Share Your Thoughts
August 12, 2008
Bonny left all who knew her with memories of her gentle, caring ways, and the many acts of kindness she showered on family, friends and the children of Alaska.
We invite you to share a personal story of how Bonny touched your life, a special memory, thought, or post condolences to her friends and family.
August 13, 2008 at 4:31 am
I will always remember Bonny for her “Yes”…. Her first response to people, to their requests, to their concerns was “Yes.” Yes, I will see you. Yes, I will try and make that happen. Yes, I care.
I feel very far away and alone. Please, everyone, enjoy one another and realize the fleeting moments that–strung together–make up this life. The Bible says we are just a vapor, and then we are gone, like withered grass, or a fading flower.
That may seem to downplay our importance on the planet, but I believe what it means is that our momentary troubles, hang ups, and insecurities are not worth investing in. Let’s not take ourselves too seriously.
Like Bonny, we need to invest ourselves in the lives of people. Making a difference and leaving a trail of grace, restoration and peace.
I will miss her smile.
Love,
Joy Maples
August 13, 2008 at 8:23 am
Bonny’s friendship was a true gift. To say I’ll miss her is an understatement.
“We thought of you today, but that is nothing new. We thought of you yesterday, and will tomorrow too. Grief never ends, but it changes. It is not a sign of weakness, or a lack of faith. It is the price of love.”
I love you, Bonny.
Diane
August 13, 2008 at 9:38 am
I am so saddened of Bonny’s passing, it is still so hard to believe that she is gone. I hope her family is able to find comfort, I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through. How generous of you to request donations to AKAHPERD in lieu of flowers, I was truly overwhelmed by this gesture– this was so “like Bonny”. Bonny has been the heart and soul of our AKAHPERD board over the past few years. Bonny’s dynamic and genuine way of connecting with people was a true amazement to witness. Her passion for getting children active will live on through Healthy Futures! She was an encouragement and inspiration to me during my presidency, and I will deeply miss her.
Kayla Clark
President, Alaska Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
August 13, 2008 at 10:28 am
In Fairbanks, celebrating the childrens involvment in sport soccer, having many memories of the influence Bonny and Healthy Futures when I recieved this really horrible news. Bonny has been at the top of my list in the past years for her undeniably powerful inspiration to children in Alaska and beyond for all she did with Healthy Futures but as you all know that when you met her and every greeting encouraged your own good spirit to shine in response to her smile and friendship. A Special Remarkable person!
To Sam and family…I share your loss. Bonny, I miss you and will embody your touch for evermore!
Be at Peace!
Love,
Eric Heil
August 13, 2008 at 11:53 am
dear bonnie, you leave a hole in my heart. you are the sweetest, the kindest person i have ever met. this world will not be the same without you.
i miss you, love you, and will never forget our beautiful memories together. you are and will always be an inspiration to every person you touched. sam, there is nothing we can say to ease the pain, memories are the blessing. charley carolyn debbie ed charlene lucas and family, all of you helped create that special beautiful person that bonnie is. each one of us lost bonnie, she lost all of us! she now is HOME and prepares for our arrivals. as i reflect, i am thinking time gives me a second chance to be all I can be, just like sweet bonnie.
August 13, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Bonnie’s gift to us all was her positive, joyous
attitude toward life. One always wanted to be on “Bonnie’s team”. Whatever the event or committee, you knew you would have a good time, she had great ideas that helped accomplish the team goal, and she always kept the experience in perspective. Bonnie represented the best of Alaskan “can do” women.
