Brian, Your friendly face and beautiful music will long be missed.  Heaven may have gained a great musician but the UISWFL has lost a great friend. 
RIP Brian.

So many fond memories from Friday night Ceili dancing with Brian and the rest of the gang providing the music.  Heartfelt condolences to Una and the rest of the Bonner family,  he was a kind and wonderful man.

Thank you Brian for the time and music you shared.  Peace to Una and family.  "Brian, play any old reel".

Because of Brian, and his music and songs I cherish; I have shared and taught hundreds to Ceili dance and step dance. But not that alone, has he effected my life through. He is the ideal role model of a good man, father, grandfather and friend. I will miss him dearly. 

It was at an Irish Festival in Cape Coral, Fl. in March that I last saw Brian....there he was in the tent playing those great Irish tunes on his Accordian, Una by his side. Shortly after that he was to start his long journey back to Michigan with all his treasured equipment on board....Brian you will be greatly missed here in Cape Coral...as for me,I wont hear "Pretty Little Girl From Omagh" until the next time...
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord...

My condolences to Una and family. I was very saddened to hear of Brian's passing. I have been to many gatherings through the CCIA Club in Cape Coral where Brian played. You could tell he loved to play and I greatly enjoyed listening to him. He will be deeply missed.

I was introduced to Brian Bonner through a close family friend Kitty Heinzman.  When I got married in 1996, I wanted an Irish dance and music party. Kitty organized the Ceili fest and Brian attended my wedding and played the accordion for everyone to dance to.  I was so happy to dance the Irish Waltz,  The Seige of Ennis, and all the other beautiful dances that his music  played on the accordion.  It was one of the best parts of my wedding, because on my first trip to Ireland in 1972, my dad bought me a button accordion.  I just loved the sound that came from it.  From then on, I  took accordion lessons and acquired 2 piano accordions that I still have today.!  Although I do not have the skills that Brian had, I will always remember his beautiful music and the wonderful sounds of his accordion!  He was a great historic, dedicated Irish Musician. 
Blessings to you and your family,
Margaret (Brennan) Love               

Knew Brian Well . we used to ride together to Univ of Buffalo night school. and saw him often at Irish events where he played the accordion and I played the Bagpipes ( belonged to Caledonian Pipes and Drums) I was sorry to learn of Brian's death . Please know our  thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. May  he Rest in Peace.
John and Liz O'Connor

Dear Kevin & Amy, I was so very sad to learn of Kevin's father's passing. Clearly, Kevin's Dad was a wonderful role model, family man, insoiration and standard bearer and lover of all things Irish and Michigan. All our thoughts and prayers are with you both, your Mom, siblings and children.  Bless you. 

Jeff and I never met Brian but we feel we knew him because of all he passed on to his son Kevin who learned to love the Lord, his wife and his children, music, and learning from him. 
Peace be with your family. 
Mary snd Jeff Masters

News, sad news,  reached Rosita and I via FB of the loss of Brian. 

Our thoughts are certainly with Una and the family in this difficult time. 

To me, Brian was the quintessence of a gentleman. Quiet, kind, supportive, generous with his talent, time, and treasure, a Catholic of the first order, and a friend to all. 

His is a great loss to the Detroit Irish community. He will be sorely missed by too many to count. 

We shall miss his smile, his music, his friendship, and goodness as a human being. 

As believers we are buoyed by the certain knowledge that he is now part of the celestial ceili band above. 

I am sure a few Donegal tunes are being played as I write. 

Rest easy, Brian. 

Baby ducks in the flower box on the pier to Brian's boat.  Winning 1st in boat parade in Wyandotte while playing Lee Greenwood.  Brian playing  at German Club on coldest day of year. Friday night dinners. Leisa and me were close friends but Brian and Una made us feel like close family. You will be greatly missed friend.

Una and family,

What a loss.  I have his smile, music  and quiet demeanor to remember always.

With sympathy and love,

Marie Daley

St Patrick Senior Center

Irish Pallottine Fathers

Visitation

OBITUARY

Brian Bonner

September 13, 1941 – June 9, 2019

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services