Linda Dawn Bonner
August 26, 1947 - August 13, 2025
In Loving Memory
Linda Dawn Bonner
Linda Dawn Bonner passed away peacefully on August 13th, 2025, at 77 years of age. She is survived by her brothers Doug (Terrina), and Ken (Tanya), sister Karen (Paul) Harmon, many nieces and nephews, and adopted daughter Cheri (Randy) Franklin, as well as long time special loving friends Duane & Sylvia Hillman. Linda is predeceased by her parents Fran and Vince Bonner, and beloved partner, Doug Brown, who passed January 14th, 2000. They are together again.
Linda wrote her own obituary, and the following are her words:
I spent nine wonderful years living at RiverBend Seniors Community in Kamloops. To the awesome staff and friends – thank you for making my life so perfect. Thank you as well to the amazing Handydart drivers – each unique in their own way.
From August 2nd, 1994, when my beloved Doug was told he would be starting dialysis, I had wanted to give back and educate people about dialysis. The Kidney Foundation kept me busy, and I am so blessed that I was with their team volunteering. What a reward to keep busy after Doug died.
I think fondly of my beloved horses, especially my Tosca, the favourite of all. Look into the eye of a horse – totally calming. My one and only sister, Karen, – 13 years difference – left home at 17. Reconnecting with her in 2018. She wrote my life story – a fantastic tribute to me. “Fat and Beautiful: A Story of Love, Pain and Courage”, her 3rd book. Thank you, sis, for an amazing tale. Also, a special thank you to the care aids that assisted me to stay in my home. A special thank you as well to Dr. Hollman.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 8
We are deeply saddened by our sister’s passing. She helped so many within the kidney foundation, and she was an inspiration to us as an older sister to “keep on keeping on.” Her love of horses was passed down to me, and the highlight of my life was writing a book (with her) about her. Linda’s sense of humour was witty and charming, and lit up any room. Kamloops, Clinton and the Cariboo gave her treasured memories and her love of anything western will live on in our hearts. Thank you to all who knew her and all who loved her.
Your sister sounds like a wonderful woman… I’m so so sorry for your loss…
I’m so grateful you were able to write her story! Much love to you Karen..
❤️💐
May God accept this lovey woman into his care and give her the comfort she so well deserves. Her family and many friends at RiverBend will miss that cheery smile — and gentle heart.
My deepest condolences Karen and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Karen, I loved getting to know Linda in the book you wrote about her. Thank you for taking on the job of writing her story and for sharing the story of how the two of you really got to know each other during your weekly phone calls that started during COVID. I really enjoyed hearing about that and how Fat and Beautiful came from that time and those conversations/letters. Linda was an inspiration, and of course you are too! God bless! xo
My condolences. Linda cared for our mom for several years and we are blessed with her selflessness.
A truly wonderful lady! I will miss her.
Linda was so much in my thoughts and heart all day Tuesday, her birthday. I feel so lucky to have met this lovely, funny and compassionate woman. I will always treasure our friendship.
Karen, Doug, Ken, Cheri and all of her family . . . My deepest condolences, you have lost an amazing person who has left behind a legacy of giving back to something that was truly important to her. It is clear that she touched the lives of many with her generosity and kindness.
For many years, I had the pleasure of chatting with Linda on a weekly basis as we talked about her volunteer activities with the Kidney Foundation. I always looked forward to our 8 am, Monday morning calls as she updated me on what she had accomplished the previous week. She had an unwavering commitment to making a difference and Linda’s legacy of service will continue to inspire.
Linda was a kind, loving soul who always put a smile on my face and that of everyone she talked to. Her dedication and passion for helping others shone through in every conversation we had.
She had a way of lifting people’s spirits and making them feel loved and valued. Linda’s empathy and compassion were truly remarkable, and her positive energy was contagious. Whether it was a simple gesture or a heartfelt conversation, she always went above and beyond to make a difference in people’s lives.
I am grateful to have known Linda, she became a part of my heart, and I will miss her dearly.