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Daniel Bonyhadi Obituary
Dan Bonyhadi died accidentally on Saturday, March 21, 2009. He was born on Halloween, in 1947, at Berkeley, California, although the place and date of his birth never seemed to affect his personal and life values. He was the only son of Irvin and Helen (Goldberg) Bonyhadi, immigrants from Europe who came to the United States, in 1940, to escape the Holocaust.
After a long career in the wine and beverage industry, Dan came to Fresno, in 1990, to manage a local beer distributor. After a turn as its chief executive, Dan launched his own wine brokerage business and achieved great success in that endeavor.
Dan and Lorna were proud to be part of the Fresno community and seriously fulfilled their self-imposed obligations to improve Fresno, and the World. Dan was an indefatigable worker on behalf of many worthy causes and organizations including, Hinds Hospice, Rotary International, the Boys and Girls Club's, Police and Fire Chief Foundations and Make-a-Wish. He was a tireless contributor of his time, money, wine, cigars and other goodies to many worthy causes. He undertook trips to Uganda to work on improving food and water supplies and one to Ecuador, to deliver wheelchairs to the handicapped. He was an American patriot who dearly loved America, and an ardent supporter of Israel.
Dan lived life to the fullest with unlimited zeal for many of the finer things in life: fine food and wines, cigars, travel and fast cars. He was an accomplished pilot and competitive driver who had raced cars and boats. He had extensive knowledge, curiosity and collections of cars, wine and cigars. His generosity, personality, friendship, sense of humor and care for the less fortunate all greatly improved those who had the good fortune to know and work with him.
He is survived by Lorna, his wife of 36 years; numerous cousins; and a great many friends from his business, his passions and Rotary.
A Celebration of Dan's life will be held at the Dante Club, 6176 N. Grantland Ave., in Fresno, Ca., 93711, on Thursday, March 26, 2009, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in Dan's memory to Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw, A-5, Fresno, 93711, or Fig Garden Rotary Foundation, Permanent Fund, P.O. Box 9234, Fresno, Ca., 93791. LISLE FUNERAL HOME 1605 'L' Street Fresno, Ca. (559)266-0666
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Bonyhadi
Sponsored by Richard Saute, Ford GT Forum Member, and friend.
D
March 21, 2016
Loving you always
October 31, 2011
Thinking of Daniel today...happy birthday my friend. kisses, H
Mr. LEE
September 4, 2009
Daniel,
You are an Angel now to the Ford community and all who love Motor Sports...
Peace, My Friend....
Peace.
Mr. LEE
Timm Beck
May 20, 2009
Got to meet Bony in Vegas, loved his moderating on forum, very articulate man..he will be truly missed by all..
May 1, 2009
Dani was a great advisor, friend and confidant to me. I will truly miss his "just calling to see how you are" phone calls, his funny, sometimes outragous emails, and his zest for life.
Kisses,
H
Karen (Oakes) Huff
April 27, 2009
I just found out today (April 26) that Daniel passed away. My heart is heavy and sad; he was a wonderful man. I haven't seen him in several years but I thought about him often. My apologies for my late condolences, but I did not know until just today. He will be dearly missed. I wish i could have attended his memorial. He was a dear man. God bless you, Daniel.
Jeff Burgy
April 4, 2009
Lorna -
You know better than any of us what a kind, generous, and wonderful person Daniel was. I had the pleasure to meet, ride with, and correspond with him over the last several years. I knew Daniel through clubcobra and the GT Forum.
He was truly a unique, inspiring, and charismatic individual. We will never forget him.
April 2, 2009
I read all the entries and could see that Daniel had a great impact on all those he met. I so much enjoyed those meals and fine wines that we were fortunate enough to share with Daniel and Lorna. Truly a life cut short with so much more to give....... We are all better for having known him.......Rest in Peace
Craig Moore
March 31, 2009
Lorna,
Craig and I are with you in our hearts and thoughts. We have some fun memories of times with you both and the Delmons, and hope to see you in the near future. Dan certainly brought insight and laughter wherever he was. You have friends here in Sonoma County and we send you warm hugs. Craig Moore and Jo Jo McBain
Yogi
March 30, 2009
Heaven's great gain, our immeasurable loss. My heart goes with you.
Jack Carter
March 29, 2009
Lorna,
We are so sorry for your loss. While I never met "Bony" I sure enjoyed all his contributions and tireless efforts for the GT Forum. He was obviously a caring, fun lovling, intelligent and giving man. So sorry we will never get to meet him in person, I was looking forward to that at a GT Rally.
