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Michael Bonner

October 24, 1943 - July 18, 2017
Bonner

Bonner

"We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun"

Mike worked and played on three continents until he met Gail in 1978 and settled in Manitoba, where after a few years in Winnipeg, they kept a hobby farm on the edge of Riding Mountain National Park, until retiring to Powell River in 2014.

Mike was an agronomist and worked for various grain companies until setting up his own agricultural consulting business in 1994.

Mike was a keen hunter and kept the freezer stocked, but his passion was skeet shooting. He competed at the provincial and national level, and achieved his goal of becoming an Olympic judge, officiating in Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000. For over 20 years he taught hunter and firearms safety courses, and coached, mentored, and encouraged many young people who chose to take up the sport.

Mike embraced Powell River fully, serving as president of the Powell River Rod and Gun Club for two years, volunteering at the Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association, teaching the Canadian Firearms Safety course, and coaching the junior trap shooting team.

Mike and Gail spent 39 years together, raising daughters, dogs, chickens and horses, enjoying canoeing, kayaking, and camping, and scouting the bush together for rabbits and grouse.

Mike is survived by his wife, Gail, daughters Sandra, Carol, Caroline and Anne,  grandchildren Hayley, David, Samantha and Mia, and sister Fiona.

A drop-in memorial lunch will be held at the Powell River Rod and Gun Club on Rifle Range Road, on Saturday, July 29, from 1-3 pm.