Donald “Bud” Bonsen passed away on Feb. 26, 2019, with family by his side, after a long battle with Parkinson’s and dementia.
Bud was born on March 8, 1927, to Christian and Mary Bonsen and was raised with his four brothers on the family farm near Lynden. He attended Lynden High School until his enlistment in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed in Hawaii.
Upon his return to Lynden, Bud courted and married the love of his life, Millie Campbell. Together they went dancing on weekends, played cards with close friends, and raised two sons, Rick and Dane. Bud built a home next to his parents and enjoyed a life of hunting, fishing, and raising horses and many, many dogs. He loved nothing more than hunting in Eastern Washington every year with his brothers and nephews, and he especially enjoyed telling stories during happy hour. He developed a talent for woodworking and he carved numerous shore birds and ducks, and built Adirondack chairs as a hobby. Bud retired after 37 years at Darigold where he was appropriately referred to with affection as “Grumpy Pockets.”
After retirement, Bud and Millie remodeled their cabin at Sandy Point into the family home, spent time traveling, boating, crabbing and fishing, being good neighbors to the community and appreciating every beautiful sunset.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Dale (in infancy), Les, Leonard and Bill; and his beloved and much missed son, Rick Bonsen.
He is survived by his beloved and loyal wife of 69 years, Millie; his son Dane (Ina) Bonsen of Lynden; grandson Tucker Kraght of Seattle; brother Jerry (Kim) Bonsen of Lynden; and endless special nephews, nieces and friends.
The family thanks the attending staff and nurses at Spring Creek Memory Care in Bellingham, who cared for Bud before his passing. Their genuine caring and concern for Bud in his last days were a great comfort for him. And a special thank-you to Whatcom Hospice for Bud’s painless and peaceful passing.
At his request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of his life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 30, in the American Legion hall, 5537 Second Ave., Ferndale.
To share your memories of Bud, please visit molesfarewelltributes.com.
