Tribute

Kenneth (Ken) Maxwell Bonnar was born on 13 October 1940, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and was peacefully Promoted to Glory on 17 September 2025, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, at the age of 84.

A fourth-generation Salvationist, Ken was raised in Saskatchewan before moving to Toronto as a teenager. It was at Scarborough Citadel that he met the love of his life, Glennice. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they were blessed to share 67 years together. On 24 July 1965, Ken and Glennice were married, beginning a journey that was defined by love, faith, and shared service. This past summer, they joyfully celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary.

As a young man, Ken responded wholeheartedly to God’s call to full-time ministry and overseas service. He was Commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer in 1964, and together with Glennice, faithfully served for many years. They served in overseas appointments in Hong Kong; Chikankata, Zambia; and the Singapore, Malaysia & Myanmar Territory. In Canada, they served in Toronto, Hamilton, London and Kingston in Ontario and in British Columbia. His varied appointments reflected his many gifts: he was a teacher, headmaster/principal, pastor, and administrator. He served as Corps Officer, Assistant Education Officer (CFOT), Assistant Health Services Secretary (Canada), Divisional Youth Secretary, Divisional Secretary, Divisional Commander, and Chief Secretary. Wherever he served, Ken offered his integrity, wisdom, and humour, impacting lives across cultures and generations.  Ken’s ministry was marked by servant leadership and a unique combination of teaching ability, business acumen, and pastoral care. He was deeply respected as a leader who led by example, always with steadfastness, humility, and compassion. In retirement, Ken remained committed to service in volunteer roles at Cascade Community Church and the Centre of Hope, sharing his wisdom, mentorship and steady guidance with the finance board. His influence extended well beyond his official appointments, as he and Glennice built friendships and partnerships that spanned the globe. Together they enjoyed travelling, and their work allowed them to visit and serve in many countries, leaving behind a rich legacy of faith and fellowship.

Ken was the devoted husband and best friend of Glennice, and the loving father of Jonathan (Karra) and Timothy (Deborah). He was a proud and cherished Papa to his grandchildren who brought him immense joy: Pieter and Kaatje (Jon & Michele); Tiernan and Zephyrine (Tim & Deb); and Karra’s children (Dannika, Damarra, and Dawson). Family was central to Ken’s life, and he delighted in encouraging, supporting, and celebrating each one.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, William and Isabel Bonnar; parents-in-law Reginald and Florence Gray; his brother, Ray, and sister-in-law, Helen Bonnar; and brother-in-law, Ian Howes. He is lovingly remembered as a brother to Jean (& brother-in-law to Wilf) Rose, and as a caring brother-in-law to Lois (& Ian) Howes, Laurie & Jim Read, and Nelson & Ruth Gray. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends around the world.

Ken’s life was one of faithfulness, service, and love. His example as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and servant of God will continue to inspire all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy of compassion, integrity and wisdom will live on. A celebration of Ken’s life and ministry will be held in Abbotsford at The Salvation Army Cascade Community Church, 35190 DeLair Rd. on Saturday, 27 September 2025 at 2pm.

Those family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to follow the link below to view the live streaming of Ken’s ‘Celebration of Life’ service.
https://www.legacystreaming.com/wiebejeske/
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army, Partners in Mission in
Ken’s memory at https://donate.salvationarmy.ca/page/63376/donate/1?locale=en-CA.