(macjec on Forum)
March 28, 2009
Daniel was the kind of person anyone would be proud to call friend. His commentary on the GT forum was always direct, but respectful. Witty, funny, stern when necessary. Always caring. My heart goes out to Lorna and the family.
Preston Davis
Morristown, NJ
March 26, 2009
I met Daniel at one of the Ford Gt rallies. He was funny, enthusiastic, and very welcoming. I just discovered via the Ford GT Forum that he was a Rotarian too. He demonstrated through his actions that he carried for other people both near and far. He will be missed. My prayers are with him and his family.
Dan McKeown
Stillwater, MN
Daniel Register
March 26, 2009
Lorna, I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Being your server, I only saw a glimpse into the life of Daniel but he was always a pleasure. RIP Daniel
Margot Tepperman
March 25, 2009
Dani and I have been good friends for a long time. We enjoyed many friendly arguments about politics but it never interfered with our friendship. He was an important part of my support network. I could always count on him.
Lorna, he loved you dearly and often praised you in our conversations. Before I knew you personally, I learned to appreciate you through Dani.
We loved our wine tasting days, going to Paso for the day with other friends. He was generous in spirit and was a staunch supporter of Israel when that position wasn't always popular.
Know that David and I are here for you in any way we can ease your heart.
Much love,
Margot and David Tepperman
Tanner
March 25, 2009
I know Daniel from the Fordgtforum. He was such a great person and so kind to all of us. He always treated everyone with a great deal of respect and I never once saw him lose his cool. Your family is in my prayers. As Daniel would have said at the end of the message.
God Bless America,
Russ & Lucy Fike/Ollivier
March 25, 2009
He will be greatly missed. An untimely passing of a great man and friend.
Dominick Di Paolo
March 25, 2009
Lorna,
I am so very sorry. I know Daniel's energy will be with you.
Daniel,
I left my mark with you before we even met, when I carved my name in that piece of wood that was used in your office.
You left your mark on me from the very beginning with your friendship and mentoring. For this I say thank you.
Daniel you will be with me and my family forever.
Love and Prayers
Ed Sims
March 25, 2009
There will never be another Bony. The most kind hearted and sincere man I have ever had the honor to know. I will miss him tremendously.
Richard Saute
March 25, 2009
Lorna, The first time I met Daniel was at the Concorso Italiano, when I offered to wash his bug splattered window. At that time I didn't know who he was. We have been through much since that time, and I valued every minute. When my wife was doing the 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk it was Daniel that was the first to donate. When the goal was reached it was Daniel who asked me to raise it over, and over again. I was honored to know him.
I miss you Daniel, and it still brings tears to my eyes as I write this.
Mark King
March 25, 2009
The reason I wear my Rotary pin each day is because Dan once caught me without one and told me in his special way why I ought to wear it daily. Dan had personal power few others possess. The strength of his personality was matched only by the size of his heart, the fervence of his beliefs, and his loyal devotion to many good causes.
I will remember Dan, and miss him, each morning when I put my Rotary pin in my lapel.
I am fortunate to have known this man.
March 25, 2009
I never met Daniel in person but always new he was someone I could count on in the time of need. He was a leader and an asset to society and he will be greatly missed by everyone he touched in his life. RIP Daniel. You will not be forgotten.
AJK from Wisconsin
March 25, 2009
Daniel
even if we shared only our birthday and our enthusiasm for a special car and several communications over the last weeks, I could feel that you are a very special person. Rest in peace Bony, Yours, Desi from Berlin, Germany
Fred & Sherry Smith
March 25, 2009
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND.
Those that were fortunate enough to have known this man have been blessed with a very special gift.
We will miss you Daniel.
GOD BLESS YOU.
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
And as you would always say at the end of your messages: GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Terry Cord
March 25, 2009
Daniel,
I will miss you very much. Thank you for being a friend. Until we meet again.
Rest in Peace
Ken De Nault
March 25, 2009
Daniel was a driving force and inspiration, both with technical information and humor, for the Ford GT Forum. His dedication was phenomenal and a tribute to his caring, selfless character. My sympathy to the family, friends, and fellow GT owners.
Fred Mendrin
March 25, 2009
Dear Lorna, I am so sorry for your loss of your friend and loving husband. What an awesome man he was! He accepted me as an equal inspite of my past. May your grieving be healing to your heart and may your memories of your beloved Daniel be joy to your soul. God bless you and your loved ones.
steve & omera davison
March 25, 2009
Godspeed and Rest in Peace Daniel
we will miss you very much as will
all your friends and family !!!
