Dennis Bonar Obituary

Just yesterday I played on the piano "Let it Be" by the Beatles. It is the only piano piece I have by the Beatles but I thought of you as I played it. You certainly loved that band!! As always, I still have triggers that make me think of you fondly. Good memories...always!!!

Your picture sits where I see it every day. Miss you so much. You were gone too soon. I love you baby brother.

I worked w/Dennis when he was an NCO in Zweibrucken Germany and once again as an officer at Malmstrom AFB MT. He was a good person and made work fun. Even tho I haven't seen him in a long, long time---I know he will be dearly missed by his loved ones. Rest in Peace, Dennis!

I can’t believe it has been 16 years since the world lost an amazing man. I miss you so much dad. Love, Brenda

There are so many things I wish, but today I wish that my boys had a chance to know you, that my husband got to meet you. But most of all I wish I could hear your voice, your laugh one more time. You were taken to early, but they say only the good die young and that was true with you. Today Im going to listen to the Beatles all day and remember all the happy times we had. I love you dad.

Dennis and I were in the Air Force--I knew him when he was enlisted as we were stationed at Zweibrucken, Germany and then I had the pleasure of working w him at Malmstrom AFB MT as he was the Chief of CBPO. I am so sad to learn of his passing he was such a nice person to know and work with--prayers to his family.

Dearest Bro. You are SO missed. Let me know if you are enjoying Dad and the missed others. I'll be listening. Love you forever.

Miss you, keep our photo of us together within easy reach. Love you bro. We will be together one day.

Papa,

You were an amazing person. I think of you and how much you taught me. I still listen to the Beatles and I still have the Moose you and Colleen got for me when I was around 7. I remember you and uncle Chris taking me to get an ice cream cake for my tenth birthday. I remember you and Oma taking me to the park by the lake. I remember riding in your Jeep and how it was always so clean. Not a day goes by that I don't miss you. I love you.
Love,
Your Beaner Girl

Ten years have passed since your departure. We still miss you and tell the same stories that amuse us. It doesn't seem possible an entire decade has passed without your presence. Colleen

I just wanted to check in again and let you know that I miss you and had you on my mind. You were very fond of my mother Margaret Turner-Burch and she passed away last week at the age of 90. Life goes on and on, even though we lose each other one at a time. My hope is that there will be a grand reunion some day and we have eternal time together. Love, Colleen

I miss you but somehow I know you are sharing my joys and my sorrows. Love is always sent one way or the other.

I meant to post for your birthday this year to be more cheerful and failed to do so. I thought of you and even drank a beer (instead of wine) in your honor. Hope you can see your grandchildren growing up ever so quickly! Brenda is retiring from the AF soon, Brayden plays basketball & baseball, Tucker is a farmer in the making and getting very tall. Josie & Andy are working on getting "the big house" down the road. Kelly is still working toward the Associates Degree. Chris is also going to school for an Education Degree and is to be married in the autumn. All I can think about is retirement!! We all miss you and hope you continue to give us a sign you are around. There isn't a Beatles song that plays that I don't think of you. That will be a lifelong trigger, probably. Your rescue cat Sheba has been the best pet ever. Thanks for picking her out at the shelter, she is now 15 years old. I miss you still, even after all these years. I would love to hear your laugh. Colleen

You are missed. Life goes on without your bright light around us. Love you so bro.

You've been on my mind this entire month. Each year anniversary of your death is easier, but we all still grieve for the loss of you. I also know you have transitioned from earth to wherever we go afterwards (I'm sure you have a newly defined purpose). I still love and miss you and take comfort in your occasional presence, which has become less & less frequent over the past 8 years. Maybe it's called "healing". My continuing contribution to you is your family history research. When I work on it, I know how much you would have enjoyed the discoveries. I do wish you see your two grandsons (born after you left us) Tucker and Brayden. They met for the first time this year. Your kids continue to make you proud and make me still feel loved.

8 years and I still think about you everyday. Got to spend some time with Josie and family and missed you even more. I like to imagine what you could possibly be doing in the afterlife. I choose to believe that you spend much of your time making sure your grandkids are taken care of. Seems to be working as they all are very blessed and doing well. Miss you. Christopher

I wish you were here to celebrate this day. You are missed. I will drink a beer and listen to some Beatles songs and we can celebrate from afar. Happy Birthday.