August 13, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I am really lost at this moment. My heart is heavy. I consider Bonny one of the finest most beautiful women in the world; heck universe. Bonny is the first friend I have lost and she is a hard one to say goodbye too. Although we have cried together at times, I don’t think I ever saw Bonny without a smile – even thru tears. She was absolutely a remarkable person. I loved talking with Bonny as all conversations began with Sam, Lucas and her parents. I loved her passion and joy for them and so enjoyed getting caught up. I would love so badly just to give her a hug right now. Just to tell her we will continue to work her passion with healthy futures and at making our community healthier and better place to live. I know, I personally, will live everyday to it’s fullest in her honor. This is how Bonny lived and in her memory I am going to strive to do the same. My heart is empty that you are gone but full with what you left behind. You were such a great person and friend. I love you. I miss you. Missy
August 13, 2008 at 1:59 pm
It is with heavy heart that I say goodbye to such a beautiful and energetic young friend. Bonny, I will always see you in the wildflowers on my many hikes and remember the two very special ones we took on Crow Pass and Lost Lake.
You will live on in our hearts forever. Thank you for the life you shared with all of us.
I love you, Lynn
August 13, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Bonny was a very special person. I met her through Lisa Keller’s running group and running events. I always liked seeing her at races and events because she was so sweet and positive, remembering my name and saying hi even when juggling a variety of duties.
You will be missed.
August 13, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I only knew Bonnie for a very short time. But what a sweetie. Bonnie is my sister-in-law. I use the word is and not was, because as I understand the word of God, she is not gone, just not present among us. The bible says, “To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord” Bonnie is there with Jesus and some day we will see her again. Once again we will enjoy that warm smile, sweet disposition, and joyful personality. This sorrow will not last. We love you Bonnie, Sam, Lucas, Tanner, Gunner and the Brown family. We are praying for your hearts to heal and your trust in the promises of God to be strengthened.
Marlon and Anita Jamison
August 13, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I met Bonnie last December when she graciously agreed to add yet another event to the already full Conoco Phillips Healthy Futures list. The addition of the “Run for Your Life 2K” sponsored by the Alaska Natural History Museum is part of the Anchorage Running Club’s Big Wild Life Runs to be held this Sunday August 17th. I’m sure she will be cheering the kids on in spirit. Truly a community treasure she wanted to make every child feel like an Olympian by wearing # 1 and receiving a medal at the finish line. I do not think “no” or “can’t” were in her vocabulary.
August 14, 2008 at 4:51 am
It was a delight to work with Bonny through our connection with Alaska PTA. Her energy, optimism, and happy nature blessed the lives of many. She will be sorely missed. Bonny (and family), know that you made a HUGE difference to many children and to many adults. Your influence will linger in Alaska. Thank you for sharing your life and your love! You will be fondly remembered, especially by me. Love you!
August 14, 2008 at 6:02 am
We, students,staff and administration at William Tyson School, will miss Bonnie Sosa very much. We have never
been impacted by a single individual as much we were with Bonnie. Words
come to mind, magnificent, caring, dedicated and involved. Somewhere I heard that “dynamite comes in small packages”
Bonnie truly represented the statement. She came with much enthusiasm and a willingness to help our students. Her involvement
with the health of our kids will be remembered for a long time. Her sail has been set and she moves on to a more restful place. We will miss her.
John Kito and the William Tyson Staff.
August 14, 2008 at 7:41 am
It is with tremendous shock and great sadness that I received the news of Bonny’s passing. She was a wonderful woman full of passion, spirit and love for her family and humanity. I am honored to have known her; our community and state is richer for having had her leadership and loving influence which resulted in so many young Alaskans making daily decisions to practice the heart healthy habit of physical activity. She will be greatly missed by the many, many who deeply love her. So many of us have been tremendously touched by her sincere love of people and life.
I was privledged to partner with Bonny in the promotion of heart health through increased physical activity especially among Alaska’s youth. The American Heart Association mission to build healthier lives free of heart disease and stroke is being achieved because of Bonny’s leadership and important work in Alaska!
My thoughts and truly my prayers for God’s peace in their souls are extended to Bonny’s family, of whom I often heard how much she loved them!
Suzanne Sands for the American Heart Association
August 14, 2008 at 8:46 am
Words cannot express the deep sadness in my heart. Bonny was more than my supervisor, more than my friend but my mentor, who taught and inspired me on so many levels. I feel privledged to have worked so closely with her for so many years and that she took a personal investment in me and my family.
