Richard Francis Bonokoski

Richard Francis Bonokoski

1952 - 2025

Richard Francis Bonokoski of Regina, Saskatchewan died peacefully at Regina Wascana Grace Hospice on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 with his family by his side.

Richard was born on March 4, 1952 in Toronto, Ontario. He was adopted in 1954 and raised on Radar Road in Hanmer, Ontario by his parents: Lorraine (Le Rossignol) and Anton Bonokoski. He was the eldest of three children, and a loving big brother to his siblings Marian and Hilary. Richard grew up speaking French with the maternal side of his family and he remained bilingual in English and French throughout his life.

Richard pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario with concentrations in Philosophy and Theology. In the mid 1970s, Richard moved to Saskatchewan where he began his career in adult education and community development. His career was one of service. Richard worked for the Ministry of Social Services and then helped establish the community college system in Saskatchewan. He advanced through the adult/post- secondary education system from Regina Plains Community College to provincial departments and to the Saskatchewan Institute of Science and Technology (SIAST), where he worked as principal of the Wascana Campus in Regina, and Acting President for the Institute. During this time, Richard championed literacy initiatives and served as the President on the board of the Canadian Association for Adult Education (CAAE).

In 1997, Richard received his Masters degree in Vocational Technical Education from the University of Regina. Following this, Richard began his 20 year international career as a consultant specializing adult technical vocational education and community development. He took on senior leadership roles within organizations, including: Association of Canadian Community Colleges, Cowater International Inc., International Rescue Committee, and World University Services Canada throughout Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jordan and Ghana. Richard worked for thirteen years in Pakistan. He held a special connection to the country, where he developed many meaningful friendships.

Richard retired in 2018 and returned home to Regina, Saskatchewan. He embraced his most cherished role as grandfather to his darling grandchild Miles. They enjoyed almost 8 years together and shared a heartwarming bond.
Richard loved trips to Prince Albert National Park with his family, reading, music, cooking and baking, especially bread. His voluntary commitments included a devotion to the Roman Catholic Church. Richard loved a celebration and to make life festive. He brought joy to many with his laugh, humour, curiosity, and kindness.

Richard is predeceased by his parents Anton and Lorraine Bonokoski, his parents-in-law Joyce and Clarence Smith, and his sisters-in-law Norrie Duncan and Leslie Smith. He is survived by his wife, Linda D Smith, children Nicholas and Lara Bonokoski, grandson Miles Basi, sister Marian (Claude) Schnell of Bienfait, Saskatchewan, brother Hilary Bonokoski of Nanaimo, British Columbia, brother-in-law Wayne Smith of Wakaw, Saskatchewan and many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be missed by friends and colleagues across the world.

Our special thanks to all the staff at Grace Hospice for their compassionate care.

A funeral service will be held at Holy Rosary Cathedral at 3125 13th Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Richard loved flowers but also the act of giving. In lieu of flowers, the family asks, at his request, that donations be made to the Regina Food Bank.