Reverend Albert Bonar

Reverend Clyde Bonar

November 17, 1937 –April 14, 2024

Ordained to the Priesthood: May 26, 1984

Father Clyde Albert Bonar, age 86, of Winter Park, FL passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Clyde Bonar and Alice Manning, and sister, Ella Jane Bonar Watson. He is survived by his son, Bonnarith Ross Bonar, grandchildren, Chase B. Ros and Hunter Elizabeth Saavedra, and great grandchildren, Ezekiel Emerson Saavedra and Luca Alexander Ros.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Clyde Bonar. Born on November 17, 1937, in Wellsburg, WV, As a child, Father Bonar attended McKinleyville Elementary School (WV) and Wellsburg High School (WV). He received his BA in Psychology from Marshall College (WV) in 1959.

Father Bonar served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 - 1980. His assignments included serving at sea on aircraft carriers; as a Naval Attaché in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and as an instructor at Defense Intelligence School. After twenty years, he retired from the U.S. Navy in June 1980, with the rank of Commander. He adopted a child from Cambodia, Bonnarith Ross Bonar. He entered St. Meinrad Seminary after his retirement from the U.S. Navy. He said, "After high school, the thought of becoming a priest was always in the back of my mind."

From 1968 – 1990, he obtained multiple Masters and Doctorate degrees in Divinity, Business Administration, Comparative Government, American Government, and Formative Spirituality from Rollins College (FL), Temple University (PA), George Washington University (Washington DC), St. Meinrad Seminary (IN), and Duquesne University (PA).

After his Ordination, Father Bonar served the people of God as Parochial Vicar of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Ormond Beach. While he continued his studies at various universities, he served as Administrator, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rainelle, West Virginia and in residence, St. Lawrence O'Toole, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1989 he returned to the Diocese of Orlando where he served as Administrator, St. Joseph of the Forest Catholic Church, Silver Springs; Pastor, Our Lady of the Springs Catholic Church, Ocala.

In 1993, he served as Director of the Institute of Formative Spirituality, Duquesne University (PA) for one year and returned to the Diocese of Orlando in 1994 to serve as Parochial Vicar of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, Ocala. In 1996 he was appointed Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, Apopka and served the parish community until his retirement.

Throughout his priesthood, Father Bonar led spiritual retreats through Cursillo, Engaged Encounter, Alpha Weekend, and Kairos. He offered spiritual direction to individuals and in groups and taught spiritual direction.

Father Bonar was the Editor of the Journal of Spiritual Formation, 1993-1994, and published a book, "Amen. I Say to You: Sunday Homilies for Cycles A, B, and C and Homilies for Holy Days of Obligation," (Xlibris, 2007). He has authored numerous published articles during the years 1987 – 2012.
He was awarded the diocesan Mary, Mother of God Medal as part of the Diocese of Orlando 50th jubilee celebrations in 2018. He retired from ministry in 2003, but continued to assist at local parishes until he was no longer able.

Of his priesthood, Father Bonar spoke with elation as the source of his joy was, "working and praying with people and leading them closer to Christ."

Visitation is Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 6pm to 7pm with Vigil starting at 7pm at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 5300 Old Howell Branch Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792.

Mass of Christian Burial is Thursday, April 25, 2024 starting at 11am at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 5300 Old Howell Branch Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792.

Reception will immediately follow.

Graveside committal will be Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 1:30pm at the San Pedro Cemetery (Priests of Our Lord Garden), Winter Park, FL.

Arrangements are by Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (Winter Park Chapel).

To share your memories of Father Clyde or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen