It is with great sadness that I announce the sudden passing of my beloved husband. Wayne Leonard Bonner was born June 2, 1958 in Chico. Wayne entered into the arms of the Lord on July 2, 2021.

Wayne’s family moved to Eureka when he was three months old. Wayne attended Alice Birney, Jacobs Junior High and graduated from Eureka High in 1976. He also attended College of the Redwoods.

When Wayne was growing up summers were filled with fly fishing, gold mining, motorcycle riding, swimming and snowmobiling in the winter with his family on his grandparents’ ranch in Oroville.

Wayne met Betty Armas in 1986 and they were married in 1990. Wayne’s greatest accomplishment was his 30-year marriage and being a father to Sarah and Tristan. They built a life together in McKinIeyville, raising their daughters.

Always an outdoorsman and athlete his whole life he played softball, basketball, golf, fishing and hiking. He also had a passion for snow skiing — over the years many trips were taken to Sunriver, Shasta and Lake Tahoe with friends. He really looked forward to his weekly golf game on the Mill Yard team. Wayne loved his Giants and 49ers and was even able to go see them in person. He loved traveling with Betty, Sarah and Tristan. He had a passion for all music but mostly rock and roll and the blues. He always stayed up on the music that his daughters listened to. He was grateful to be able to attend as many concerts as he did with Betty and friends.

When Sarah and Tristan started playing sports Wayne was always happy to coach basketball and softball. Wayne never missed a game, ballet recital or golf tournament they were in. Wayne worked at the Mill Yard for 33 years until the day he died. Over the years Wayne made so many life-long friends. He had a beautiful smile that would light up the room. Wayne would simply have wanted to be remembered as a great father and husband.

“We love and miss you daddy you will forever be in our hearts and thoughts.”

Wayne was survived by wife, Betty; daughters Sarah and Tristan; mother Helen Bonner, sister Cheryl Smith, brother in-law Jim Smith; mother- and father in-laws Aldora Armas Vasconcelos and Americo; sisters and brother in- laws Linda and Gavin Johnson, Maria and Jim Barker and Michael Armas; nephews, Shane Smith, Jordan Johnson, (Lacey) Mato Armas. Neices, Amelia Armas, Tracie Creps, Stephanie Altizer, (Keith) Justine Hunkins, (Brad); aunts and uncles, Wendell and Aleta Bonner, Lester Bonner, Don and Karen German, Getra and John Beede, Connie and David Bolkman and numerous cousins; lifelong friends: Gene Simpson, Alan Escarda, Terry Escarda, Alan Peters and so many more.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Bonner, and his grandparents.

A funeral mass will take place on Saturday, August 7 at 11 a.m.

Saint Mary’s Catholic Church
1690 Janes Road
Arcata, CA 95521

Due to Covid concerns the church has asked that all attendees wear masks and observe social distancing.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

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