4 years missing you. I can recall your laugh.
The graduation picture of you on this site makes you look so young. Well you were. But like 12 is how old you look! That means I'm getting old. Young people look even younger than they are to me.
We are at home. Hospice is in with Skyyler. You know how long before he will be with you. I have no idea. He has good days and bad. The pain is the unbearable, cruel thing for him. He is ready to go be with his uncle Dennis.
I know you are watching over us. I love you so much.
Angie

Dad,

I have been thinking about you a lot lately and missing you terribly. Had a real close call yesterday and I am not ashamed to say that I am scared. I don't know how I am going to last a year over here in this god forsaken country. But I am doing my best. I like to believe that you are watching over me. I am looking forward to completing this tour and moving to CO. I am looking forward to visiting your grave. David has been in the AF for over a year now and doing pretty good. Jesse is getting so big. I wish that he had a chance to know you. Joe and I are doing really good, just missing being with each other. I love you dad!

Love Always,
Brenda

Dad,

Strange to put my words in a place for anyone to see. Stranger still to think that you will never get to see them. Still think about you every day. Both Brayden and Shane are well and I am doing my best to be at least half the dad you were to me. Love Christopher

Hi. I don't have my computer anymore so have been cleaning out all my files and copying stuff I have saved in Draft over the last couple of years. I have saved all the emails you wrote me the last 6 months of your life, from the time the tumors in your brain were found.
I miss you alot and am so glad I have all your words on paper still. Also emails from mom and Perri to you. It is very emotional.
We are in Seattle at the RMH and using the computer here. Some of the children and their illness is heartbreaking. Than I remember, everything will work out for all of us one way or the other.
Skyy is doing great. We talk of you alot.
I guess you allready know all this. I need to say I miss you and at least type your name Dennis.
When we were coming back from your funneral, I heard the song Little Sister by Billy Idol at least half dozen times. So I made it my song from you. Seems like I hear it every couple weeks on the radio.
I bet you and Trish and Ashok have climbed some peaks huh?
I love bieng in contact with Colleen and Chris. I feel you are watching over us all. Mom says she hears loud bangs in the basement. And she gets calls that a man just says hi and that's all. She says it's you. I will take a sign anytime.
Love always,
Angie Skyyler Sarah Perri and Kayden

Dennis,
Although it's now been two years since you physically left us, You're still in our hearts & minds. And there... as good, as caring & as onery as ever. -- Thanks for keeping watch over us all. Sharon

Hi big brother. I didn't think till today that yesterday you went over yonder. How could it be 2 years? Miss you. I'm so glad Chris has this for us to write to you. Everybody loves you so much.

Dad,
You are missed as much now as when you left. I have included a picture of me and Brayden Christopher. He has many recognizable traits of yours; a good laugh, heart, and a strong determination to prove things to himself. Your spirit is strong in him. I miss you very much.

Dennis. Another year gone by. You are still greatly missed.
In Seattle for Skyylers chemo, we went to a Beatle's lazer show Awesome. I thought of you the whole time cause I know you love them. I cried through the whole Let It Be song.
A few nights before that at the Ronald McDonald House, the lights blinked off and on. Skyyler shouted, "Maybe it's Uncle Dennis!"
So you are close in heart and mind. Love and miss you bro. Angie
PS Can you give your son Chris a sign to return my emails? Thanks.

I love and miss you so much dad!

Dennis,
I've wanted to make it up Pikes Peak last Oct. in your honor, but couldn't find anyone willing to trek up a mountain with me. So instead, Ashok & I, weather permitting, are planning to run the Mesa, AZ "Cactus Run" in March again. We'll definitely be thinking of you. Personally, I am going to try to beat your best time. Watch out, and send me "good karma." Please, no quills!

A year has passed. We are all stronger in all we do dear Dennis. You touched each of our lives with strength, love and faith. It feels good knowing you are watching over all of us.

