Meet Ivan Bonar

Have you ever heard of the Bonars? Well an old friend and classmate of mine told me a story that I’ll be surprised if anyone knows. So here goes.

This story is about Ivan Bonar, but before talking about him, the journey his family made as they worked their way to southeast Iowa is an interesting one.

The first Bonar we meet is George Hubbs Bonar. He was Ivan’s great-grandfather. He was born in Moundville, Marshall, West Virginia in 1828 and died in 1895 at the age of 67 in New London, Iowa. He is buried at Burge. His wife, Sarah Jane (Tonkinson) Bonar died in 1878 and was buried in the Trinity Cemetery in Mt. Union.

The story continues through George and Sarah’s son James Henry. He was Ivan’s grandfather. He was born in 1857 in Henry County. He lived in Pleasant Grove in 1910 and in New London by 1930. He and his wife are buried at Burge Cemetery.

Ivan’s father was Royal Frank Bonar, son of James Henry. He was the ex-husband of Chrystal Gauss Bonar, Ivan’s mother. He went by Frank (probably Royal was a little too much for the times). He was born in Danville in 1900 and died in 1947. He is buried in Aspen Grove in Burlington. Ivan’s mother outlived him (1903-1996). She too was buried in Aspen Grove. It was sometime in these years that the family moved to Burlington.

Ivan Eugene Bonar was born in 1924, the second of four children. He had one older brother and a younger sister and brother. He was born in New London. There is no information about his younger years, but it seems that he moved often, living for a time in Fairfield and Troy Township. He eventually went to school in Burlington and even dated Lois Huppenberger a couple of times. Why is that important? We knew Lois by her married name. She was a New Londoner; she was Lois Smith. It’s a small world!

Bonar ended up in California by way of New York City. He received a degree in theater arts from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and started his career as a character and voice over actor in the late 1950’s.

He became a much accomplished and sought after character actor. His career spanned four decades. He appeared in movies, television, plays…every genre that required acting. He appeared with Gregory Peck, in “McArthur.” Peck played the title character while Ivan played U.S. Army Lt. General Richard K. Sutherland.

You can name almost any TV program from the late 50’s through the 80’s, and bet that he was hired to bring to life a doctor, a lawyer, a neighbor, a wealthy bachelor, or any character you might find in a town or city. He would be on for an episode or two and move on. He also had recurring parts. He was well remembered as the loyal butler Henderson on “The Colbys.” He really could do it all. He literally appeared in hundreds of TV episodes, from “Little House on the Prairie” to “Dallas.”

Ivan was active in California politics and was a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He was also very involved with Catholic charities. There was no information about a wife or children. He may have had both or neither.

He died in 1988 at age 64 of an undisclosed cause. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea.

When you think about it, New London has touched many lives…most people who live here find it’s a pretty good place. We can only guess if Ivan remembered his days here, but regardless, thanks Barb for his story.

Source: Find a Grave memorial- bio written by Lowell Thurgood.

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