Robert "Bob" Bonnell

They say we are all born under a star. Well for me that is true. The Star that would provide me protection and illuminate my life was born on February 1st, 1971. Only 14 months before my birth. Born to Debra Moran and Robert Bonnell Senior. His name was Bob. You might know him. The man, the myth. An absolute legend.
As siblings, we were born to very young parents in the early 70's when times were tough. Early on we formed our alliance and came as a package deal. Bobby called us the mutants, with our pale freckled skin, and red hair. A physical departure from our olive-skinned Italian mother. Yet there was no denying Bob was a twin to his father Big Bob.
Our late mother – also a star - taught us to dance from the age of "just about able to walk". Under her enthusiasm, her disco ball, and her unrelenting pride in us The Bobby and Becky Show was born and she was our biggest fan. We learned to cha-cha, waltz, and disco. We learned our life would not be typical - it would be a life of possibilities as our mother stamped her approval for our greatness. We knew nothing more than to shine. Bob was always shinier than I was. And that was ok because I knew I was going to have the luxury and protection of living in the shadow of his light.
Some may recall, Bob and I were the original cage fighters. We could look at each other and it was on like Donkey Kong. I had no issue fighting till the first blood draw with him. Equally yoked in passion and aggression our ability to ignite each other with the slightest glance never dissipated with the years. Yet despite our outwardly appearing tumal there was deep love and deep understanding. I admired him and counted on him and he always came through.
Shining bright on every stage he graced he was a showman, a natural performer, and oh-so handsome. Standing in the shadow was not always easy. At age 9 I had aspirations to become a famous ballerina and I was devoted to my career. I endured countless hours with a non-smiling instructor who was convinced I would never make it due to her perceived lack of my talents. But I kept at it. All until the day Bob stepped into the ballet studio. Like magic, Theresa Lee instructor from The Frowning Faces Ballet Institute saw Bob. Her face changed and as she floated across the room, I saw her fall into his magic. Before I knew it Bob was the star of our recital. He was without ballet talent but she did not seem to care. He was Bob Barishnakoff to her. And although my career as a ballerina ended that day, I took solace in seeing him in lipstick and tights
This trend would be continued as we were often found on stage. Bob is downstage with me in the background. I pretended TO mind but I did not. There was no denying my brother was a star and the ladies loved it.
Bob and I were blessed with our little brother Sammy. Our mom was convinced she now had a trio of greatness and readied us to be the next 80's, wonder team. Hollywood did not agree with Mom, but that never stopped us from making talk shows and movies with our video recorder from the living room. Of course, Sam was the weatherman, I was the commercial, and Bob was THE HOST.
By the time our precious brother Mike came into our lives the thespian culture started to fade. We became a strong team of four. Bob was our glue and kept us laughing and lit up our paths as we began to take our life journeys. Bob became a legendary pole vaulter at Detroit Country Day School. He was as smart as they come, and combined with his charm, he sailed through the rigors of that prep school.
On to college, he went. Born to inspire and elevate our spirits. I will share one example of his special power. Bob had set out to cheer up a friend at college who became depressed. Armed with a mission to spread joy he rented a cow suit, gleefully geared up in this costume, and he decided to follow the depressed friend around campus until the depression turned to laughter.
Western University was not ready for Bob. Historically, the University had never dealt with a student who opened a nightclub on their campus. Club Bob as it was called became the place to be seen in the early 90's in Kalamazoo. Tickets would be sold out by Tuesday for the upcoming weekend and Bob had to balance his studies, DJ skills, and preparing his outfits. Earnings garnered from ticket sales to Club Bob would help support him after he may have been asked to leave by the institution as Club Bob eventually was discovered and permanently closed.
This twist of fate was not a deterrent to his journey. Bob used his magic and networking skills to launch his career in production and of course, a stint with the Rockets because of course, he would!
Bob Bonnell Productions was a source of passion and joy in his life. Creative and talented our star shined in front of or behind the camera. Movies like Red Dawn, Reel Steal, Into the Storm, Offshore, Stick it in Detroit and 8 Mile were masterfully crafted and Bob worked as an assistant director or crew producer for these films.
