Cyril Edward Bonnar

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, Cyril Bonnar on June 20, 2026 at the age of 98. 

Cyril was born on February 9, 1928, in his family home in Alder Point, Nova Scotia, to Mary (Jessome) and Charles Bonnar. 

At the age of 15, Cyril left home to work in Halifax. Soon after, he and his good friend Tommy hitchhiked to Guelph, Ontario, where he built a life of hard work and family. In August 1955, he married Dorothy (Whitmarsh) Bonnar. Together they raised four children; Liz Bonnar, John Bonnar, Barb Bonnar and Peggy DiCarlo. 

Left to cherish his memory are his children; his sister and dearest friend, Doreen (Bonnar) Powers; his sister-in-law and long-time friend, Jean (Whitmarsh) Farrelly, both of Guelph. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Chantal Sasseville, Joy DiCarlo and Robert Workman; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and loved by many nieces and nephews of the Bonnar and Farrelly families. 

Cyril was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy; his son-in-law, Mark "Mink" DiCarlo; his sisters, Helen Landry and Theresa Moffatt of Guelph; his brothers, Charles and Gerald of Alder Point; his brothers-in-law, Jim Landry and George Powers; and his sisters-in-law, Catherine Archdeacon and Goldie Bonnar. 

As a young man, Cyril was scrappy and always up for a challenge. He frequently told hair-raising stories of his countless adventures. 

Cyril was known for his incredible work ethic, never missing a day of work. Following Dorothy’s passing and his retirement, he returned to Cape Breton and made his home in North Sydney. 

Retirement suited him well. Cyril became a familiar face at community dances and was a favorite dance partner wherever he went. Saturday nights almost always found him at The Circle at the Florence Legion, and it wasn’t unusual for him to attend two dances in the same evening so he wouldn’t miss a thing.

Always eager to learn, Cyril taught himself to play the guitar over the years. At the remarkable age of 96, he purchased a ukulele and began taking lessons, proving it is never too late to start something new. 

An active man throughout his life, Cyril bowled in leagues in both Guelph and North Sydney. He loved swimming, boating and, of course, fishing, always keeping rods close at hand. During the winter months, he enjoyed cross-country skiing, skating and ice fishing on the Bras d’Or Lake. With his good friend George Reid, he spent countless hours hunting, hiking, and chopping firewood. 

Cyril was also an enthusiastic traveler. He crossed Canada and the States numerous times to visit his children wherever life had taken them. 

Cyril spent the final ten months of his life at Blomidon Court (Shannex) in Greenwich, Nova Scotia. There he embraced every activity available with his trademark enthusiasm and determination. His family cannot say enough about the exceptional care and kindness he received from the staff. A week before Cyril passed, they made his last wish a reality – one final outing to fish! 

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Targett for the compassionate care and support he provided throughout Cyril’s final months. 

A celebration of Cyril’s life will be held in Alder Point later this summer, and another gathering in Guelph planned for early September. 

The family also wishes to thank White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, Nova Scotia for their compassionate guidance and care. 

In honour of Cyril’s lifelong love of music and children, memorial donations may be made to Maritime Conservatory "Kindermusik in Community Programs" by calling (902) 423-0561. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.