol Buttar
Dear Brenda and Family, we were so saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. We have such wonderful memories of Bill when our boys played baseball and hockey together. Please accept our sincere condolences during this very sad time.
Dear Brenda I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing! Words can’t express the sadness. My prayers are with you and your family.
From all your friends and staff at Rec-Check Inspections. We offer our condolences on your loss.
There are really no words that can express our sadness today! We are sending healing wishes and strength to you all as a family! Love to all.
Did not know Bill well but remember him coming into kindergarten class at Grafton Public School and teaching them, and me and my daughter Listen to the Water. That song stuck with me and the classroom loved it! Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Dear Brenda and Family, I am sadden to hear of Bill’s passing. I have fond memories of Bill years ago when I got to know him over the many hours we spent with our boys and their sports.
Dear Brenda,words escape me.We were so saddened and shocked by your loss of Bill.Sending much love to you and your family and extended family.We have some great memories.Thinking of you all.
I wish to extend condolences to Bill's entire family at this time. I remember him from the Cobourg Figure Skating Club as president. A most amenable person. I am sure he will be greatly missed by many.
Dear Brenda and family, please accept our deepest condolences. Thinking of you all and praying for strength and comfort for you at this time.
Brenda, please accept our heartfelt condolences to you and the kids and the rest of the family and all those who love Bill. Take care.
Dear Brenda and family my sincere condolences
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have great memories of Mr. Bonner as a student at DaleRoad. He coached and assisted me to “think outside the box” which took myself and another student to a level of Science Fairs outside of our everyday classroom. It was an experience that left an impact on me for sure! Thoughts and prayers are with you all. CarolAnn nee: VanBelois
The Bonner family We are so sorry for your families loss. Bill taught our children in Grafton public school. He was always a wonderful teacher. Our deepest sympathies. The Gill family