One of his bosses shared the following about Bob: Throughout his 20 illustrious year career, Bob Helped produce at Jackson Dawson. He worked alongside GM and Dodge at these events. Bobby became great friends with the lead producers of these competitive companies. He also managed the annual Ford Commercial Vehicle Show and had numerous rich relationships with the heads of those companies. Anyone working at any of these events always wanted to know where was Bobby? And how soon would he be here? He was infectious. Bob was also proud to work with George P. Johnson supporting the Jeep campaigns.
From the outpouring of community after his passing it has been expressed again and again how selfless he was and how he connected people and launched many careers.
Bob was the number one supporter of my initiative to create a medical device. He tirelessly assisted the team with his production skills and even placed himself in a lead role in our promotion video. Bob in your honor we will take SWIK over the finish line.
Side note Bob and I would be fist to cuffs at me being so cliche at what I am about to read, but its true. He lived and loved as if he had memorized the lines from the beautiful and known passage from the book of Ecclesiastes paraphrased now:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance
Bobby wanted to focus on the time to laugh and dance ques in this meaningful life lesson from the bible.
Known as "dancing Bob" often seen dancing with a smile and shades on his face he would mesmerize anyone in his sphere, A true force of magnetism a person so big so vibrant a shining star. He drew you into his vortex, and the warmth of his light made you want to stay by his side forever. Once he drew you in you knew you could just be yourself, you felt at home and part of his "coolness" seemed to be shared with you, and all of a sudden, your insecurities were abolished, and you belonged.
Throughout my life, I studied our brother. I wanted to understand this magnetism he possessed. How did he never meet a stranger? How could he be so secure in himself and love without condition? How could he pull off his outfits? Be so quick to anger and so soft? Who was this man who shared our DNA.
The answers to my intense study were not in vain. As they are the life lessons, he leaves for us. His legacy. Please take note: These are his gifts to us.
1. Learn to dance and if you can't dance do it anyway
2. Realize people are people. Accept them for who they are and where they are
3. Share. Share your time, share your smile, your wealth, your interests
4. Go to Costco it is great
5. Get mad REALLY MAD then let it go
6. Be authentic to your core
7. Talk to people and listen to them
8. Be inclusive
9. Find the best pizza and Eat it with gusto
10. "BobKnapp" the people you want to be with. This is a term we have in the family. It is when Bob would just show up and say let's go run an errand. You had no idea where you were going, you knew it would be a big adventure the restaurant would be totally sketch, and that you may not make it home until the closing light came on. But you knew you would have fun.
One addition to that list is love. Love your life as he did. In this room, most of us have been pulled into his love. An experience that uniquely bonds all of us forever.
Bob loved Kendra. Their epic love story inspired many and will inspire forever. You gave him joy and love. Our family thanks you for that. Sammy, Mike, Carmen, Marissa, the memories made are yours to keep. Dad, he loved you so much. Mark and Pam, He loved you. Thank you for the opportunities you provided him. It is from your grace and generosity he was able to reach such heights. Uncle Chuck, you were his rock, his confidant his mechanic. Aunt Nan he thrilled to make you smile and he cherished you. Aunt Mary, hold tight to the gifts and love he shared. To all of Bob's family and friends know you are so loved.
His nieces were the light of his life and he their ride or die, their confidant and protector. Precious girls - The love he gave you endures forever. Your uncle Bobby has simply transferred from a physical angel to a heavenly one. He will protect you from heaven and we will never let go of each other.
Gathered today we are here to do two things; bond together and commit to stay together with the community only a life force like Bob could create. Because he loved us, we are forever ticket holders to Club Bob.
We are here to brighten this world as our star Bob did by using what he taught us.
• Be yourself without an apology
• Dress like you are the star of your play
• Remember people are people and they are meaningful
• Love and show it
• Live Bold
• Never stop dancing
If Bob was here he would say: Dudes, don't be an ass,Be a cow! Spread joy and take care of each other. A dear Friend, a Precious Son, a Treasured Nephew, a Fun Cousin, an Iconic Uncle, and a sweet brother. We thank you for your gifts and love. There will never be another You. We will NEVER forget, Rest in peace and fly high we all love you so.
Family will receive friends Saturday, February 10, 11am until the Memorial Service, 12pm, at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers and Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pan Equus Animal Sanctuary.