August 25, 2021

Bonita (Bonnie) Stevens of Kamloops passed away on Aug 25, 2021 at 74 years of age. She is survived by her children Marla (Jan) Moore, Ryan (Nikki) Breuer, and Amanda (Charles) Breuer; grandchildren Josh (Kristi) Lacourciere, and Jory Wick; and great-grandson Jaeben. Bonnie is also survived by her brother Randy; sisters-in-law Darlene and Shelly; and nieces and nephews Jenny, Aaron, Lindsay, Tyler, and Connor. She was predeceased by father Arthur (Art), mother Mary, and brother Danny.

Born in Port Alberni, Bonnie was a coastal girl at heart. In her late teens she toured the remote islands and inlets of BC with the Shanteymen, aboard the Messenger III. She always treasured these memories of getting to know the beautiful people, cultures, and wild places she encountered on these voyages.

As an adult, Bonnie took the rest of BC by storm, leaving lasting impressions on anyone who tasted her cooking, heard her jokes, shared a beer with her, or witnessed her fiery, red-headed passion. She lived in many nooks and crannies of the province, raising her three kids in all manner of hellish weather, sometimes without modern conveniences. Never one to give up or give in, she faced these challenges head on, and then – as if life weren’t tough enough! – she helped two husbands open and run restaurants (The Echo Inn in Cranbrook, BC and Rustlers Inn in Falkland, BC).

In more recent years Bonnie said, “to hell with men!” and built a life for herself in Kamloops centred on family, friends, and community. Her best times  were the years she spent working as a cook at Skitchine Lodge, where she could enjoy a cold one on the deck after work, listening to the loons and watching the sun go down.  She was also a dedicated volunteer at the Kamloops Farmers’ Market; a gifted writer, artist and sculptor; and a devoted friend who always had a homemade meal, baked treats, or a pot of delicious soup on the go for anyone who was hungry. She was passionate about both her Scottish and Mennonite heritage, and loved to share traditional recipes and stories of her ancestors.

While fiercely independent, Bonnie had a knack for making the best friends a person could ask for. As she was fond of quoting, “I no doubt deserve my enemies, but I sure as hell don’t deserve my friends.” She will be missed beyond words. She was the life of the party, a force of nature, and the best mom, great-grandmother, and friend. Farewell, our “bonnie lass.”

A celebration of life will be planned at a time when COVID safety allows.

Donations can be made in Bonnie’s name to the Kamloops Hospice Association, the BC Cancer Agency, or the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

You may leave a message of condolence at Alternatives Funeral & Cremation.

• Date : 2021-08-25
• Location : Kamloops