Claude Bonta Obituary (1921 - 2006)

Claude Bonta, age 85, ?died October 20, 2006. He is survived by his wife of more than 62 years, Alice,?three daughters; ?Claudia (Ronald) Bahrie, Eve (Bill) Bonta-Weaver ?and Sally (Gene) Walter; 2 grandchildren, Danielle? and Justin Bahrie,?three brothers; Henry (Jerry) of Naples, Florida, Robert (Emma Lee)? of Knoxville, Tennessee and Frank (Pat) of Eaton Rapids ?and?a sister Emma? in California. He was born the son of Claude L. and Lori Bonta on February ?22, 1921 in Jackson, Kentucky.? Due to illness, the family was separated and in?1934 Claude, with his brother Frank moved to ?the VFW National Home. They shared a special bond??until the end.? He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School Class of 1941;? received his B.A. from Albion College in 1947 and went on to earn a Masters in Social Work from Wayne State University while working for the Department of Corrections. Claude?served in the Marine Corps. He? was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II, where he personally learned the human cost of war.? He had a long career with the Department of Corrections and retired as Regional Director of Field Services? for the state of Michigan.? He believed that everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed and? never forgot his Kentucky and Eaton Rapids roots.? He understood that punishment was not as effective as rehabilitation.? He was a strong voice for the common man.? Claude and his beloved wife Alice, whom he truly adored for more than 62 years, spent winters in Nettles Island, Florida and summered on Higgins Lake for?50 years.? They traveled to Africa, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Sweden and Norway, the British Isles and numerous Elderhostel's in the U.S.? ?Claude was an avid fisherman, reader, birder, hunter and tennis player.? He will remembered by all for his kindness, compassion, patience, quiet dignity and gentle spirit.? Only an optimist would dangle a lure on a string while holding a stick for hours in rain or shine. A Memorial Service will be held at the Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids on Monday, October 23, 2006 at 12:00 noon.? Donations may be sent to the Higgins Lake Foundation, Roscommon, Mi. 48653?in memory of Claude Bonta.