BONK, Michael - Mrach 22, 1924 - April 16, 2022
With great sadness his family announces his passing at Hillsdale Estates, Oshawa.
Much loved husband of Patricia for 62 years.
Devoted father of Catherine (Carlo) Rossi and John (Jane) Bonk. Cherished grandfather of Jessica (Gary) Wright, Amy & Allison Bonk.
Son of the late Ivan and Tacianna Bonk. Brother of Sam Bonk and his wife Anne (both deceased) and Stephanie Tortorelli and her late husband Ralph. Uncle of Mark Bonk (Sue).
Also remembered by his sister-in-law Dorothy Bilton, brother-in-law David Cox (Brittany) and nieces Barb Northey, Sandy Cantin & Lisa Teeney and nephew Jim Cox.
Mike was born in 1924 in the village of Czerniawa, Ukraine, while it was under Polish rule. While still a small child, the family emigrated to Canada in May of 1930.
The family farmed 150 acres in Maple Grove, for over 20 years before moving to Ft. Myers, Florida where they operated a nursery and mango grove.
Mike returned to Ontario and began employment at Duplate Canada Ltd (PPG Canada) working over 30 years until his retirement in 1984.
Mike and Pat were married in March 1960. Several years later Catherine joined the family and John arrived a couple years after that.
Growing up on a farm, Mike also had an incredible green thumb. His family used to joke that he could make a dead stick grow. He possessed an amazing knowledge of cultivation, often grafting multiple varieties of a fruit onto one tree. He took tremendous pride in his walnut, pear and plum trees and loved sharing his bounty with friends and neighbours.
Cremation and a private family graveside service are to take place at Mount Lawn Funeral Home.
Donations in his memory can be made to The Arthritis Society or a charity of your choice.