Miss you big brother. I know you are with us. Everytime I think of you. Love Angie,Skyyler, Sarah and Perri

Dennis; We miss you.

I would have loved more time with you, but we did have an enjoyable adventure. "The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning".

Love,
Colleen

hey, Dennis... It's now been a year since you left us here on earth. But I'm sure you're smiling in the knowledge that your presence is still within us. Thank you for all you gave.....

Hi Dennis. I miss you. I know you are watching over Skyyler and me. Mom misses you so much too.Chrismas withou hearing from you left a pretty big empty spot. Got pictures of your grandson Brayden. A Bonar through and through. Therefore amazingly handsome.
Skyyler is fighting his cancer like the tough guy he is. Just like his Uncle. He had a fun Christmas. He is a pretty easy to please 7 yr old.
Please watch over Sarah and Perri too. They are all grown up and doing well,but I worry. They will always remember you.
I am sure the Hollidays must be pretty happy where you are.
I love you. Angie

Dad,

I am in Qatar right now and far away from family and friends. Times like these you really put things into perspective. I really miss you a lot. You are on my mind night and day. I love you. Brenda

Our dear Dennis,



God Bless you on this belated Memorial Day. We love and miss you so. Thought of you when we went out to Dad and Dennis' graves here in Wichita.

Hi there Dennis. Remebering you even more since this memorial weekend. Kay reminded me about the 20 year memoraial for your dad,and your name with his, and how you got my dads plaque by Lindas grave. I hope to get to Billings soon to check all that out. Thinking ahead in your life to make others better amazes me and makes me proud of you. The gift mom got from you for mother's day touched her beyond explanation. You were a angel on this earth, everyone in heaven just waiting for you. I miss you and not reading your emails. I know you are with me everytime I think of you which is often. Love Angie

Dennis -- On this Memorial Day, I thank you for all you gave... to your country, to your family and to your friends. I think of you often & with a smile. Please continue to watch over us all.

Happy birthday Dennis. Belated as usual. I think of you as in the BIG birthday party in the sky, and the celebration is still going on. All the entries I have read are so touching. You are so loved. And ditto to Dan's entry. Colleen, I have always been so gratefull to you for being there for Dennis. Perhaps you and Dennis were put on this earth for each other?

I miss you Dennis. We emailed quite a bit the last 2 years. I am glad we kept in touch that way. I don't think of myself as without a brother now but that I have another angel watching over me now. Alot of things have happened in the last few months and I feel your love and protection. Thank you. I love you.

Dennis would not complain about his cancer and what he went through to me. Alot because he is brave and tough and not a complainer but also because his 3 yr old nephew, Skyyler was also diagnosed with cancer. He could not get over the unfairness of that and I think looked at his in a different way. What a wonderful, unselfish, generous, caring man. He is Skyyler's angel too. Love you big bro. Angie

Happy Birthday dad, I miss you.

Love you Dennis. You live on in a new dimension - free of suffering and pain. I am a better person for having known you.

Thank-you Colleen for bringing such a great person into our family. I'll especially remember his love, strength, and courage.

Thanks to you too...Chris, Brenda, Josie and Kelly; Elma; and Sandra, Kay, Paula and Angie...you all had a part in his becoming the wonderful (and wonder-full) person he became.

God bless all of you.

Dennis, was a great and wonderful cousin. We were very happy for Colleen when she married Dennis and he became a member of the family. He made lots of happy memories for his family and friends Dennis, was a great fighter against his cancer. He will truly be missed by all.

I had the wonderful pleasure to meet Dennis through Colleen. Colleen transferred back to Colorado and quit her government position to spend time with Dennis. It takes a very special person to put their government career on hold to take care of someone else. Colleen and Dennis loved each other very much. Dennis will be missed by many people. Colleen you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you ever need anything, I am here for you.

In the few years that I was blessed to have known Dennis, I found him to be a man whose glass was always half (or more) full.

Dennis was a genuinely good & honest man whose heart was brimming with love. He was passionate in his life's work -- taking care of his family & his country, putting others needs ahead of his own. He strove to excel in whatever task he was doing. Dennis was onery in a very positive way & he really enjoyed a good laugh. He was a "handsome" man, especially from within. There was much depth to his feelings.

