Gary Bonjour 1951 – 2008

This video clip is from a family picnic at Old Mill Park in August 2005.  Gary and cousin Scott entertain the fam.

Yesterday, Great-Grandma’s time-tested method of prediction again proved to be reliable when we learned that Sarah’s baby (due mid-August) is a girl!

Life continues on.

Several people have asked, “will you shut down the website now?” No, we’ll leave it up and maybe even post an occasional family update. However, the domain names (garybonjour.org, garybonjour.com) will expire next spring, so you may want to save the permanent address (garybonjour.wordpress.com) in your bookmarks for future reference.

In lieu of poetry, we’ve edited one of Gary’s posts from last year to put in the memorial booklet:

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Oh, don’t worry!  I know God does not have to heal me to get glory. If He sees fit to take me, He sees into eternity for the best outcome for me and those who are left behind.  I will trust in Him.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

He also asks us to trust that we need God because our sins in life separate us from Him.  “All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)  Only faith in Jesus can take that separation away. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). Yep!  That includes me!  I asked forgiveness at age 23!  The worst that can happen to me is that I immediately go to be with God the Father and Jesus in Heaven!  There I will live forever.  Eternity is eternity, friends!

Bye for now! God Bless!

-Gary                                    

(May 19, 2007 Savanna, Illinois)

Gary Bonjour, 57, a life-long Savanna resident, died May 9, 2008.  He was born March 12, 1951 to Glenn and Jean Bonjour; graduating Savanna High School, class of 1969.

Gary married Patricia Vesely on December 6, 1980.  He worked for Lutheran Social Services as a youth and family counselor in Carroll County schools for 25 years.  He was well known for his tireless service to the community.  Savanna Bible Church will miss a faithful member and diligent elder.  Gary fished seriously, hunted successfully, and gardened prolifically.  He enjoyed playing various instruments, camping at Willow, telling people about Jesus, and holding his family close.      

Gary is survived by his wife Patty, his children Alicia (Tony) Streeter of Iowa City, Iowa, Sarah (Randy) DeMeyer of Thomson, Zachary (Krystal) Bonjour of Morrison, and Raymond Bonjour; his parents, Glenn and Jean Bonjour of Savanna; his brother Randy (Susan) Bonjour of Oxford, Iowa; a grandbaby arriving in August and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Special thanks are due to the incredible physicians and medical staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Genesis West Medical Center and the entire community of friends, family and strangers who provided support in so many ways during Gary’s battle with cancer.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation or Savanna Bible Church.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 13, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna.  The funeral will be on Wednesday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Savanna.  Interment will follow at Savanna Township Cemetery.