Ralph Lehotsky
March 25, 2009
A giving soul, and always true to his word. Integrity, honesty, and friend to his fellow men - an example for all of us to strive for. I'm proud to call him friend.
Marnie DiPaolo
March 24, 2009
Lorna,
You are in my prayers.... “Uncle Dan” was my special buddy and I'm lucky to have witnessed your lives together...your great love for each other was a true example of romance and kindness. I will miss him and his humor.
I Love you so much.
Ted & Janice Marsella
March 24, 2009
Dear Lorna,
There are so few words that can express our true feelings for your loss. Daniel was a true friend to so many. He had such passion for those things he so strongly supported and for those whom he wanted to make a difference. He will be missed by all. We pray that God will bless you for ever more.
Steven & Lesley Ard
March 24, 2009
We feel fortunate and blessed to have gotten to know Daniel over these last four years. We also are very saddened that it was for only four years. A man this loved should be enjoyed over a lifetime.
God Bless Lorna, his family, his friends, his country and most of all God Bless Daniel.
Kirby Vieira
March 24, 2009
Dear Lorna,
You shared Daniel with countless people who considered him one of their best friends, without him knowing the depth of his positive impact . You will never meet many of these people personally, but you will be feeling their love and presence through the prayers they are sending to you. Our fond memories of Daniel will be with many of us for the rest of our lives and reinforced every time we are driving our special cars, sipping a favorite drink or enjoying a special cigar. I expect Daniel is surprised by the magnitude of the outpouring from people whose lives he positively changed without trying or knowing. I regret not telling him how very special he was to me, but now he knows. God Bless you Lorna. My prayer is for angels to surround and comfort you.
God Bless you Daniel, and God Bless America.
Larry Boatner
March 24, 2009
The Family and Friends of Daniel Bonyhadi,
What an incredible human being he was. He will ride with us in our memories forever.
Thanks Bony for everything. I miss ya!
Jim Kochheiser
March 24, 2009
As many others have observed: likely the most incredibile person I have ever met.
Gave with his heart so others would have a better life, all the while teaching those around him how to give more.
May God be with Lorna in this time of her pain.
And, as always, God Bless America
Randy Wong
March 24, 2009
Bony and I shared our interest for photography together. I will miss our camera and Ford GT discussions and learning in person and via emails. He loved life and was loved by many. We miss you Bony!
Gordon King
March 24, 2009
Daniel –
You led an exemplary life. One full of zeal and concern for others. You gave more than you took and led by example.
Your good deeds will stand you in good stead. Godspeed my friend.
Gordon.
RON SAVENOR
March 24, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Stuart Sherman MD
March 24, 2009
I am glad I had the opportunity to meet Daniel at Rally 3 and Indy. A truly wonderful man with a heart bigger than anyone I have ever known. Best wishes to his family and close friends he leaves behind. God Bless America. RIP
Jeff and Cathy Rogers
March 24, 2009
Dear Lorna,
Cathy and I met you and Daniel last year in palm Desert. Words can't express the loss we feel in our hearts. G-d bless you. We have all lost a very special friend. May he rest in peace.
David Scholl
March 24, 2009
Daniel,
You will be greatly missed. Thanks for the people you touched and the example you left.
PHXGT
Tim Cantwell
March 24, 2009
Dan was truly a man who loved life and others in this world with passion. Always concerned for others and thoughtful, he always brightened my day when I had the chance to be around him.
Chris Moody
March 24, 2009
God bless Daniel
Andy Benedict
March 24, 2009
Daniel was a good friend and on-line buddy to me and my family. We met at each of the FordGT Forum Rallies and shared a continous string of emails. No finer a supporter of many causes and of the United States of America could be found. We will miss you Daniel.
Andy, Margaret and Megan Benedict , Detroit Michigan.
Frank Pikul, MD
March 24, 2009
Daniel "BONY" Bonyhadi and I had become fast friends sharing passions for fast cars, fast electronic communication gadgets and good food. He has been like an older brother to me and I will miss him dearly. Lorna, my deepest condolences for your loss. My condolences to all my FordGT brothers for we have surely lost one of our dearest friends.