She always had an optimistic attitude and a way of engergizing a group and making it work, however challenging. She truly lead by example.
Her smile and laughter were infectious. She will forever be near and dear to my heart and an inspiration to stop and smell the flowers and to look at the bright side.
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family that were such a guiding force in her life and that she was so proud of.
Thank you for believing in me Bonny, I will forever love and remember your spirit.
August 14, 2008 at 10:30 am
Bonnie was a true go getter. Her energy was that of a childs and her kindness was one that is true and sincere. My first thoughts of Bonnie is her million dollar smile and can do attitude. She has touched many and made a positive difference in peoples lives, especially our youth. I feel so blessed to have known her and she will always have a special place in my heart.
May your run with angels!
August 14, 2008 at 10:30 am
In many ways Bonny Sosa represents the ideal of what is wonderful about the human condition. I can only echo the many warm things others have said about her life. Her sudden passing was a tragic jolt. All of us are left with less than when she was alive. And yet she leaves us all with the gifts of her kindness that hopefully we will open, cherish and learn to use as she used them to help many, many others in so many ways.
Knowing the Brown family, I can surmise that there is great grieving and at the same time some comfort in knowing that Bonnie made the world of Alaska a better place by her presence and helping so many.
It is difficult to find a few words that would allow one to determine how her passing fits into the complex web of life. I guess one solace would be that her energy for kindness and good deeds remains here with us and infuses us with the goals of living out our days like Bonnie lived hers, with grace, kindness and good humor.
August 14, 2008 at 11:16 am
My heart and prayers go out to Bonny’s family, especially Lucas.
Sincerely,
Lisa Botero (aka: Miss Wagner, Lucas’s 2nd grade teacher)
August 14, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Bonny is a true champion is every sense of the word. She was an accomplished athlete and a hero for our community. She championed so many causes and her personal touch set her apart from the rest. Her love for her family, especially Lucas, her son, resonated throughout all that she did. We don’t just treasure her work ethic and huge spirt, we love the person Bonny was with her passion, huge smile and warm hugs. she gave everyone the feeling that you were her best friend and I always came away from my encounters with Bonny more inspired than ever. The last time I saw her we were all racing a 5km and she won her age class. It seemed so fitting to see her humbly hold up her blue ribbon because she truly is a champion and blue looked so good next to her brilliant white smile. I miss her and can only say that Missy’s comments are oh, so true, not only bringing tears to my eyes but showing so well -that she was our beloved friend. Zoe, Tori and I will focus forward and continue doing projects in her memory that would make her proud. We are committed to continuing her dream of “Healthy Futures” as a strong reality for all of Anchorage’s Children. To Lucas, we send our love and care to you in this time of deep sorrow. Thank you for sharing your special mother with us -on the mountains and at the hockey rinks. I know my kids will always treasure the memories of thier time with her. -Cristy Hickel, Zoe and Tori
August 14, 2008 at 1:13 pm
One of my first jobs was working with Bonny for a sales and marketing conference a little more than six years ago. Later I had the pleasure of volunteering with her for the World Mountain Running Trophy.
Bonny’s smile was infectious, her enthusiasm contagious (just thinking about her this way now makes me smile…). I am so blessed that Bonny touched my life – and am so inspired that she touched so many, many more.
I wish comfort and peace for Sam, Lucas and the whole family.
August 14, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Our family met Bonny in Girdwood at the World Mountain Running Trophy event and were immediately drawn to her energy and openess. She always had a smile on her face and a friendliness to share with all around her. Though we have not seen her a lot over the years we have known of her involvement in the Healthy Futures, which we have been actively involved in at the local elementary school, and have appreciated all that she has done. What touches us most is that because of her beautiful life, her death is a testament to all around her, a sharing of the hope she had in her eternity with her Saviour and one we all have an opportunity to share. We look forward to seeing Bonny one day and just as she did each time we met at events throughout Anchorage, she will smile and welcome us by name, this time at heavens gates.
