Tribute

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mom, Gwen Bonell.

Gwen was born in Edmonton, Alberta on December 28, 1934 – she lived her first years as an orphan in the middle of the harsh world of the Great Depression.
In 1940 she came to Cranbrook, BC to join the family of Bruce and Mae Laurie.

Tragically, in June 1950 Bruce, along with Mae’s brother Jack Carswell, drowned in
Moyie Lake.

In high school Gwen was involved with the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band. In July of 1951
she won a scholarship to attend the Banff School of Fine Arts – one of three such
awards given in BC. This became a favorite event that Gwen loved to retell throughout
her life – she was proud to have attended this prestigious school and study drama with a famous actress, Shirley Douglas – if this fact failed to elicit recognition, she would be quick to point out that this was Tommy Douglas’s daughter and Kiefer Sutherland’s mom. Any thoughts of continuing studies were cut short when she was forced to leave school to financially assist her family, still reeling from the loss of the patriarch.

Gwen always devoted herself to serving and instructing others, she was Akela of her
own cub pack by 1956 and through Scouting she met the love of her life, Barry Bonell.
In April 1957 they were married with Barry’s Scouts and her Cubs forming an Honor Guard from church door to street – this was a special treat for them.
Soon Gwen was moving on from her cub pack to care for three cubs of her own –
Kevin, Garth and Cameron. Between managing the home, raising and guiding three active boys (four if you counted Barry), and working at the bank, she was a very busy lady. Still, she always found time to volunteer in the community, tend a large garden, crochet a new Afghan, or read a good book. Gwen’s interest in books was extensive and varied, often reading non-fiction, fiction, and biographies simultaneously. It was not uncommon for her to have four or more books on the go at any one time, and not just to satisfy the Book Club! Not surprisingly, her proudest volunteer work was serving with the
Kimberley Library Board during the planning and building of the new Kimberley Public Library. An avid reader her whole life she felt a library filled a need in the community for all citizens and she wanted people to have access to knowledge and entertainment regardless of their financial means.

Continuing in the theme of service, Gwen worked as a poll supervisor and then as
deputy returning officer for many municipal, provincial, and federal elections and she encouraged her sons to get involved as well. She was also very proud of the role she played in helping to organize many of the volunteer aspects of the 1980 BC Winter
Games in Kimberley.

Gwen and Barry spent plenty of time fishing and hunting through the child rearing years, teaching their boys the value of an active outdoor lifestyle and the joy of having a faithful dog. When retirement arrived these activities only expanded in volume and scope.

Spring, summer and fall in BC and winters camping at Lake Mead, Squaw Lake and
visiting with Barry’s sister and brother-in-law in Yuma, Arizona. They also had
opportunity to visit (and of course fish where possible) in the Yukon, Alaska, Cuba, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. Always keen for adventure, she enjoyed zip-lining in Costa Rica at age 76!

Gwen left this world on March 30th with her three sons at her bedside in the Kimberley Special Care Home (The Pines). Mom made many friends with the staff, residents and nurses with her quick wit, unorthodox sense of humor and earnest interest in others – we would like to thank everyone at the Pines for looking after our mom and recognizing her unique talents.
Gwen is survived by her three sons, Kevin (Lorraine), Garth (Harlene) and Cameron
(Tricia), seven grandchildren Lindsey (Donnie), Corey (Crystal), Barry (Shannon),
Marcus, Kaila, Jonah and Annika and four great-granddaughters (Winter, Graceyn,
Autumn and Vienna). She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years (Barry) and her
sister (Peggy Thompson).

A family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider
donating to a the Cranbrook SPCA