Benney Leo Bonk
November 26, 1954 ~ February 26, 2011
Ben L. Bonk
(Age 56)
On Saturday, February 26, 2011 at his home in McLean, VA. Beloved husband of Deborah J. Bonk; son of the late Robert and Anna Bonk; brother of Elmer Bonk (Brenda), Robert Bonk (Joann), and Ted Bonk. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John Wayne Cancer Institute, The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, or Capital Hospice.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
(Age 56)
On Saturday, February 26, 2011 at his home in McLean, VA. Beloved husband of Deborah J. Bonk; son of the late Robert and Anna Bonk; brother of Elmer Bonk (Brenda), Robert Bonk (Joann), and Ted Bonk. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John Wayne Cancer Institute, The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, or Capital Hospice.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Benney and I shared an office for more than 5 years starting in 1976. We carpooled from Gaithersburg for several years, ate lunch every day with Neil McKeown, vacationed together, went to baseball and hockey games and Rolling Stones concerts together, and partied together, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately we never took business trips together because we were considered interchangeable at work, a presumption in which I took great pride and benefited from greatly. Ben was simply a terrific colleague and friend. My best wishes to Debbie and Ben’s family.
I did not get to know Ben very well – mostly I knew his wife Debbie. But when I was about to retire after 37 years at work – he came to my desk to show me the 40 year pin – trying to lure me to stay just a few more years. Sweet Guy ! I know Debbie is going to really miss him.
Ben was a core member of my first branch and later for a short time my branch chief. His curosity, enthusiam, and good will toward the world made him a wonderful colleague. Condolences to all his family and friends.
Ben was a wonderful man and I have many fond memories of him. He always had a big smile and upbeat attitude, and encouraged people in ways he probably didn’t realize. Ben didn’t stand on ceremony and found value in everyone around him. And he could laugh at himself–how else could we have gotten away with Forrest Bonk? Many loved him and many will miss him. Debbie, I know you were such a blessing in Ben’s life and am sad that he was taken from you so soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben was a very special person. I worked with Ben in our early days of employment. He always had good things to say about anyone and could put a smile on your face when you were down. My condolences go to his wife and family. These are hard times but remember you have the great memories that you shared to keep in your heart forever.
I worked with Benney in OGI for almost 5 years. What a pleasure. Seems like everyone in OGI and beyond knew him. He brought to the table brainpower, desciveness and an enjoyable sense of humor and informality, decompressing the stress/pressure of the topic at hand. In retirement I from time to time think about my days in the Agency and Benney often pops to mind, his shuttling rapidly down the hallway, papers in hand and always with a smile and greeting to the oncoming hall traffic. He was quite a guy. So sad to loose him so young. My sincere condolences to his family
Ben was a very nice man, and I will always remember his big smile. My condolences to Deb, his family and friends.
Ben was that rare individual whose intellect, friendship, sense of humor, and enthusiasm made him such a popular and extraordinary officer. In all the time I was acquainted with Ben, beginning in the mid-1970’s when he was an energy analyst, I never heard him utter a negative word about anybody, nor did I ever hear anybody voice anything but praise for him. Debbie, you can take great comfort in knowing that the incredible impact Ben had on the lives of all those he encountered will never be forgotten. You and your family are in my prayers.
Ben was such an inspirational figure..collaborative, good humored, always equipped with the most reasonable proposal, interested in and supportive of what others had to offer to the effort, and always somehow, if things went wrong, standing between the baying hounds and those he led. Probably the nicest person who ever said–and meant– “The buck stops here” and one of the best people I’ve ever worked with. Debbie, my very deepest condolences to you for your loss.
I was so sad to hear of Ben’s passing. He was a brilliant, good, kind and loyal person who I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know. Debbie, I never had the opportunity to meet you, but Ben talked about you all the time and it was so clear how much he adored you. I’m so sorry for your loss, he’ll be greatly missed.
Ben was one of the finest colleagues a person could have. A true gentleman and an outstanding citizen. It is tough to lose the really good ones.
I knew Ben almost my entire adult life, from the 1970’s when I started until my retirement in 2003 and he was a Prince of a fellow. He was on the analytical side and I was on the other but whenever I was back from overseas or he was out my way on tdy, we would have the most interesting and wide-ranging conversations about the politics of the region. Ben was a very key player in so many initiatives over the years and yet so modest and calm regardless of the emotion of the issue at hand. He was a great guy and I’m terribly sad he’s gone so soon. My condolences to his family.
Dear Debbie and Bonk Family, Ben and I have been good friends for many years, and we saw each other last when Ben and Debbie kindly came to my and my husband Mike’s wedding in Tulsa, OK, in 2009. We were so happy to see them and that they were able to be there. Ben was one of the nicest, kindest people I’ve ever known. My thoughts are with you all.
Very sorry to get the news, and very glad I got to work with Ben off and on over the years.
My deepest sympathies to Deb and Ben’s family. His passing is a terrible loss. None can exceed his qualities as a person – patient, compassionate, unflappable, a great listener,teacher,mentor, and leader. I have known Ben for more than three decades – we started together at the Agency. Few can ever equal his contributions to the organization and his influence on others.God bless you Ben. May your soul and spirit touch others as you have touched all who have known you. Sorry I cannot be there for the memorial. We have lost someone who was beyond special.
