Richard Charles Bona

Dick (as he was known to family and friends) was born on July 20, 1938, in the small town of Gloversville in upstate New York, to Richard John Bona and Gladys Winslow Bona. His youth was spent playing every sport that could be imagined. Richard graduated from Gloversville High School in 1957 and took his love of sports to Ithaca College. Before graduating from Ithaca College with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, Dick wrestled, played soccer, and participated in track on the Ithaca College Bombers teams.

In 1962, Dick took his love of sports and his passion for the Dodgers and boarded a plane heading west. He started a new life in Pullman, Washington, where he attended Washington State University and obtained his master’s degree in physical education. After graduation, Dick secured a teaching position at Kennewick High School.

A friend invited Dick on a blind double date with a young lady from WSU. On this date, Dick met the love of his life, Joan Hudspeth of Naches Heights, Washington. After courting, Dick and Joan were married at Central Lutheran Church, Yakima, on June 12, 1965.

Dick secured a teaching job at David Douglas High School in Portland, Oregon. While living there, Dick and Joan welcomed their first child, Matthew Bona. Soon, Joan’s parents would invite them to join them in apple farming. So, in 1969, the family returned to Naches Heights where Dick became an apple farmer. He would thoroughly enjoy his career until he retired from apple farming in 2000.

Dick and Joan welcomed their second child, Kathy Naught, née Bona, while living in Naches Heights. Their third child, Amy Bona, was born thereafter in 1976. Amy suffered from kidney disease which took her from the family when she died at the young age of 13.

Dick and Joan enjoyed all things “Highland Scotties” and their children were their pride and joy. Dick also spent many years as a basketball referee continuing his love of sports on the court. Dick and Joan attended Highland United Methodist Church and, later, West Side Church, as well as Bible Study Fellowship. Dick would talk about being taken to church as a youngster by his grandmother, but would be unhesitant to quickly discuss that, through the love of his wife and the fellowship of his friends, he made a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ after returning to the apple farm and establishing his family there.

In 1996, the family received the devasting news that Joan was suffering from cancer. She passed away the following summer. Dick began experiencing eye issues in 1990, but it was not until 2012 that he was correctly diagnosed with a rare genetic eye disorder. This would ultimately take his eyesight from him, but not his sense of humor. Dick would tell you that he was blessed to have five grandchildren, all of whom were boys. He finally got his basketball team that he wanted. His recent years were spent supporting them. Dick’s favorite places to be were with his grandsons and this included music halls, theaters, soccer fields, swimming pools, football fields, basketball courts, and race courses. While he could not fully see his grandsons participating, the thrill of just being there brought him immense joy.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his younger brother, his wife, and his daughter. He is survived by his younger sister, Judy (Allan) Boykin of Sanford, FL, his son, Matthew (Angela) Bona of Walla Walla, his daughter Kathy (Kevin) Naught of Yakima and grandsons, Keith, Charlie, Ian, Luke, and Eli. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Dick’s family is comforted by knowing that, on November 11, Dick’s vision was fully restored when he laid eyes on his Savior, as well as on his wife and daughter. “We know that when Jesus appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.” 1 John 3:2

Visitation will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on December 1 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at West Side Church, Yakima, on December 2 at 1:00 p.m.