Peter John Bonner

Born in Ingersoll, Ontario in 1947 to Franny and Roy Bonner, Pete was the oldest of six. Siblings Margie, Billy, Liz, Gini and Kim are all with us still, a 19 year spread between oldest and youngest.

Pete met Shirley at West Van High, they made it through his raucous fraternity years at UBC and were married in 1968. First born Michelle arrived shortly thereafter, Sarah in 1972 and Robin in 1975. Their three daughters were raised half wild and barefoot, happily joining Pete and Shirl on their many adventures.

His long career in the restaurant industry began with McDonald’s and the Keg before he struck out on his own with the English Bay Cafe and then PJ Burger & Sons. Pete and best buddy Wayne Holm partnered up in a blur of start ups and acquisitions including the Boathouse, Bread Garden, Milestones and others. The Spectra Group of Great Restaurants was born, the 90s were frenzied. In 1994, Pete and Wayne were pronounced Entrepreneurs of the Year and were inducted into the Restaurant Hall of Fame in 2010. Of the many relationships built over his long run in the Vancouver business community, most notable are his YPO forum group and the fine fellows at Madison Group.

The many chapters of Pete’s life were marked by a growing family and expanding business endeavours, but even more defined by his passion for sports in the great outdoors.

He played soccer through the YMCA. His 80s windsurfing obsession took him to Hawaii, Dominican Republic and other blustery destinations. Through WVYC, he raced bigger boats and sailed to Desolation Sound every summer with his family. Eventually, ready to expand his range and get from A to B faster, Pete switched to motorboats and the Rampage epoch began. His fishing addiction kicked into overdrive and never let up. For 20 years, he and Lusti circumnavigated Vancouver Island every August, stopping at Kyuquot Sound Lodge to meet up with family and friends. Countless trips with the Loose Society of Gentlemen Fly Fishers took them to Cuba, Fernie, the Dean River, Alaska.

Meanwhile in the mountains, Pete and Shirl embraced both cross-country and downhill skiing. Pete raced in the Masters Series. They trekked in the Himalayas, climbed Kilimanjaro, visited Machu Pichu. A little later in life, Pete took up golf and road riding. He rode his last Gran Fondo in 2022 at age 75.

Pete and Shirl had a vast collection of friends - relationships largely established through the having of so much fun on the ocean, in the mountains or on the golf course - all of whom rallied around them during Shirley’s slow decline and eventual passing.

All of the busy details of his life are remarkable, but Pete’s genuine love of people and community was extraordinary. He had all the time in the world to hear a story, offer advice and support, soothe a soul with his kind words.

In 2020, two old friends collided at precisely the right time in both of their lives. Marilyn Diligenti and Pete bubbled up and had a covid love affair, she was his devoted companion until the end.

Captain Pete will be missed and celebrated by his three daughters and their husbands (Michelle and Geoff, Sarah and Steve, Robin and Neib), his six grandchildren (Finn, Seamus, Liam, Ava, Charlie and Freya), the sprawling Bonner and Black families and his many friends young and old.