We Remember
BONN, Armin
February 28, 1935 — April 21, 2020
Armin Bonn was born in Skrzypkowo, Lipno, Poland on February 28, 1935. He was always known as a person of peace, and when recently asked what helped make him that way, he smiled and said, “I had a wonderful Mother.”
He came to Canada on the Beaverbrae ship in July 1948, with his mother and three of his siblings. They travelled across Canada and eventually arrived in Pincher Creek, where they stayed and worked on his grandfather’s farm for two years. From there they went to Barrhead, where he got his first glimpse of Tabea. The “sparks” did not fly until later when Armin and Tabea were both in Ontario as part of the bridal party, when Tabea’s brother married Armin’s sister. Armin returned to Lethbridge, trained and worked as a plumber. He later surprised Tabea when he returned and visited her in Ontario. His two-week visit was extended and within a month they fell in love, planned a wedding and got married in 1957. They returned to Lethbridge and Armin worked as a plumber and on the maintenance team at the hospital. Deborah, Carol and David were born during these Lethbridge years.
Armin and family followed his Mom, siblings and their families to Kelowna in 1970 hoping to run an orchard for a few years, then subdivide the land into lots. However, the agricultural land freeze has kept the land as orchard. Armin always wondered how he managed working as a plumber while running the orchard. He and Tabea were a great, hardworking team. Armin worked physically into his early eighties. Then because of kidney and heart failure he grew weaker. Armin and Tabea will forever be grateful to David who manages the orchard and faithfully cared for them, enabling Armin to live his last days there. One of Armin’s last wishes was to live to age 85. By God’s grace this wish was fulfilled this past February.
Armin will be forever remembered as a man who loved God and others. His home and heart were always open to family, friends, customers, strangers, and the lonely. He adored Tabea, who cared for him with such love and compassion, right up to his dying breath. He was a wonderful Dad who loved and listened to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed growing things and God’s creation. Armin was greatly supported by Pastor Andy Dietrich, caring family, and friends who met needs for friendship, encouragement, prayer, as well as homemade soup and baking. The family also appreciates the compassionate care of Dr. Burget.
Armin had a great desire for heaven, especially in the last few months as life became very difficult. He was greatly comforted by music and the word of God, and his booming bass voice will now join the chorus of heaven. Armin died peacefully at home on April 21, 2020, listening to the morning birds welcoming a new day. He is now forever home with his Lord and Saviour.
Armin is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Tabea; children: Deborah Kennedy (Dean, grandsons Curtis and Joel) Carol Klammer (Brian, grandson Jason (Elizabeth, great granddaughter Lily), grandson Ian (Sophie, great grandson Johnathan) David (Melissa, granddaughters Madisen and Mackenna); siblings: Walter (Helene) Bonn, Edmund Bonn, Martha Schulz, Arthur (Ursula) Bonn and brother-in-law Alfred Schmidtke.
Predeceased by parents Adolf and Alma; siblings in childhood: Leo, Emil, Lilli; sister Alice Schmidtke; great grandson Bruno Klammer; sister-in-law Helen Bonn and brother-in-law Oswald Schulz
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kelowna Gospel Mission. The family video tribute is below. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Share with Others:
Kelowna Gospel Mission Link: kelownagospelmission.ca
Condolences
We are so sorry to hear of your big loss. We mourn with you because of the loss of such Godly man. We are forever thankful for your love and generosity. With all our love, Ted and Marina
Tabea and family. We are so sorry Armin has passed, but he is home now and resting peacefully. Troy and I have enjoyed our last 4 years living on this beautiful orchard with the both of you and enjoyed our many conversations with Armin about orchard work. Know that we are here for you if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, someone to chat with or just someone to sit with…we are just next door. Theresa, Troy & Mia xo
What a great tribute of a life well lived! Carol (& Brian & to all the family) I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad and I hope you take great comfort that one day you’ll be reunited with him in heaven. My prayer is that you will be comforted by the God of all comfort. (2 Cor 1:3-4)
Such a legacy that he had a great desire for heaven. I recall going to the orchard with my parents, and marvelled at the trees he grafted.
I will never forget Armin telling me about the big apple tree he had growing in his count yard. If I am remembering correctly, it produced 12 different varieties of apples which reminded him of the fruit tree in heaven planted by the river of life that produced various fruit a!! year long. He was a wonderful teacher, willing to share his insights.. And will be fondly remembered.
We both offer our condolences to Deb, our sister in law, and family. After reading the obituary, we see that Armin had a rich life that touched many and has left a marvelous legacy. And now, he has eternal rest and joy in the presence of our Lord and Savior.
My Condolences to all the Bonn family, In the three years we have shared as membership at Grace Baptist Church
Mr. Armin Bonn was a mentor of a Gentle spirit that gave others like myself hope in the LORD. So Bonn family I Pray God’s continued comfort for you ! I pray God’s continued Love, compassion , his steadfastness, his faithfulness, and his mercy, as you go through this season in your life. And remember. “Even thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Respectfully and Lovingly Mrs. Catherine Rice
Dear Tabea and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our condolences to the whole family. I remember Armin teasing me about selling his apples. He was always smiling and laughing. May your hearts be full of the memories you have made together. Lily Tisher and our whole family send our love.
Debbie, Carol David and Tante Tabea – my sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad and husband – I remember him fondly as a kind soft-spoken man of God and remember being welcomed into your home and have enjoyed and benefited greatly from the fruits of his and your family’s labour – bless you all through this difficult time, may your memories bring you much comfort and joy. Doreen Dunphy (Albrecht/Lange)
Very blessed to have a Father so faithful and loving to his Family, Friends and Community. May you always feel his presence in your hearts. Sending our love and heartfelt condolences to the Family. Zakiya, Aleem and Meena
I dont know Armin very much,but still i can call him a friend and brother in the lord. I shurely will miss his warm greeting on a sunday morning in church. May our lord give comfort to his loved ones.
You are so dear to my heart, Tabea! We will continue to pray for you and your family during this time. One day we will sing with Armin together in heaven – with a new song in our hearts. With much love & a BIG hug to you ~ Roanna & Michael
What a lovely and touching tribute you made to your father. You can see how proud he was of his beautiful family!!! We were so sorry to hear of his passing. One memory that Ron and I both share of your Dad was his smile. He always greeted us with a big smile and a friendly chat. In the past, Dad Kelbert often shared several fishing and hunting stories that included your Dad in them. Our deepest condolences to you all.