August 14, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Bonnie was a special person, as we all knew. Sam use to ask “where she hid her wings”. It can now be revealed; she hid them in plain sight. When someone lacked the courage to do something, she would take out her wings and lend them to the person so they could do what was daunting to them, and when the mission was complete they handed the wings back to her for the next person to use. She had smiles and encouragement for all. She will be missed by all, but will never be forgotten.
August 14, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I am deeply saddened by Bonnie’s passing. I met Bonnie through my brother, Sam Young. It was clear, upon meeting her for the first time, that she embodies the word ‘brilliant’. Her eyes and smile are warm, welcoming, and genuine. I thought, “Here is a woman who is comfortible in her own skin and is at ease with others.” Her selflessness and thoghtfulness impressed me greatly as I visited with her and Sam on different occations. It was my pleasure to know her. I am thankful for her presents in Sam’s, Tanner’s, and Gunner’s life.
August 14, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I feel so lucky to have known Bonny. There are so few individuals who can touch so many lives. Bonny had relentless energy and a heart bigger than most. I will cherish our meetings over coffee brainstorming what we could do together to help middle school students become more active, which in turn would improve their academics. Our summer school students over the past few years have been touched by her spirit and immersed in her vision to help them set healthier goals. She is my Healthy Hero, and her legacy will live on. Will we ever be able to find a way to understand this loss of humanity?
August 14, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I am Bonny’s mother-in-law. The ways that Bonny touched my life are too numerous to list, but it started when she stepped to my son,Sam’s side. As I remember the latest project she & Sam involved me in, Bonny was my personal trainer. She coached me from a “know-nothing” to a “can-do” achiever. For that I will be so thankful that she stayed true to her nature & didn’t give up on me. I know I was truly blessed by having Bonny in our family circle. I will often fondly remember Bonny with all my love. Mama Lucy.
August 14, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I only met Bonny a few years ago through her Healthy Futures program. She always made me feel like I had known her forever with her wonderful smile and hearty greeting when she saw me. I remember the trips that she made to deliver Healthy Futures incentives for my students when she knew I needed them. I will especially miss the stories that we shared about our teenagers and laugh together as only moms can do.
She touched my heart as I know she touched many others, and I know that she will be remembered for a very long time.
August 15, 2008 at 5:20 am
It seems that we never quite see the truth about ourselves, until it is written, or spoken, by others. All the testimonies here speak the true side of Bonny, because it is what we have experienced and see in her. I for one can testify that Bonny truly brought out the best in people she touched with her love and graceous manner. My brother, Sam, told me, “If anyone was hard on Bonny, it was Bonny. She never quite saw the good in herself as much as she did in others.” I am thankful for this blog as it gives a platform for all of us to honor Bonny. She truly loved her family, because her parents taught her the value of love. She truly loved her son because he is the center of her love. She loved her husband because he shared her love every day. Bonny, thank you for being apart of this world and caring about us one on one. You looked beyond yourself to see the good in us, like Jesus did. You will be missed by all.
August 15, 2008 at 6:29 am
I remember when I first met Bonny, the glowing smile and enthusiam were inspiring. Her love and caring for family, friends, and others would lighten the mood in a room when she entered. She took interest in each individual while sharing the excitment of her vision and goals for making the community a better place. I am thankful for having had the opportunity to know her.
August 15, 2008 at 7:06 am
Our love and sympathy go out to Bonny’s family and friends. We have many memories of a young Bonny sharing happy times with our family and fiends. Though miles and years have separated us we have always had a loving spot for her and will always remember her.
The Konte family
August 15, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I had the pleasure of working with Bonny the past 4 years through Healthy Futures and the annual elementary school x-c running jamboree. She was an inspiration and true motivator. Her inspiration and motivation will live on in all those she touched. She always had a smile and special talent for making you feel special. The news of Bonny passing is having a profound affect on me and something I’m struggling to put to words. She was a dynamo and through knowing Bonny, I’ve become a better teacher. I’m thankful to have known her and so sad she is gone from this earth. Her spirit will live on in all of us whom she has touched.
