Professor Bonnell was the best teacher I ever had.  He inspired a love of literature that carried me through college and 20+ years of teaching.  Since his class at Macomb and through my Masters in Reading at Wayne State, I have never experienced anyone more insightful and interesting.  He definitely made a strong impact on how I approach teaching.  Sail on you crazy diamond.

I have a Masters Degree and was also a teacher. John Bonnell was perhaps the best professor I ever had. A little crazy....but in a very good way! One of a kind for sure.

Just learned of John Bonnell's passing. Had him for 2 semesters of English in 1968 (50 years ago, we were all young back then). I never forgot him. That should show everyone how much of an impact he had. He will truly be sorely missed. One of a kind.

John was a pure joy to have known. As a student I took every one of his classes possible. His insight and wit were beyond compare. He was a true authority on literature and a true lover of life. Many times did I meet up with John and some fellow students/friends at the local watering hole where we talked about everything from Shakespeare to the local sports teams. We were friends. Great friends. I'll never forget John or the gifts we all shared together. Rest in peace dear friend.

He was such an amazing professor. No one can compare. Rest in peace, he will truly be missed.

Just saw that Mr. Bonnell passed away. How sad. In his English class 46 years ago he taught me how to really read, to understand what the author was doing. He had a very positive effect on my life.

I just returned to Michigan after spending 11 years teaching in Las Vegas, and despite having left all of our family and friends here, one of the visits I was most looking forward to was with Prof. Bonnell. We had exchanged a handful of Christmas cards and a few letters since the move, but I never got to introduce him to my husband- or vice-versa- and I pictured that as being one of those "if you could invite any two people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be..." kind of nights. It was only when I tried to contact him that I discovered I was a couple of years too late...(to keep him in that non-hypothetical, former category...)
I am laughing through tears as I write, but I can still HEAR and SEE his distinct and deadpan, yet still quite obvious appreciation for dark humor like that, whether his or someone else's; he could always find both humor AND profound meaning where others didn't see anything worth even looking into. He was the first professor - the first teacher really - to awaken my mind in this way - and I took as many of his classes I could fit into my schedule and program. I spoke on his behalf to the Board of Regents, and kept in touch after graduation until the move. He was a true mentor and friend, a role model and an inspiration; I was heartbroken for him when I read that Nancy had passed...but as is so often the case in the greatest love stories, he is back with her now, for better or worse.
As is a common theme in the memories shared here, Prof. Bonnell's life has had a ripple effect. His teaching has changed lives. Still, even beyond how his students are changed, I know that my teaching has been hugely shaped by his: from how I critique and respond to student work & ideas, to my teaching philosophy, as well as my teaching style - just to paint in broad strokes...His effect on the world & those who knew him will be felt for generations to come...He will be greatly missed by those whose lives' he touched; what he will never be is forgotten.

I just learned of John's death a few minutes ago. I knew him in the early 1970s. My mother was in his classes at Macomb and loved him. So long ago. May he rest in peace. John was a great gift to a great many.

So sad to hear of Professor Bonnell's death. His teaching was a beautiful gift, and I surely was honored to have had the chance to be in his class.

Thank you to everyone who felt moved to share their memories in this Guest Book. To all of my Dad's students and friends who missed the memorial this past weekend, please know you are invited to a pizza night in his honor at Buddy's Pizza in Warren on Thursday, June 5th at 7 PM. As we are serving food and beverages, a RSVP would be appreciated to beaumontboy@comcast.net Namaste, Jay

I knew John was special after our first class. I loved coming to class and hearing him go on hilarious and brilliant about life, love, or literature. Whatever the topic was, he always nailed it. I have never had a teacher in all of my years of schooling teach like he has. There was no filter with Professor Bonnell, and I think that's what hit home with everyone. He was a man with a ton of experiences and sharing all of them with us to teach us about life. I joke that English came second to the life lessons learned in his class. I (and I assume a lot of students) felt like he was talking to me, like he had some sense of what I was going through. I'm a firm believer of the "everything happens for a reason" theory. I know I was put in his class to hear him talk. His words have changed my views and outlook on life. I only wish I knew him sooner. He will be missed by so many, but he has left a legacy in all of us that he has moved so deeply.

WOW where do I begin,, I'm im total shock its like yesterday we were joking on a paper that I wrote. As a student I hated english, writing, and simply the thought of any literature. Professor Bonnell changed my whole perspective of it. By adding humor and by letting us express whatever we wanted in our writings as he caled it smuckers, actually brought some interest into his writing class. MY heart goes out to the family and just know he will be truly missed and deeply apprecfiated for all his efforts and accomplishments... R.I.P

I've sat here several times and wondered which words would express, sum up the many fun experiences I had with John over the past 16 years, to contain in text how it felt to hear his hearty laugh, to see that mischievous, squinty-eyed look he'd sometimes give, a look no doubt developed and honed in his childhood. John reminded me of a child. He was full of wonder, often talking and acting without much of a filter. He was very curious about life. One quote I remember from his class is him saying "People ask what is the purpose of life? What is the meaning of life?" He responded to his own question "The purpose of life is to live!" I didn't know him well yet when I heard him say it but his power laid in the fact that I believed it anyway and still do believe it, even though it's not the easiest thing to actually follow through on. But John did. He loved life. He embraced it with those big bear-like arms whenever he'd hug someone goodbye. And that was his gift to the world, to me, to all of us; to cherish this, everything, even the pain we all feel right now over his passing. He'd want us to be sad but he'd also want us to learn from it and move on and embrace life as he did. He will be always missed. Much love, John, wherever you are.

