Additional Notes of Guillermo William (Willy) Bonilla
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Guillermo William Bonilla, of Salina, was called to his heavenly home Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, at the age of 65. Guillermo suffered from end-stage renal failure and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, linked to his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Guillermo is survived by his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth (Mora) Bonilla, of the home; daughters, Rosalie Bonilla Dalme (Craig), Anna Bonilla Gordon (Destin), Julie Bonilla Acheson (Mark), and Linda Anderson (Alan), all of Salina; grandchildren, Kaiden, Roman, Kassidy, Abram, Elias, Ambrose and Andrew; brothers, Fortino Bonilla, Fortunato Bonilla Jr. (Rosemary), John Bonilla (Maria), Santos Bonilla (Marlene) and Rodrigo Bonilla (Vicky), all of Salina, and Robert Betancur (Kathleen), of Morrill, Neb. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fortunato Sr. and Noberta (Baeza) Bonilla; brothers, Arcadio, Benito, Bernardo, Francisco, Joe, Josepy, Oliver, Bidal and Antonio Bonilla; and sisters, Petra Bonilla and Carmen Montoy. Guillermo was born in Lakin, Kan., on Feb. 10, 1949. He attended many schools in the Salina community and graduated from Salina High in 1967. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. He attended Cloud County Community College and graduated from Tabor College with a bachelor’s degree in social work. He continued his graduate studies at Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. Guillermo worked as a probation officer for the 28th Judicial District, a social worker for Family Preservation, at SRS, and a family therapist for St. Francis Academy. He was a jack of all trades, which included plumbing, electricity, mechanics and roofing. He enjoyed taking road trips with his brothers and his sister. He played softball with his family team. Prior to his illness, Guillermo was involved in several church and community activities such as G.I. Forum, Big Brothers Big Sisters, coached Salvation Army Football, LULAC, Scared Straight Program, Knights of Columbus and War Memorial Committee at Sunset Park. He petitioned and was successful in renaming the Iron Street Bridge the Veterans Memorial Bridge. He served as a Eucharistic minister at Sacred Heart Cathedral, and in earlier years served as a board member at Sacred Heart Grade School and parish council. His veteran associations were the VFW, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina 67401. The vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina. The funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the cathedral. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. It was Guillermo’s wish that memorials be made to Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School and St. Mary’s Grade School on behalf of his grandchildren’s Catholic education, and the Wounded Warrior Project, in care of Ryan Mortuary. |