October 17, 1939 - August 21, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bonar on August 21, 2020 after a two year, courageous battle with cancer.
Bonar arrived in Teslin in 1962, fell in love with Bess and never left.
He loved the Tlingit culture and people and helped fight for first nation rights in the early years of the Yukon Native Brotherhood and Yansi. He was adopted into the Yenyèdi clan in Teslin and was given the Tlingit name Ghùch Shâyi (Wolf Head).
Strong supporters of documenting history, Bonar and Bess started the comprehensive geneology for Teslin Tlingit nation in the early 1970's.
He was a founding member of various community organizations in Teslin such as the fire department. He was an avid amateur historian and was a driving force in establishing the George Johnston Museum.
He worked in the school and drove the school bus for many years and was a generous supporter of the helping young people work toward their education and sports goals.
As per his wishes, there will be no service. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Bessie, Bonnie and Sam would like to thank the Yukon and VGH medical staff for their care of Bonar, especially Dr. Alton and the Teslin Health Canter. We also thank the community of Teslin and those who gathered at WGH for the farewell you gave him on Friday. He was very touched.
Bonar is survived by his wife of 58 years Kèyishi Bessie Cooley, daughters Bonnie, Charlie (Ed), Dorothy Cooley (Dan), granddaughters Lenna and Geena, sister Carolyn Couch (Leslie) as well as many nieces and nephews.