August 15, 2008 at 1:17 pm
i accidently filled in this part. if someone who can sees it, pls delete the name and e mail address above. thank u.
August 15, 2008 at 1:59 pm
We will all miss Bonny very much. She was my school business partner when I taught the SBP class at Central Middle School and she worked with ACVB. She was always an enthusiastic, energetic and positive person. Over time, our professional relationship turned into a personal one. The last time we chatted was at the Healthy Futures event at Goose Lake and we commiserated about the challenges of parenting teenagers – her Lucas and my Luke. We laughed in the end. That is how I will remember Bonny – with a smile on her face. My prayers are with her and her family.
August 15, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Bonny was there for me when I had cancer surgery in Seattle. Donna Hyatt and Bonny flew down just so I wouldn’t be alone through it all. She was a true gift to us all.
August 15, 2008 at 4:14 pm
I met Bonny over 25 years ago and although we didn’t keep in touch much recently I did think about her, Lucas, and all of the Browns often with great fondness. It was obvious that the closeness in her family helped to shape her phenominal personality. What a sense of humor, what compassion and tolerance Bonny exuded as a young woman. I know from reading her bio and the other comments that these qualities only strengthened over the years as she touched many more lives. I am thankful for the chance to meet Bonny and to have shared many fun times with her. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to her family and especially Lucas. She warmed a permanent spot in my heart with her beautiful smile and disposition and she will not be forgotten.
August 16, 2008 at 6:17 am
I have many Bonny-inspired memories, all sharing a common theme: somehow I emerged from every encounter happier, smarter, more peaceful and more joyful.
Here is a favorite:
Bonny was one of the first of our yoga teacher training class to teach the morning asana session.
Handstand–Adho Mukha Vrksasana–was one of the poses she was assigned to teach.
Bonny confessed to all of us before she demonstrated the pose that she had only very recently–after many, many clumsy attemps in the days before her teaching session–mastered the art of kicking up into Handstand against a wall. She cheerfully admitted that she used her
bolster–a beautiful bolster Sam had given her–as a physical and psychological prop. Further, she said, she had just turned forty-nine, and being able to kick up into handstand with her beautiful bolster was one of the best birthday presents ever.
Bonny then went on with her demo, and proceded to kick up into handstand smoothly and confidently. All of us cheered and applauded.
Whenever I kick up into Handstand, bolster in place, I remember Bonny. Now, especially, I whisper to myself, “Thanks,Bonny. This one’s for you.”
August 16, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I knew Bonny through working with her at ACVB while planning and hosting the ‘Partners in Education’ 2001 International Symposium. She was wonderful and facilitated the opportunity for the committee to show Anchorage at it’s best! She was a joy to work with and was a great ambassador for the USA, our great state of Alaska as well as Anchorage! She will be missed. My prayer is for her family to enjoy their loving memories of Bonny…to ease the pain of her passing.
August 17, 2008 at 12:39 pm
To all of Bonnie’s friends and family,
I would like to post my comments at her wonderful Celebration of Life last Friday evening:
On behalf of the Anchorage School District, I want to thank Bonny’s family for allowing me to say a few words to recognize Bonny’s extraordinary service to our community, and most especially, our students in the ASD.
As you know, Bonny’s “can do” spirit inspired all of us to reach far beyond our normal activities and perceived abilities! Barriers were not part of Bonny’s life; she figured out ways to get around them and solve the problem.
Her vision, along with that of her husband and other community activists, for the Healthy Futures Program kept all of us moving forward when there were funding challenges, and nay-sayers not willing to acknowledge how important physical activity and wellness are to our overall health and achievement.
Their dream at the inception of Healthy Futures has grown every year as enthusiastic teachers, students, and community volunteers create new opportunities for our kids to be active, and more healthy, physically, and mentally.
Bonny worked so closely with Sharon Vaissiers, our Health/Physical Education coordinator, and all of our PE teachers to focus on healthy lifestyles and activities at all ages and grade levels to insure that the next generation negates the predictions of al generation less healthy than ours.