Despite the hand of hardship that was dealt to him the past four years, he faced his challenges like a bull head-on, maintaining his sense of realism but also his sense of humor & of love. He set an amazing example of how to live each day to its fullest.

I thank Colleen for bringing Dennis -- & his family -- into my life. We shall all miss his physical presence.

I toast to you, Dennis! May you rest in peace, wellness, laughter & love.

This guest book has now been sponsored to remain open forever. Please use it on holidays, anniversaries, or just whenever you feel you need to be a little closer to Dennis.

I met Uncle Dennis in 2004 and he was a wonderful caring man. He and Colleen welcomed me with open arms. They are/were both so wonderful with Aiden, Curtis and my son. They were here for his 2nd birthday and it was wonderful having them in our lives and having such wonderful family close by. You were a wonderful caring loving man Uncle Dennis and i'm so glad my son got to meet you and when he's growing up he will most definitely know what a great man his Great Uncle Dennis was. WE love you and you will be missed, but never forgotten.

Dennis was a wonderful son-in-law & we will miss him greatly. He leaves us with many happy memories.Throughout his lengthy fight with cancer, he maintained a positive attitude & was an inspiration to all. Colleen was always there to give Dennis encouragement & loving care.

Until we meet again.

Love,

Robert & Margaret

Every since I submitted my first comments into the Guest Book I have experience a nagging feeling that I had failed to say everything that I wanted to say. I read my comments repeatedly and could not see anything else that I could add. Yet, that nagging feeling just would not go away. It wasn’t until I was leaving my Doctor’s Office today that it hit me… I knew what it was that I forgot. I deeply apologize for not thinking of it sooner, especially after recalling my experience of a similar nature.



Colleen, you are truly a special person. You have been with Dennis through his whole ordeal and you deserve recognition for the love and care you gave to Dennis. You quite work to be with Dennis. Not many would give up their career and a steady income and give of themselves like you have. You took charge and you were with Dennis during his many stays in hospitals. You were there and by his side when Dennis came out of the many surgeries that he had. You were with him on his many visits to his doctors, and I do mean many visits. Dennis had a lot of fight in him, but you had a lot of fight in you. Your stamina and your love for Dennis allowed you to stand beside him when hardships were many and feelings strained. You were a pillar for Dennis and you helped him in more ways than any of us will ever know. You are our pillar and we have leaned on you.



After Dennis passed away, you remained strong. Instead of taking time to grieve, as you should have, you turned your attention to those who were coming in for the funeral. You made sure that everyone had a place to stay and food to eat. You made sure that everyone knew where he or she was to go and at what time he or she should be there. You made sure that everyone was made as comfortable as you could possibly make him or her. Yet, you put your needs, your pain and grieving on hold. Even though you did have some very loving help from others, including Chris, Josie and Jerry, you did not allow yourself time to dump the truckload of emotions that you were carrying. You are a gracious woman and I admire you. I know that without question, others admire you too. I thank you for taking care of my friend and giving him the best care that he could have possibly received.



My Love,

Dan

Dennis was one of the primary factors in my deciding to enter the Air Force. This may sound a bit odd to some, because prior to 2004 I had only met my Uncle a few time, and when I was very young. However I grew up knowing my Uncle through my Mothers eyes. Eyes that knew Dennis as a loving brother and father, and a roll model. And then in 2004 I got stationed at Peterson AFB in Colorado and was blessed to get to know my Uncle for the remaining years of his life. Dennis was a truly selfless, loving, wonderful man. Always quick with a joke or kind word, even when not feeling his best. I will miss him dearly, and wish only that I could have had a few more years to know him.

Thinking of when Dennis and Colleen got married in May, 2000 and the toast I gave...How wonderful it was to welcome a Dennis in our family since our only brother, Dennis died of cancer in 1990. I hope both Dennis'have met now and also our Dad has met Dennis Bonar, a wonderful brother-in law whom we shall miss terribly...but what a great man, one with courage and love to his wife Colleen, his children, mother, brother and grandfather.

