Bonin, Stephen George, “Steve”
Nov 27, 1928 - May 3, 2005
Steve died in Courtenay on May 3, 2005 after a 3-year battle with colorectal cancer. Born November 27, 1928 at Batoche, SK. He is survived by his wife Bernice (married December 29, 1952); and four children: Louise (Al Trent) in Edmonton, Denise (Mike Hawkes) in Nanaimo, Jim (Leanna) in Edmonton and Tom (Nancy) in Calgary.
He graduated from U.B.C. with an honours degree in agriculture in 1952 and went to work as a seedsman for the Brackman-Ker Milling Company in Edmonton and later New Westminster. In 1955 he went to Prince George to work as a research officer at the Agriculture Canada Experimental Farm. In 1959 he and his family went to Saskatoon for post graduate education and he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with his PhD degree in plant genetics in 1962. In 1965 he was transferred to the Agriculture Canada Research Station, Beaverlodge, AB as a research scientist and remained there until 1986 when he retired and he and Bernice moved to a small acreage in Courtenay where they pursued some serious gardening, both vegetable and ornamental until 2004 when they downsized and moved to a city lot in East Courtenay.
Steve was always active in any organization to which he belonged. This included his professional organization (Agrologists), various church organizations and specific assignments (he remained a practicing Roman Catholic throughout his life). He was also an active member of the curling and golf clubs in Beaverlodge, as well as, the Beaverlodge Volunteer Fire Department.
Steve enjoyed a good party and often accompanied the singers on his guitar at these functions. He enjoyed a good drink of scotch but had to cut back his consumption in later years. However he still enjoyed an evening glass of sherry before dinner. His parting words to all his relatives and friends are from an old song popular in the ‘60s, “So long, it’s been good to know you”.
At his request there will be no formal funeral but simply a short prayer held at the Comox Valley Funeral Home, followed by cremation and interment in the Courtenay Cemetery.