Ben was my first boss when I started in NESA in February 1992. If it hadn’t been for his kindness, patience, and support I never would have made it. I guess he saw some potential in me and gave me the time I needed to gain confidence. It was my distinct pleasure to work with Ben several more times when he was Director of NESA. Ben was always one of my favorite people and I considered him a friend. He was taken from us far too soon. My heart broke when I heard of his passing. Debbie, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Ben was a wonderful man and we shall miss him forever.
Oh, Deb! How sorry I was to see Benney’s name and picture listed at Money & King. I remember Benney very well as a gentleman who was always interested in listening – a rare skill! He had a keen intellect but was always very inclusive in his thinking and in his interactions with others. He will be a good figure and mentor for others to emulate. I wish you and the other members of his family my best wishes and prayers. Mary O’Sullivan
Ben’s passing is a loss that’s beyond words in so many ways and to so many people. He was not just a “Good American”–as he liked to call colleagues–but he was a GREAT American…and person. I met Ben my very first day in NESA, and he became one of my favorite colleagues, mentors, bosses, and people. I have countless memories from knowing him that I will cherish, from making Michigan State-Penn State bets to inspiring my cat’s adoption. I am blessed to have known Ben. Debbie, my heart goes out to you.
Dear Deb- It was with great sadness that I learned today of Ben’s passing. Ben was a great person and a superb colleague. You and your family are in my prayers today and every day. Ramona
Ben was one of our best! Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to Deb as well as Ben’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deb, As so many have stated in Ben’s Guest book, he leaves behind a huge Footprint for each of us. He touched so many of us with his unique and gentle way. I was honored and lucky to have been able to know him and work along side of him. You and your family are in our prayers. Ben as your journey has taken you on the Road to Heaven, and as you are now looking down on us, your family and friends will know that when it is our turn you will greet us with your smile and your words, I remember you saying every once in a while – “The Buck stops here!” We will miss you!
Debbie, when a person is as special as your Ben one doesn’t have to have known him long or even very well to feel his loss. Richard and I are in that catagory as we only met him through Ashton Woods, but we do know that this world is definitely a sadder place for his way too early passing. Sincerely, Ruth Phillips
I’m utterly saddened and devastated to hear of Ben’s passing. Years ago Ben served as one of my senior mentors. He was a fantastic person and even better role model. My sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends.
Ben and the “oil guys” of OGI stand out clearly in my career memories as the most professional, team oriented, fun loving group of colleagues I had the pleasure to work with. Ben set the bar high and was a role model for all of us. His contribution in his assignments over the years is a great example of how one individual can lead and make a difference.
I was very sad to hear about the passing of Benney. I feel very lucky to have met such a nice guy. I worked with him many years ago as his secretary. I will always have great memories. He was one of a kind. My deepest sympathy and prayers to his family.
While I only met Ben a few times, I know that Deb and Ben were a terrific couple. Words seem inadequate to express my deep sympathy at this sad time for Debby and for Ben’s family. Ben had a wonderful life full of professional fulfillment and friends. He also got to spend some of it with a terrific gal! God Bless
Please accept our sincere condolences at the passing of Ben. He was a great person and a true leader in the Agency. His friendly, very astute manner should be a reminder and guide for us all. He will be dearly missed. John and Eleanor Loverro
I never had the good fortune to work with Ben; Scott and I really got to know him through our dear friend, Debbie. We shared so many fun times together: wildlife viewing and playing minigolf at Chincoteague; moving rocks, splitting wood, sitting before a roaring fire at the cabin; watching movies; seeing Ashley curled up in his lap; restaurant hopping; eating and drinking. Mostly eating and drinking. We shared many good bottles of wine Deb and I the white, Ben and Scott the red. I loved his company, I loved his humor, but most of all I loved the way he loved Debbie. I will miss him dearly.
To the Bonk family, my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Ben was an inspiration; a mentor; and a friend to so many. I’m a better person because of him. He touched us all. With great respect,
I am so sorry to hear that Benney passed away. Our friendship dates back to 1976. We both started in the same office around the same time (he was there first). I remember he said to me “Hi, I’m Ben. If you have any questions about this office – don’t ask me, as I don’t know anything — yet.” We became fast friends. Even when I left, we remained friends. He came to visit me in Florida and also in Puerto Rico, when my ex-husband and I lived there. Even though our lives went in different directions, we remained friends. He was a great man and will be deeply missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him. Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss.
To the Bonk family, our most heartfelt condolences for your loss. Ben was an inspiration and a friend to so many. With great respect, Mark and Diana Larkins
Ben and I first became close friends as debate partners at Michigan State and that friendship has lasted thru various locales and life changes. It was inspiring, Debby, to see how close you and Ben were as a couple and how happy that made him. I’m so sorry that he has been taken from you way too soon. Aloha, Dallas
Ben was part of a small group of Reaganites who would meet for drinks in the bar at the Watergate Hotel on Friday nights in the early 80’s. Those were fun heady days, a chapter I’ll treasure forever. Ben was such a gentle soul, it breaks my heart to hear belatedly of his death at 56. I never met Debby, but am happy to hear of the good years they shared. My heart goes out to you. Rest in peace, sweet Ben.