Dr. Michael Edward Bonine

Michael Bonine Obituary

Dr. Michael Edward Bonine died December 21, 2011 of complications from intestinal cancer. Born in 1942, he grew up in Abilene, TX; his father, Paul a building contractor and his mother, Billie a schoolteacher. Heavily involved in Boy Scouts as a youth, he later attended UT Austin where he played handball, earned his PhD, and met his wife, Marilyn. His doctoral research took them to Iran (via Land Rover driven from England) in the late 1960s. In 1975 he moved from UC Davis to Tucson with his wife and two small children to join the U of Arizona faculty as a human geographer. Dr. Bonine achieved international recognition for his work on urbanization of the Middle East and other arid lands. He was Head of the UA's Dept. of Near Eastern Studies 2001-2011, which, under his visionary leadership, was transformed into the School of Middle Eastern & North African Studies in July 2011. Dr. Bonine was a brilliant and compassionate scholar, teacher, mentor, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He gave extraordinary dedication and support to his family, colleagues, and scores of students. An intrepid traveler, he explored over 120 countries, taking incredible photos along the way. He followed UA sports avidly, played racquetball for decades, and loved hiking in Sabino Canyon. He will be remembered for his expansive spirit and endless curiosity - a source of encouragement and inspiration to all who knew him. Throughout his illness he maintained his characteristic sharp wit and optimism, coupled with stoic determination. Dr. Bonine is survived by: Marilyn; son, Kevin (Angela); daughter, Kim (Eric); brother, Gary; sister, Brenda; nephews, Kuzi and Tiisai and grandchildren, Molly, Piper, Summer and Fisher. A celebratory potluck brunch will be held in Dr. Bonine's honor Sunday, January 29, 2012, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Contact Sue and Dick Stratton (520-886-1263) or Jo Musser-Krauss (520-886-9639) for details. A campus memorial celebration will be held at UA's Slonaker House (1027 E. 2nd St.) Monday, January 30, 2012, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. In February, a global collection of his photographs will be displayed at Caffé Lucé (on Park). All who knew him are invited to share memories: facebook group "Michael E Bonine Memorial Page" or caringbridge.org/visit/mikebonine, where info about contributing to the "Michael Bonine Memorial Travel & Research Award" will also be posted (or visit uafoundation.org, or menas.arizona.edu).

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Published by Arizona Daily Star from Jan. 23 to Jan. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Bonine

8 Entries

Joe Breed

January 17, 2025

Mike Overton, Mike Bonine, and I were friends in Scouting. When I went to law school, Mike Bonine and I roomed together in a house in Austin with two other friends of Mike. We maintained contact through the years, and after I retired in 2007, my wife and I made several trips to play golf in Tucson. We always went out to dinner with Mike. Often that was the highlight of our trip. Around Thanksgiving of 2011, Brenda contacted me andvtoldbme Mike was in the hospital and not expected to live. I booked a flight on Thanksgiving day and flew to Tuscon from Tacoma to see Mike. When I got to his room, Kuzi and Tiisai were outside and asked me if I was Joe Breed. Mike was wearing an oxygen mask and it was difficult to converse with him, but we had a nice visit. I would say that I have known Kevin and Kim all of their lives. After Mike passed away, Mike Overton, his two brothers and I paid for a memorial bench to be created in Mike Bonine's honor and located at Boy Scout Camp Tonkawa outside of Abilene. We all had spent formative years of our lives at that camp. Like Mike Overton, I often remember Bonine and the fun times we spent together. RIP Mike Bonine. Joe Breed

Mike Overton

January 17, 2025

He was as good of a friend as I ever had. I still really still miss him. We built so many memories together that I cherish to this very day.

Mike Overton

January 17, 2023

I have so many memories with Mike Bonine. He was such a dear friend.. We traveled to Monterrey, Mexico in a railroad cattle car. Mike tried to smuggle us up to the passenger car and almost got us kicked of the train in the middle of Mexico. We took a trip to an Order of The Arrow meeting that as I remember was in Lawrence , Kansas. I visited him when he was at UC Davis and in Arizona. He also came to see me and we watched The U of Arizona play in March Madness. I think of him almost every day. Love ya buddy.
MEO

Mike Overton

January 17, 2021

He is still missed today by many of us

Veronica Valentino

February 1, 2012

To the Bonine Family

Michael gave a wonderful presentation on the Anatolian Fault line and various others in the region to my in service group at the Center For Middle Eastern Studies back in April 2005. He knew his craft in Geography, Geology, plate techtonics, and a bizillion other subjects! What a truly affable and knowledgeable person he was! It must have been a privilege to have him as a member of the family, as a friend, and as a teacher. Michael, enjoy your journey West as you walk along the Milky Way!

Heather Thrall

January 23, 2012

Though I never had the opportunity to have him as a direct teacher, I was fortunate in my college student years to be acquainted with Dr. Bonine at the University of Arizona, Geography Department. One could easily see that he was a very dedicated teacher, worldly in thought and very open minded - and radiated intelligence - but most memorable, my classmates commented that he listened to student ideas and needs, and he was kind in his response. He leaves a marvelous legacy of education that I am sure my classmates - and no doubt, many many other students will carry on - and pass on - in this world.

Dr. Bonine - God speed on your next travels, you aced all your tests here - job well done, indeed!

Heather Thrall, Class of 1996 U of A

Mike Overton

January 23, 2012

I have known Mike for over 50 years and I, like many others, truely loved this man. He loved and enjoyed life like no other human I have ever known.

January 23, 2012

I did not personally know Dr. Bonine, but Kevin worked with us at RCT as an intern and I can say that if he is representative of his father, Dr. Bonine had to be a wonderful person. Kevin, I remember our chats well and want to wish you and your family my sincere condolences in the loss of your father. May his memory and the love of family and friends be with you at this difficult time. Becki Buescher

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