The early fall running events brought kids and families out in the hundreds to spend a Saturday morning competing and running; later a series of end of the school year field days championed by Olympian Kikkan Randall, celebrated our thousands of active elementary students and staff!
In June of 2006, Bonny stated more than once that “Exposure to successful, enthusiastic athletes like Kikkan and Rosie Fletcher, to name two Alaskan Olympians, during Healthy Futures activiites inspires kids to get started on a lifetime program of daily physical activity, and the interaction adds energy and excitement to the Healthy Futures events.”
Healthy Futures and Bonny worked closely with our middle school division’s summer school program to incorporate a fitness component to the all day program. Using the extraordinaary booklet of “Healthy Heroes” as a text, our young people learned about the lifetime health and wellness habits from extraordinary Alaskans familiar to all of us.
Bonny came by our office just the week before she passed away, and was enthusiastically telling us about the very successful middle school summer program! She was already planning for the next year.
I hope that in the next revision to this “Healthy Heroes” booklet, that Bonny Sosa’s life and philosophy can be incorporated into the booklet…her “can do” attitude was exemplary and an essential characteristic for living a full and happy and productive life each and every day!
In mourning Bonny’s untimely passing, I know that each and every one of us will keep our memories of our time with Bonny alive, and I know that these memories will inspire us to carry on her important work for kids and families all over Alaska as we celebrate her life!
Thank you. My thoughts and prayers are with Sam, Lucas, and all of her family who were so important in her life and in her last days.
Most sincerely,
Carol Comeau
Superintendent, Anchorage School District
August 18, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Words are always the hardest to come by when such tragedy falls us, and our family has had it’s share already. When I came to Alaska and we met as adults for the first time, I knew you were related from that sweetest of demeanors that all the Ford girls seemed to have been born with. The same laugh, unconditional compassion, and quick smile. I wish we had more time. Loving memories.
August 19, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I am so shocked to hear the news of Bonny’s passing. Bonny was a joy to work with during the WMRT 2003 and I’ll never forget her smile and her passion for life…and her passion for the mountains. My heart goes out to her family and her friends in Alaska and beyond.
August 20, 2008 at 9:22 am
I too am saddened and shocked at Bonny’s death. As Lucas’ former teacher, I knew her as an engaged and supportive mother who encouraged him to do his best. A rare parent, she stay informed and enthusiastic about her son’s academic progress. I extend my sympathy to the family, and especially Lucas, the family member I know and the son who gave her such pride.
August 20, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I didn’t know Bonny well but was so sad to find out about her passing when I got back to town. I was stunned. I cannot think of a more vibrant person. As a teacher, coach, athlete, and outdoor loving Alaskan, I always admired her warm, friendly personality and abundant energy. I know that I will think of her whenever we are setting up for the Jamboree over the years as her mission continues. Many children in our state truly will have a “Healthy Future” because of her. I just wanted her family and friends to know that even those of us that didn’t know her well admired her so much. My heart goes out to you. She was an amazing person who was truly loved by so many people in our community.
August 24, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Dear Charlie, Sam, Millie,Dawn,Maddie, Kara, James, Missy and the rest,
Thank you for welcoming me into your Lost Lake Run yesterday despite not knowing me well. It was truly a privilege and honor to be a part of Bonny’s last run.
Even though I didn’t know Bonny very long or very well, I did consider her to be a friend and mentor. All along the trail as you spread her ashes I recalled how many small acts of kindness I received from Bonny and the countless times I witnessed her doling out kindness to all she met. It was wonderful for me to get to know you all and I am sincerely thankful. I consider myself blessed to have known Bonny and continue to look up to her as an example of a life well-lived.
August 24, 2008 at 10:36 pm
It is never easy to lose someone. I can not even imagine. But Bonny smiles proudly as she leaves her legacy behind, I am sure. I know of her only through my contact with her as mother to Lucas and she did the best job with him. That is the best any of us can ask for in our mortal life.
God bless you and all of you family.
