Obituary of Deacon Richard James Bonney

Richard James Bonney II, was born in Pittsburg, CA to Richard and Lois Bonney (Miller) on March 7, 1949.  He grew up in a military family and lived in several states and attended many different schools.  He graduated high school in 1967 at North Chicago High School in Great Lakes, IL and attended Penn State University for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era.  He married Beatrice Moneer in 1970 in Long Beach, CA at the naval base.  Their son, James, was born in 1972 in Hannibal, MO while Rick was on active duty in Vietnam.  Rick served two tours in Vietnam before retiring after six years of service.  He worked at the INL (Idaho Nuclear Laboratory) as a chemistry coordinator while attending Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID to obtain a degree in education.  He went on to teach mathematics at Idaho Falls High School for six years.  He felt a calling to the Diaconate in the Catholic church, and after discernment and mentoring by Father William Gould, he began a long four year journey to be ordained a Permanent Deaon on July 7, 1986.    During those years Rick and Bea were involved in youth ministry for the southeast deanery in Idaho working with and ministering to many youth, and having the privilege to work alongside many adults who helped minister to the youth.  Rick went on to receive a Master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Loyola University through the LIMEX (Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension) program offered through the Diocese of Boise.  After receiving his degree, he had the pleasure of being one of the facilitators for the LIMEX program for four years.

In 1992, Rick had the opportunity to work in parish ministry with Father Joseph McDonald, which started a long-lasting friendship.  This opportunity allowed Rick to work in several parishes throughout the state of Idaho including in Boise, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, St. Anthony, Shelly / Firth, Roberts, Mud Lake, and finally at Sacred Heart in Boise. 

In 2012 Rick accepted a teaching position at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise teaching theology.  This job enabled Rick to utilize the knowledge he had in the bible and many other aspects of the Catholic Church and of his Christian faith.  Rick retired in 2022 due to the progression of his cancer.

While ministering at Sacred Heart, Rick joined the Knights of Columbus and obtained a 4^th degree status.  He was the official scribe during this time.

Rick and Bea also became part of the Healing Prayer Ministry through Sacred Heart.  This is a very fulfilling ministry that reaches out to people who might be in need of prayers for many aspects in life from help with addictions to wanting a closer relationship with our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Right before Rick retired from teaching, he was introduced to “rocking” by his brother, Jack.  He really enjoyed going out looking for rocks.  He spent many years enjoying all the different aspects of this hobby.  He would talk with anyone about “rocking” and shared many of his treasures with those he met. 

Rick also had the tremendous pleasure of learning and enjoying fishing, thanks to his very good friend, Tom.  They fished in Alaska, the Snake River, Lake Powell, Henry’s Lake, the Ririe Dam area, the Oregon coast, and Flathead Lake in Montana to name a few.  This enabled the doors to be opened to fishing with his father, son, both grandchildren, and daughter-in-law and with many friends.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents (Richard and Lois) and son (James).  He is survived by his wife (Beatrice); five siblings: Kathy King, Mike (Danna), Jack (Mary), Jill (Barb), Dan (Leslie).  He was blessed with two wonderful grandchildren, Broadie (Julia Johnson) and Gabriella.  And a wonderful daughter-in-law, Tisha.  He and Bea were also blessed to become great grandparents to Mozariah James.   He also has ten nieces and nephews, with Margie King being the oldest.

Rick passed away January 26, 2024 in Boise, ID after a long struggle with cancer.  A vigil service will be held at 6 PM on Thursday, February 1^st at Sacred Heath Church.  Funeral Mass will  be celebrated at 4:30 PM on Friday, February 2^nd at Bishop Kelly High School in the Carley Center.  Family will gather for a private interment at a later time.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the All Abilities Catholic Community or the Healing Prayer Ministries at Sacred Heart.