March 24, 2009
I am not a member of the GT Forum, rather I am a spectator. I have a love for american muscle, which brought me to the site. I have been visiting the site for about 3 years, originally for the GT, but later it became more about your beloved Daniel (BONY). His insight and commentary often had my rolling on the floor laughing. While I have had no friendship or relationship with any forum members, I felt like I knew BONY. When I learned of his untimely passing, I was devistated. Not just for you, but the world at large. I knew, he was not finished "giving" and WE were not finished receiving. In my heart I know I am a better person, having read over the years, many of his amazing posts. My mind gives me pause. "Is it better to of loved and lost or better to never have loved at all" My heartfelt and steadfast prayers are with you and his beloved GT Forum friends. As for this spectator, I am deeply saddened. I wish you GOD SPEED and THANKS for being the wind beneath his wings, that allowed him to be an all encompassing doer and giver. You are truly a special Lady! GOD BLESS AMERICA. Pamela
Tomy Hamon
March 24, 2009
Lorna,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you forever. We will always remember those warm visits. Daniel filled a void in many lives he touched. With Gods Blessings. Tomy & Sue Hamon
Vince & Pattie Stephens
March 24, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Daniel had a postive effect on everyone he came in contact with. We are proud to have known him and he will be greatly missed. God bless Daniel and God bless America.
Dave Legge
March 24, 2009
I had communicated with Bony through the Ford GT Forum on many occasions. My wife and I had the pleasure of briefly meeting him at Rally III. I wish we had gotten to know him better because he seemed to be one of those rare individuals who liked everyone and is liked by everyone he met.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to Lorna.
Shelby Smith
March 24, 2009
Daniel was truely one of the best men I have ever known. I will miss him greatly. All my best to your Family and your wife Lorna.
GODSPEED DANIEL!!! and GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Kevin Tanner
March 24, 2009
I am glad to say I met Daniel at the Las Vegas GT Rally, this past year. I have to say the infamous "Bony" made me feel welcome and instantly like a friend. He will be sorely missed.
Ann Appel
March 24, 2009
My deepest condolences to Lorna! Daniel was a very passionate Rotarian and a wonderful friend.
Kendall Pond
March 24, 2009
Daniel, my friend, you taught me so many things... quite an accomplishment when I am 49 and think I know everything there is to know. I was very wrong. You taught me by an example what it is to be a gentlemen's gentleman - for that is what you were. Even greater, you taught me the true meaning of being a patriot and all that it stood for - again leading the way by supreme, unyielding example. Odd that I met you through the world's best car club - again something that you clearly both architected and led by example. Odd because I thought our experiences during our lives intersection would be founded on grand, exaggerated tales of our love for the automobile. Although we certainly shared these, the depth of what its like to be a good human being - caring and giving and a true patriot of America are the take-awys that I am forever indebted to you for.
Goodbye me dear friend and teacher.
Your forever humbled student, Kendall.
Pro Venkatraman
March 24, 2009
Daniel was an inspiration to me. Our Ford GT community has lost a luminary, but his presence in our hearts and minds, and our cars, will not be lost. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the countless souls he has touched.
Mike Dobbs
March 24, 2009
Daniel was a friend I met with the Ford GT Forum. I always enjoyed his company, conversation and e-mails. He will be missed by many of us and never forgotten.
God bless you Daniel, my friend.
Bernie Katz
March 24, 2009
I was also fortunate enough to have spent time with Daniel over the past several years and what an incredible human being, He will be missed terribly by all who were fortunate to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during an incredibly difficult time. "God Bless America"
Jeff Larson
March 24, 2009
Dear Lorna,
Your Daniel was such as special man. Kind, thoughtful, warm hearted and loyal.
I am very proud to have known him. He made my life better in so many ways.
His unlimited energy and enthuusiasum for helping those around him was second to none.
His leadership and humor will be missed.
Dan loved life and all those around him.
God Bless you Mr. Bonyhadi.
Bye for now Daniel, and I look forward to seeing you in heaven.
most sincerely,
Jeff
Tony & Susan Isaak
March 24, 2009
Dear Lorna,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. You and Daniel are very close to our hearts. Daniel was such a positive influence in our lives and always had a word of encouragement when we needed it. His passing will be a huge void in our lives. God Bless You.
March 24, 2009
I had the pleasure and fortune of meeting Daniel, and I can say truly a great man, he will be missed, my thought and condolences goes out to the family and my prayers are with them in this difficult time.
soroush
Ajai Cadambi
March 24, 2009
My wife Mary, and I send our heartfelt condolences. I had the honor of getting to know Daniel through the Ford GT brotherhood. What a wonderful man. He will be missed. God be with you, Daniel.
God Bless America.
