I am very saddened to have just heard of Carl's passing and am so sorry that Phyllis and his family have lost such an amazing person. There is a special place in the world, and certainly in my heart, for people who live life in a large, outgoing, but warm and caring manner, and Carl was certainly at the head of that group. I first met him as a client many years ago but subsequently ran into him through my Danish friends and over the occasional beer at the White House in Windermere. Years later, to my joy, he came into my parent's circle of friends with Phyllis, where his sense of bonhomie and cheer shone. His family and friends seemed to be everything to him and to them I send my love and many hugs for their loss. I am simply better for his being in my life. Skål, Carl!

Carl was one of the nicest guys I have ever worked with. He got along with everyone -- and he got things done. Carl was great company too. He had some wonderful stories about being the first Shell guy into new communities to set up logistics for seismic or drilling operations. He made it all sound like a series of fun adventures. I'm sure it was!

Neil Camarta

’In memory of such a warm and embracing character we send our deepfelt condolences to Phyllis and to Carl’s daughters and grandchildren.

On behalf of the Danish Bonke relatives, Love from Kisser and Bom’

My condolences with the last farewell to Carl. So glad for my talk and meeting with Carl at the Family gathering some Years ago. My best to you all. Lone/Denmark

Dear Phyllis and Family

We were very saddened to hear news of Carl's passing. We have enjoyed many fine times with you and Carl both here and in Californa. Carl was always a very gracious host and sure knew how to cook a rare beef tenderloin! Team Phyllis and Carl were always ready and wishing guests to have a good time. We will miss him and hope to see you soon. Love and hiugs. Donna and Gordon

Carl was a Prince of man, a great sense of humour and never a negative moment. I worked for him as a labourer in my first years at Shell and eventually followed his huge footsteps into Community work in the north. He was always a mentor, and a guiding star, so many stories, and so many memories of the times we traveled together over the years. My condolences are with his family in this time of sorrow.

To Phyllis and "the Bonke girls" Janet, Karen, Joanne and families

I was so very sorry to read of Carl's passing. I worked with Carl for many years at Shell, starting in 1969 in Edmonton, and continuing in Calgary until we both retired. He was great fun to work with, first as my boss, then in later years as a colleague, who was always helpful, nothing was ever too much trouble, and he had that wonderful sense of humor. He was definitely one of the "good guys".

Cathy Hanson

Dear Phyllis, Family and Friends of Carl Bonke, a very special man,

As a younger guy, I first knew Carl to be this towering, calm city cousin who could as comfortably hunt and pluck geese around our farms on the Saskatchewan prairie as he could host a sophisticated old-world family gathering at Calgary's classy Danish Club. To me he seemed to be one of those fellows raised to be a role model. A little later in our relationship in the early 70s, I was pretty intent on being a hippie world traveler but I would get there, somehow, by moving to Calgary and, it turned out, selling vacuum cleaners door to door. Carl and Bernice, for no reason I can comprehend, took me in, then happened to be off on another of their travel adventures. I'm pretty sure I messed up their beautiful house but never a word was said...and I won the monthly sales competition by the way. Carl arrived home to buy my 27th award-winning Fairfax vac. Carl, you will always be my hero.

Michael deConinck Smith

D'Arcy Sk.

Dear Phyllis and family,

We thought the world of Carl. He had a wonderful sense of humour and was kind to everyone.

May the wonderful memories that you made together comfort you in the days ahead.

Love and hugs, Deb and Brian

So sorry for your loss, I worked at Shell with Carl, he was a pleasure to work with

Shaun McGrath

I loved that he always called me "Kiddo" as if we were two pals setting out on a lark. His generosity and kind spirit shone through everything he did and he was quick to see the humour in situations and in people. I'm grateful that he reconnected me with my dad's memory one Christmas by makin mte that delicious beverage, rye and ginger, and always kept a stock of in on hand. Miss him already - he leave a big hole in our hearts.

Donna and Edward