John C. Bonnell

A wonderful professor who really encouraged in-depth exploration of literature. I was in a composition class he taught at MCC. Mr. Bonell´s lectures and assignments were always very intriguing. A memorable man.

The Best. True Inspiration. Missed.

Remembering you, John
Dan Curzon

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Has been so long. --- Daniel Curzon

I was thinking of Professor Bonnell today and decided to enter his name in Goggle. I was quite sad to read of Mr. Bonnell’s passing. I was a student in his English class at MCC in 1988. I absolutely loved that class! John kept the conversations very interesting and highly entertaining with his brand of humor and wit. He literally taught me how to read beyond the text and search for the true meaning within the essay. He was so very intelligent and hip and cool. I ended up becoming a high school English teacher in 1994 and recently retired in 2019. I attempted to use Professor Bonnell’s strategies when introducing short stories, especially with one of my favorite’s that he used in class, “The Chaser” by John Collier. Professor Bonnell, you taught me so much in our brief time together. You are teaching royalty in my book and I’ll never forget your cool style, humor and charm. Damn, wish I woulda drank a few brews with you, John. Rest In Peace, dear sir.

He is missed.

A good man with a good heart.
--Daniel Curzon

He was my absolute favorite Professor. He was thought provoking, and way ahead of his time. I had him over 25 years ago and have never forgotten him. I talk about him all the time. He was my inspiration. He changed my life. God bless him and his family!

He played an important role in a formative period of my life, the "professor of profanity" was a gift to MCC, with much wisdom for anyone acute enough to hear it. Will be missed.

R.I.P. John

I just returned to Michigan after spending 11 years teaching in Las Vegas, and despite having left all of our family and friends here, one of the visits I was most looking forward to was with Prof. Bonnell. We had exchanged a handful of Christmas cards and a few letters since the move, but I never got to introduce him to my husband- or vice-versa- and I pictured that as being one of those "if you could invite any two people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be..." kind of nights. It was only when I tried to contact him that I discovered I was a couple of years too late...(to keep him in that non-hypothetical, former category...)
I am laughing through tears as I write, but I can still HEAR and SEE his distinct and deadpan, yet still quite obvious appreciation for dark humor like that, whether his or someone else's; he could always find both humor AND profound meaning where others didn't see anything worth even looking into. He was the first professor - the first teacher really - to awaken my mind in this way - and I took as many of his classes I could fit into my schedule and program. I spoke on his behalf to the Board of Regents, and kept in touch after graduation until the move. He was a true mentor and friend, a role model and an inspiration; I was heartbroken for him when I read that Nancy had passed...but as is so often the case in the greatest love stories, he is back with her now, for better or worse.
As is a common theme in the memories shared here, Prof. Bonnell's life has had a ripple effect. His teaching has changed lives. Still, even beyond how his students are changed, I know that my teaching has been hugely shaped by his: from how I critique and respond to student work & ideas, to my teaching philosophy, as well as my teaching style - just to paint in broad strokes...His effect on the world & those who knew him will be felt for generations to come...He will be greatly missed by those whose lives' he touched; what he will never be is forgotten.

Just saw that Mr. Bonnell passed away. How sad. In his English class 46 years ago he taught me how to really read, to understand what the author was doing. He had a very positive effect on my life.

Mr. Bonnell was an amazing and intelligent man. It breaks my heart to hear that he passed away. I am happy and honored to have had the privilege of learning from him. Rest in peace, sir.

I just found out that Mr. Bonnell passed away...I had the joy and pleasure of taking 2 of his classes at MCC and I'm so glad I did. He opened my eyes to the world of literature and beyond. He will be truly missed. With a name like Smuckers it has to be good.

Amazing and motivating English professor. Enjoyed his classes immensely. Sorry to hear of his passing.

He was such an amazing professor. No one can compare. Rest in peace, he will truly be missed.