Chip Beck
March 24, 2009
I cannot imagine our Ford GT community without Daniel. He was an inexhaustible well of good fellowship, knowledge, humor, kindness, and generosity. He will be laid to rest in the hearts and memories of all of us. God bless you Dan, and God Bless America.
joseph limongelli
March 24, 2009
Miss you my friend...gtjoey
Ted & Debbie Burns
March 24, 2009
Daniel was a class act and will be greatly missed by his friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this most dificult time.
John Bailey
March 24, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out the family as Daniel was inspiration to all he was in contact with. The Ford GT Forum and all its members will never forget such an incredible human being. He will be greatly missed as we all will have this empty spot in our hearts.
Todd
March 24, 2009
Bony made the world a better place. Godspeed to you my friend
Eric Johnson, MD
March 24, 2009
Daniel I met through the So California Ford GT car group. He was a car enthusiast without equal. His mannerisms, fair treatment of everyone, his personality, breadth of knowledge on nearly every topic one could imagine, endeared him to so many people. He was so loved and respected by so many, he was a wealthy man by the numbers of friends he had.
I will miss his camaraderie, wry humor, honesty, integrity, and his love of automobiles.
God Bless you Daniel, we will meet again some day. You are just in a faster vehicle now, give us time to catch up!
But that is how he drove and how he lived his life.
Neil Alldritt
March 24, 2009
Lorna
I was so very sorry to hear this dreadful news - Jane, Holly, Harry and I send our love...
Daniel was one of a kind, loyal and passionate - he was someone you wanted on your team. He'll be deeply missed by so many friends who will all testify that the world just seems a poorer place without him.
Greatly missed and much loved.
Neil
HHGT
March 24, 2009
An incredible person, a great patriot and a wonderful provider. My deepest sympathies go out to you in these difficult times. May God bless you and look upon you and all those who were touched by Daniel.
Dave Bannister
March 24, 2009
Daniel was a truly great man. A patriot, a leader, and a friend. We are all better for having had him with us and we will all miss him so very much.
God Bless America and God Bless Daniel and Lorna Bonyhadi.
ALLEN BESSELIEVRE
March 24, 2009
RIP "BONY"
Chris Crawford
March 24, 2009
Daniel we will all miss you. Keep it intersting and funny up there.
May your GT always be full of fuel and eternally clean.
Robert Gunning
March 24, 2009
Dan was a tremendous part of the Fresno community and will be greatly missed. He gave so much of himself and to so many causes and was a true friend and a great American . Dan made a difference in this world his legacy will live on through his efforts and those he inspired. There was something about having a glass of red wine, a fine cigar and a conversation with Dan about just about anything that can never be duplicated. I think it was Winston Churchill who said “If they don’t enjoy a cigar in heaven they can just go to .....
March 24, 2009
Daniel was a wonderful and great friend. A fine man that everyone looked up to. We will miss him. As Daniel always signed his correspondence; "God Bless America"
A fellow Ford GT enthusiast
Brian Stormer
March 24, 2009
God Bless you Daniel. You have touched many lives and have made us better to have known you. Godspeed my Friend. You will be missed...
DJG
March 24, 2009
Forever...
Torrie McPhail
March 24, 2009
Daniel is and will always be sorely missed by all that knew him personally and even those that did not. Godspeed Brother. The GT Forum has lost an irreplaceable extraordinary individual.
Larry Pristo
March 24, 2009
Daniel touched many by his warmth, caring, and generosity. All that knew him were honored to have met such a fine gentleman. Daniel, you will be missed, but not forgotten. Continue to ride with us - there will always be a seat.
Gloria Clinton
March 24, 2009
DearLorna,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Dan was a good friend, good listener with a heart of gold. I shall never forget the evening we all shared together in my home.
God bless you and God Bless America!
Gloria Clinton
Gregg Palmer
March 24, 2009
Daniel was a true red, white and blue American. He is an inspiration and an example to us all. He is and will forever be my friend.
Terren Brown
March 24, 2009
Daniel was one of the finest people I've known. He will be dearly missed by many of us. My prayers and thoughts are with everyone.
March 24, 2009
Goodbye Daniel.
God Bless you and America,
DJS
March 24, 2009
To Lorna and the Extended Family
Our deepest sympathies go out to you at this moment in time. Try to remember the many, many good times and hopefully it will assist in getting past this difficult period.
A fellow car and wine lover and friend
With love and respect,
David & Elaine Weiner
Monroe Township, NJ
Jerry Kossack
March 24, 2009
Daniel was a very good friend to me - always. His passing will be felt around the world. His caring, generosity and friendship can never be replaced. HE WILL BE REMEMBERED ALWAYS AS A GREAT MAN.
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