January 24, 2020
Fritz Bonsall at the age of 85 passed away smiling at 10:00 am on Friday, 24 January 2020, in the company of his wife Kathy. He was in his favorite recliner with his feet up, re-reading Marcus Aurelius and Desiderius Erasmus. In the end he lived as he had his entire life, doing what he loved, with who he loved, where he wanted to be. Few people lived more authentically.
He fell in love with the Islands of the People some 35 years ago. His home was in the States but he built his sanctuary near Masset. He loved Haida Gwaii and embraced living close with the land, animals and ocean.
As a younger man he commanded a helicopter squadron in Vietnam, had hundreds of hours scuba diving the Channel Islands of Southern California, created a 20-acre avocado ranch from raw land and retired as an airline Captain. He was adept with photography, electronics, carpentry, computers and machining. He was a lifelong reader and learner with particular interest in history, religion and philosophy.
He is survived by Kathy, children FM, Gretchen and Kirsten, grandchildren Caitlin, Erin, Samantha, Amber, Brittany and Ken.
As fellow lovers of Haida Gwaii, please consider taking a moment to wish him well on his continuing journey. If you have a memory or a picture of my father you'd like to share with me, please do by call, text or email.
FM Bonsall © 747.666.5669
fmbonsall@gmail.com