Dennis was my boss for a couple of years at Ramstein AB Germany. He was a great commander and leader and cared about his people and his job very much. I have a memory of him and Colleen at one of the German employee outings, singing cowboy songs in the rain with a German beer in his hand. A great guy who will be missed by many. Happy trails Dennis Sharon

Heartfelt condolences are being sent to you, Colleen...Linda

I first met Dennis when he and Colleen were married on May 6, 2000. This is what I saw in him: I saw that he was a no nonsense type of guy who would tell it like he saw it. I saw that he was a person full of dignty, integrity and pride. I saw that he love his family very much, especially his children and grandchildren. I saw Dennis give as much of himself as he could possibly give. Dennis had a heart bigger than I can describe.



I also saw that Dennis was a good husband. Dennis loved Colleen so very much that he would do anything for her. I know that Colleen loved Dennis and it was sometimes hard trying to determine who loved the other the most.



I saw Dennis show a good deal of compassion and love toward his extended family... and we loved him back.



I saw that Dennis loved a good challenge. He loved to run with the Cadets at the Academy and it just tickled him to be able to run faster and farther than most of the young cadets. That drive to beat a challenge was with him to the very end.



Dennis once told me, "I know this thing (cancer) is going to get me one of these days, but until then I'm going to give it one hell-of-a fight." With that, he took a big swallow of FatTire beer, looked at me and just smiled from ear to ear. What a sense of humor he had.



I was honored when Dennis asked me to help him build a mantel for his fireplace. He showed me the logs he had selected and wanted installed. With a big smile and a good deal of pried, Dennis pointed out a beautiful outdoor scene carved into the face of the top mantelshelf. With his eyes were wide open and a big smile on his face, Dennis shook his head up and down with deep approval and said to me, "My son Chris carved that for me."



I cold go on for a long time and write about the things Dennis told me while talking about his family, grandchildren and Colleen. He was so proud of them all. However, for me, the greatest honor I received from Dennis was when he called me his friend. It is truly an honor to be a friend of Dennis. Just ask Jerry.



So, until we meet again My Friend... So Long…



Dan

Dennis & I shared an interest in meeting physical challenges. I've added some pictures to the photo gallery from our first half marathon in which Dennis would probably rather forget. He was not feeling well, fell on a cactus, and finished with quills to add a bit more challenge. He wasn't proud of his time, so two years later he went back to the same race and conquered the course with a very respectable time.

I can envision Dennis up in heaven organizing morning runs, mountain climbs, or even cloud jumping. One regret I have is that I didn't get to climb Pikes Peak with him. If anyone is interested I would love to climb Pikes Peak within this year with a group of his friends, and family. Is anyone else interested??? Let me know.

Dad, If ever there was a hero in my life it was and is you. You are the rock that holds this family together and you are going to be so greatly missed. I never could have asked for a better father. Your blood may not run through me, but your love does.

Always, Brenda

I am dennis's youngest son. He was by far the best man i've ever known. He believed in morals so much, that I can't begin to tell you how many times he told me to be honest no matter what the outcome would be. I loved my father very much and I thank anybody who shows their respect for him. Thank you dad for always being there for me. You never gave up on me when you could've ( not to mention should've ). I love you dad. Rest in peace.

I always knew Dennis was special but this last couple months... Well it has been a humbling and inspiring time in my life. I'm going to be a much better person because of it. Also I will never whine again. Dennis has a wonderful family,thank you for letting me be a little part of it.

Dear Brother,
You were an amazing gift and an
inspiration. Tell our dad I missed
him. I miss you.
Paula

It is an honor to be his son. By example, he taught me everything I know about honor, integrity, forgiveness, and most importantly compassion. I do not think my dad was a great man just because he was my dad. In 34 years, I have never met another man that had my dad's strength of character, passion for life, or heart. I am not sure how I will ever fill the emptiness I feel without him. The best I can do is to live my life as he would want me to, with dignity and respect for the blessings I still have in my life.
Until we meet again dad,
Christopher

Dennis was the epitome of the American Dream. His accomplishments should impress and inspire all that read them. His achievements in life are magnified by his unwavering Patriotism.



A true American Hero. He will be deeply missed.



Ed Dewan

Love you always.