Michael James Bonar Sr.

Brant, Michigan

Passed away peacefully at home, on January 3, 2025, surrounded by his wife and family, after a courageous and hard-fought twenty-one month battle with cancer, at the age of 63. Mike was born on March 31, 1961.

Mike had a tremendous sense of humor, and lots of love and laughter in his life. His family meant everything to him. Mike was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He was patient, wise, kind, a protector, and had a huge heart. Mike was selfless in everything he did and brought laughter and joy everywhere he went. Mike made many memories of going on family camping trips often reminiscing about when his kids were little. He was an avid outdoorsman - enjoying fishing, hunting, gardening, bonfires, and wildlife. Mike was a believer in Christ. Mike loved spending time with family, going on casino trips with his wife and children, singing along to classic rock in the car at the top of their lungs and dancing with Cindy in the kitchen. He enjoyed his role as “papa” to his grandchildren and loved them dearly. He was so thankful to recently be able to meet his brother Mike and reconnect with sister Lorena. Mike was always there for those lucky enough to be in his life and although his presence will be greatly missed, he will live on through the memories of his family.

Mike is survived by his wife of 45 years, his soul mate Cynthia; his children Michael (Julie) Bonar II, Ryan Bonar, Shannon (Justin) Berg, Kyle (Chase) Bonar, James (Courtney) Bonar, and Brianna (Michael) Clark; and grandchildren Lily Bonar, Riley Turbin, Hayden Schwartz, Ellie Bonar, Dylan Berg, Michael Bonar III, and Braxton Bonar.

He was predeceased by his parents Dewey and Audrey (Shelley) Bonar Jr, sister Tina (Bonar) Bailey, grandparents Kenneth and Mildred (Smith) Shelley, grandparents Dewey and Anna (Dudley) Bonar Sr and a daughter-in-law Cailey Bonar.

The family would like to especially thank Dr. Akkad and his wonderful nurses and staff, who treated Mike like family at MyMichigan Medical Oncology in Alma. Their efforts resulted in nearly two years of extra time with him and the family is forever grateful.

Funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 10, 2025, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 125 E. Saginaw Street, Merrill, with burial taking place at Brant Township Cemetery. Roger Cragg will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family from 1:00 pm until the time of service. Please share your memories with the family through our website at www.casefuneralhome.com.