JACKSON, Bonita (Bonnie) Cecile (nee Gilchrist) gently left us on the 13th of December 2024 at age 97. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Glenwarren Lodge staff who cared for Mom with loving kindness, attention, and professionalism. Jeanette was particularly kind and helpful through the years.
Predeceased by father Russell Gilchrist, mother Aileen (Spring) Gilchrist, sister Dorothy Ruth Doucet, and sons-in-law Peter Gann and Chuck Buchholz, Bonnie was our family’s last member of her generation, leaving behind four daughters; Analie Buchholz, Charlotte Gann (Bob Gaba), Louise Kadar (Iggy Kadar), Victoria Jackson (Charles Traynor), and niece Pauline Doucet. Bonnie was blessed with four grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Bonnie was born at Bell City near Long Beach, California on the 19th of August 1927 and the family soon returned to BC where Bonnie grew up in West Vancouver and then Victoria, where her pioneer family had established their businesses in 1853. Bonnie’s great-grandfather, Captain William Spring, owned schooners for, among other things, transporting goods up the Fraser River during the gold rush, where he met his future wife Ciamia (Ski-a-peset) Hya, a Sto:lo woman educated and named by nuns as Susanne.
Bonnie was a bright student but contracted polio as a young woman, which kept her home for a time. Prompted to try a then-outlandish swimming and diet treatment, Bonnie made a full recovery (resulting in her performing into her 80s with Hollytree Morris dancing). During this early challenge, Bonnie occupied herself with drawing and creating her doll’s fashions. At just 17, she studied fashion design in Toronto, married in Vancouver, and in 1967 opened Bastion Boutique, Victoria’s only haute couture fashion house then. With beloved employees Donna Cook (Politano) and Myra Cavell Thompson, her couturier shop operated until 1975, where much mirth could be heard among the three.
Bonnie was active at home in the 1960s with the then-renowned Marigold Playground Group raising funds for the community’s children to experience hands-on activities, setting the model for all of Victoria’s Summer Parks Programs for future years. Another design endeavour was creating Coast Salish regalia for potlatch performances held at Victoria’s Thunderbird House.
In later years, Bonnie worked with BC’s Heritage Branch, creating cultural costuming for employees at BC historic sites.
Bonnie loved to travel. From Haida Gwaii to Europe, Africa, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, she experienced a full life.
A celebration of life will be held in summer 2025 in Victoria. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one’s choosing. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Gina and Peter Wolfe Dear Louise, Vicki, Charolette and family
I saw that your mom has passed away and am very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a very special, loving and fun person to know. Her tireless energy to design and make dance costumes was truly inspiring.
She will always be remembered.
Hugs
Gina and Peter Wolfe
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Christine Winn So sorry to read about Bonnie’s passing we were at a Solstice gathering last night and told all the Morris dancers about Bonnie. We talked about how Bonnie played a key role in Hollytree Morris. Lots of good memories. Christine,Stephen and Vanessa.
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Sarah Kell Dear Louise, Vicki and family,
I’m sorry for your loss. Bonnie certainly lived a full and interesting life!
I knew you and Bonnie through Folkfest and the Ethnic Dance section of the Music Festival back in the 1990s when you were Buzavirag dancers and I was a Veselka dancer. I danced with Hollytree Morris from 2020 until this summer, and I was honoured to wear Bonnie’s Hollytree vest at Hollytree’s 50th Anniversary celebration in June. The vest had many badges on it documenting the events and festivals Bonnie had attended. Two of them have her name on them. Please let me know about her Celebration of Life next spring, and I’ll bring the badges for you then. Wishing you peace and comfort at this sad time.
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Judy Cartwright I have such great memories of working in the garden with Bonita. She loved her garden in front of the Dingle house. She was a special person.
She will be looking after another garden where she is now.
Bye bye Bonita. It was a pleasure to have known you.
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Myra Thompson Donn’s you have said it all. We all in Bastion Boutique had a fun time and yes we worked too.
Bonnie and I were true Leo’s and were proud of it.My condolences to you all, rest in peace dear Bonnie.
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Donna Cook ( Politano) Dearest Anne, Charlotte, Louise and Vicky… my condolences. Didn’t your mom live a rich life? Doing so many things she dreamed of and fulfilled. Myra and I had so much fun during those years… with your Mom, Alice, Pat and Esther. I remember buying trips to Vancouver and having girls nights out… mostly laughing, and a bit of drinking. Though I was 20 years younger than them all, they always made me feel like one of the pack. Love to you all
The family of Bonita Jackson would like to express their thanks for all the lovely condolence messages. They have brought much comfort knowing Bonnie was well loved by many.