Bonnie Bentham

We are shocked and heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of Bonnie just before dinner on Friday, May 16th at  Cozy Nest Care Home located a few minutes' drive from the rural property on which she thrived for fifty-four years. She spent her life in a landscape so familiar it was knowing by heart every bluff of trees and every meadow and pothole. From her special chair, looking out the soaring windows of the main dining room she could occupy her days, especially the wonderful spring unfolding, watching the geese breeding in the pond below the home and the horses in the distance. She wanted to be in her own home, but this was the best possible alternative.

Bonnie was born in Wynyard, SK on January 10th, 1947 to Fred and Beth Meilicke. Her Dad was a 'grocery guy' for his entire career bringing his family to Saskatoon where Bonnie grew up in the early fifties in a house on the last block south on Broadway Ave., the raw prairie just out the back door. She attended Queen Elizabeth School, then Aden Bowman Collegiate, where she met Doug in Grade 10. Deeply in love with each other, her death came at the 62nd year of their inseparable relationship. Bonnie co-owned (with Robert Christie), Art Placement Inc., a commercial art gallery, frame shop and art supply store for 35 years. The business is growing and thriving to this day! She also co-created the popular Tastebuds Café, in the late '90s, in partnership with Doug, Luke and Megan.

Bonnie leaves behind her husband Douglas, their twins; son Luke (Tracy) Bentham, grandchildren Nate, Jesse and Lotte and daughter Megan (Brad) Campbell, grandchildren Finn and Merryn. Bonnie was the middle of three daughters - older sister Beverley (Brian) Dirks, daughter Tanis, and younger sister Roberta (Ralph) Hildebrandt, daughters Rachael and Regan. Bonnie was fair, compassionate, smart and funny. She was warmly admired and loved by her extended family and a whole, lott'a friends!

Bonnie prefers no sadness therefore there will be no formal funeral. Instead, Doug, Luke and Megan are planning a Celebration of her Life at her new house, where she spent precious time before being transferred to long term care, in the countryside that she cherished so much. Her ashes will be spread across a secluded eighty-acre parcel dedicated to wildlife habitat. The date and details we be announced early this summer. Our family wishes to thank the compassionate owners and staff of Cozy Nest Care Home for their kindness.