August 25, 2008 at 4:57 pm
To all Bonnie’s family: Like so many others, it was with sadness I heard of Bonnie’s passing. But as I read her obituary, I felt it was important to celebrate and honor with joy someone who clearly touched so many people through her commitment to family, friends and community. I was one of so many people who knew Bonnie only in passing. But she still had an impact on me with her positive spirit, enthusiasm and kindness. My heart goes out to you. By now, I am sure you know there is a community of support out here.
September 1, 2008 at 10:11 am
Charlie and Carolyn, We are so sorry to hear about Bonnie. We had been out of town. We wish we could help in some way. Your are in our thoughts.
Love Ray and margie Prichard
September 3, 2008 at 12:52 pm
To Bonny’s Family,
I worked with Bonny at the ACVB for many years. She always had a smile. We celebrated our husbands and children together with stories and laughter. I recently saw her running at the Dome this spring, she stopped and walked over to me to talk life, love and ask about my girls. What a loss to all of us who knew her. Bonny was an extraordinary person and I am grateful that I was fortunate enough to have been a friend and colleague. God bless Bonny and her beloved boys.
Lisa Susich
October 26, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Dear Bonny,
Happy birthday, girl! I’ve thought about you all day, and told Sam I wanted to give you this greeting. He agreed it would be a great way to let you know you are in my heart and thoughts always. I miss you tremendously. Love, Diane
November 10, 2008 at 10:05 pm
To Bonny’s Family,
Bonny keeps popping into my head like she will be for many years to come. Her vibrant smile, her enthusiasm for life, her selfless nature are just a few of the many wonderful attributes that continue to inspire me.
I barely knew her in 2003 when she encouraged me to join the USSA Snowshoe Association just prior to my first Snowshoe race, as she was working registration. She hinted that if I won I could go to Nationals if I was a member. I said I only brought enough cash for the entry fee, that I wasn’t going to win, so I shouldn’t need to join. She insisted, and borrowed the money from Sam and gave it to me to sign up. By a miracle I did win, and she continued to encourage me to go to Nationals in Salt Lake City. I did go to Nationals, and I ended up wining the Masters Division. A few months later a certificate came in the mail that said I was an All American Athlete. That never would have happened without Bonny’s encouragement. To this day I think of her every time I put on my snowshoes.
When I got asked to teach a class in Outdoor Adventure last year, I was searching for curriculum. ASD had none but Bonny came to the rescue with curriculum, and connections to Alaska’s finest athletes that came to speak to my students. She indirectly touched a lot of my student’s lives.
My thoughts are with you all and I’m grateful to have known your Bonny.
Her legacy will live on and on.
Ellyn
January 5, 2009 at 12:07 pm
To Bonny’s family and friends: I was deeply saddened to learn today, of Bonny’s passing.
In 2004 I was privileged to be a presenter at the AKAAHPERD conference in Anchorage and was fortunate to work with Bonny on a media presentation for Healthy Futures. While I spent only a few days in Anchorage, it was obvious that Bonny was a spark in the community. She had plans and ideas galore and her committment to the health and fitness of Alaska’s children was a joyful opportunity, for her.
The opportunity to work with Bonny, even for a short time was exciting for me. Her enthusiasm was simply infectious and she energized everyone who came in contact with her.
Bonny’s loss is ultimately painful, but having had to opportunity to see, first hand, her spirit and joy for life and her committment to children makes knowing her a privilege.
My sincere condolences to Bonny’s family and friends. I know that she will be with you in spirit, always.
Sincerely,
Joe Herzog, Chair, Region 28 CAHPERD
Pres. The Fresno Alliance for Phys. Educ. and Athletics, Fresno CA
bigfish344@hotmail.com
January 23, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Many Alaskans have a much healthier future thanks to Bonny.
I only knew Bonny a few years, but her smile and love for others will be truly missed, but NEVER forgotton.
Joe Dinneen
October 26, 2009 at 5:04 am
Just “hi” on your birthday, Bonny. Missing you.