Robert Paul Bonnar

1948 - 2018

Robert Paul Bonnar
June 10, 1948 ~ December 15, 2017
Resident of Palm Desert, CA
Robert Paul Bonnar of Palm Desert, died December 15th in Palm Desert as the result of a short battle with metastatic melanoma. Paul was 69 years old. He was born in Kaiser Hospital, Oakland, California, the son of Robert and Gertrude Bonnar. He was the third of four children, Patricia Bonnar Price, Margaret Bonnar Green and Kathleen Bonnar. He grew up in Berkeley until the age of 13 at which time his parents purchased a new home in Pleasant Hill in the early 60's. He attended Pleasant Hill High School and then on to San Rafael Military Academy. Paul received his B.S., Business Administration (Finance) from San Jose State University and his J.D., from University of Puget Sound, School of Law (now Seattle University). Paul was admitted to the California Bar in 1979 and set up his Family Law Practice in Pleasant Hill, retiring in September 2016. Paul and his wife Ginger Souza Bonnar were married on June 21, 1986 in Piedmont and enjoyed 31 years of married life. They moved to Contra Costa County (Pleasant Hill then Martinez) after they married. In November 2016 Paul and Ginger moved full time to their home in Palm Desert which had been their long-term retirement goal. They have one son Paul T. Jones and Rhonda Fuoco of Martinez and twin grandchildren, Corina and Mason Jones. Paul and Ginger became the "California Parents" to their son's best friend Rhamy Kirdani and his spouse Elyse. Paul is survived by his dearly loved sister-in-law and brother-in-law Pam Jones and Steve Herskovitz; nieces and nephews, Katie Herskovitz Duque and spouse Juan; Allie Herskovitz and Rob Eschen; Sam Herskovitz and Mary Rogers McMaster; Karen Bonnar Hathaway and spouse Michael; and John and spouse Ae Bonnar. Paul's Judicial experience included sitting Judge Pro Tem in Family Law and Probate (Guardianship, Conservatorship Calendar). Family Law Section, Contra Costa County Bar Association Co-Founder; President 1991 and 1992, Program Chairman, 1988-1989, 2004-2005, Co-chair 2008; Treasurer 1990; Director 1988-1996, 2004-2006, 2008; Instructor – Family Law Attorney Training – through Battered Women's Alternative 1991-2002; Bay Legal Services and Contra Costa County Bar Association 2004-2006; Battered Women's Alternative, Legal Advisory Board 1997-2003; Founding Member, Family Law Inter-County Council 1992-1994; and Paul was recruited to the State Bar Family Law Section Executive Committee (known as FLEXCOM) Member 2013-2016, Secretary 2016, Advisor 2017. Awards and Recognitions included President's Award, Family Law Section 1994, 1996 and 2005; Pleasant Hill Citizen of the Year 1985; Rotarian of the Year Rotary District 5160 in 2001. Community activities included Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Director 1989-1990; Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce President 1983-1985; Rotary International Club President 1995-1996; District Conference Chair 2001 and District Director 1998-2001; Pleasant Hill Arts Council President 1987-1989; Children's Hospital (Oakland) Foundation Trustees 1986-1989; Salvation Army Advisory Board, Concord 1982-1985; Mt. Diablo YMCA Community Board 1985-1989; Westaire Homeowners' Association Director 2005-2011, Treasurer 2007-2011; and Diablo Cotillion Director 2006-2016, Diablo Cotillion Secretary 2009-2016. Memorial Services for Paul are scheduled as follows: January 17, 2018, 10:00 AM, at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, 47535 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA 92260, telephone (760)346-2697, (http://www.stmargarets.org). Reception at church to follow service. January 24, 2018, 4:00 PM, at The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 399 Gregory Lane Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, telephone (925)685-2288 (http://www.resurrection.org). Reception at church to follow service. In lieu of flowers, Paul wished to support the St. Margaret's Episcopal Church Music Fund and/or American Cancer Society in his memory or honor.


View the online memorial for Robert Paul Bonnar