Professor Bonnell was an outstanding educator. The lessons that I learned in his classes, in English as well as in life, will never be forgotten. He will surely be missed.

Really sorry to hear of John's passing. I mainly knew him through a friend. I, unfortunately, never had the honor of having him as a professor; however, I always respected his teaching philosophy and will always value the conversations we had. Sad loss for us all.

Professor Bonnell changed my life in just one week shy of a 12 week semester. He taught us to delve deep into the meaning of fictional literature, which then in turn, allowed us to delve deeper into the meaning of life. He inspired me to believe in love again during his lecture on the story "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love". He encouraged analytical and idealistic thinking, which is what I thought was my biggest flaw. He inspired me to fight for what you believe in. To have extraordinarily unconventional ways of teaching in order to make an impact. He will forever be a large influence in my future career as an art teacher. He will forever be the reason that I do believe one person with a passion to teach and learn can make a difference in the world. R.I.P. John, you were the best teacher I ever had. Deepest sympathy, Autumn Albers

John was a man who stood tall in my life and heart. An incredible example of courage in adversity, deep love for his family, and a truly gifted scholar and teacher. He was not only my cousin but one of my heroes.

John and Nancy were wonderful friends and the void they left will never be adequately filled. Now, John has joined his beloved Nancy for eternity. John demonstrated why a man of letters occupies higher moral ground than the man with a sword. His wit was priceless and his conversation always stimulating (and anyone who could really understand what "Beowulf" was about had to have an intellectual insight into life that most of us don't have). We share the sorrow born by his family, other friends, colleagues and students. He touched our lives in a special way and the memories of him will live on in our hearts. Till we meet again! Craig & Catherine Gardner

John Bonnell was hands down the best professor / teacher I ever had. I was in a few classes that John conducted. I do think the word conducted describes the classroom better than 'teaching', because of the feedback and involvement of students were a big part of every class. John's wit, humor, kindness, reasoning, and curiosity made him a giant in every way. John could understand and relive all types of literature on many levels; Jon never answered any question with condescension; Jon never disparaged any opinion no matter how basic or divergent. John open everyone's mind to richness of many persons, places, and circumstances that surrounds all of us. My deepest and sincerest sympathies to John's family members friends, and other former students who remember the great things he did for all of us.

My awesome professor. John was the best professor I had in college. Such was his instruction that I became a life-long friend and often met up with him when I returned to Michigan. My relationship with him impacted my life in many ways. I loved him. Rest in peace

John was my favorite professor by far. I looked forward to his interesting classes, wondering what hilarious memories or clever jokes he'd share with us next. John was just very fun to be around. I've shared many of his stories and jokes with family and friends, and they much them. :) I am very sad he couldn't make it all the through the course, and it is definitely not the same without him. He is missed.

John, our loving "brother-in-love" has had such a positive impact on so many over the years - particularly his students. I am convinced that teaching was a key motivation that helped him face his many health challenges particularly in the past two years. In addition to imparting profound wisdom, John was an amazing listener. He was compassionate, caring and funny. We will truly miss his colorful stories and the many "puny" jokes and one-liners shared at family events. We were so fortunate to have had him in our life for the past thirty-seven years. My heart is saddened at our profound and sudden loss, but the beautiful image of John and his beautiful Nancy reunited puts a smile on my face. Compassionate and loving thoughts to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving this talented man - especially his son, Jay. Your Dad loved you with all his heart and soul!

Dear Jay.. my deepest condolences to you and family. I met John at the golf club twenty-five years ago. We shared many laughs and great times together on and off the golf course. To John, I say goodbye old friend and I will miss thee !

Mr. Bonnell was one of my finest college instructors. Many of the lessons he taught me remain with me today. RIP, Mr. Bonnell.

John, my cousin, was my adopted big "brother" who had the privilege of putting up with my antics from a small child until he left for college. I always admired his thirst for knowledge and his insight in looking at all sides of an issue. Always funny with his great sense of humor, John was also a serious protector of our freedom of speech. He loved each and every one of his students, and was thrilled that the recently added Friday night class was well attended by enthusiastic students of all ages. Who would want to go to school on a FRIDAY night? he said. I spoke to him often in the last few months and feel a deep loss in knowing I wont have another opportunity to hear his voice.

A teacher and a friend. I'm very grateful to have known John. My condolences.

May you rest in peace Bonnell. It is because of you that I went on to become an English teacher myself. Thank you for your knowledge.

My sincere apologies for not being able to attend John's memorial service or funeral. My work schedule does not permit my attendance. Nancy was a special friend, as you know, and John became an equally special friend after she was gone. We had the opportunity for one-on-one visits since late last year which we both enjoyed and cherished. Being a cancer survivor myself, I understood both Nancy's and John's emotions regarding their diagnoses. The bond of friendship extended beyond the regular limits because of what we shared. Having lost one good friend was extremely difficult; having lost a second, overwhelming. John spoke all too frequently about losing Nancy and perhaps we can seek comfort in knowing that they are reunited. A beautiful man....a beautiful couple. They will be forever loved and forever missed.... Bobbi

OBITUARIO

John C. Bonnell

9 septiembre, 1939 – 7 mayo, 2014

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

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