I met Bonnie on Holy Saturday 1948 at the Palladium in Hollywood about 8:00 in the evening. (The reason I mention this is she died on Holy Saturday at 8:45, 50 years later.) When I saw her I thought she was the prettiest girl at the dance. We hit it off right away and made a date for the next day. It was Easter Sunday, and the first thing she did was to scold me for not attending mass that morning. She was taking instruction to become Catholic and her faith was very important to her.

She was baptized the week before we were married in August 1948. At her baptism, the priest charged me with helping her become strong in her faith. I think it was the other way around. She was the one that helped me.

Bonnie was a great wife and mother, and the heart of our family. She was a master of organization and with six kids she had to be.

When the children were grown, with families of their own, she always made sure that everyone stayed close. From birthdays to holidays to backyard barbecues and annual trips to Sunriver, Bonnie made sure that everyone gathered to celebrate together. Or else! She was the glue that held our family together, the center of our universe.

One of the things I will always treasure about Bonnie is that she never said an unkind word about anyone. She always said that she preferred to find the good in people than pay attention to the bad.

I think the message she would like to pass in to her sons is be kind to your wives and your children. They are a gift from God. Cherish the time you have together, because it can end much to soon.

All my love to you Bonnie and thank you for our family and the great 50 years we had together.

Lou