Donald John Bont

Donald John Bont died Wednesday, October 9, 2024 in Green Valley, AZ, just days short of his 80th birthday.

He leaves his wife of 50 years, Ann (Wagley) Bont and his siblings Betty (Glenn) Oosterheert, Ruth Epperly, Carol (Dan) Schultz, Mary (Randy) Beekman; all of Grand Rapids, MI; brother-in-law Rob (Chris) Wagley of Kalamazoo, MI and sister-in-law Leigh (Ted) MacCready of Jackson, MI; 17 very special nieces and nephews and 30 great nieces and nephews.

Don was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI, in a loving family, the son of Clifford and Geraldine (Terpstra) Bont; he moved to Newaygo County, met his wife and remained there for the next 40 years. They moved to Green Valley, AZ for retirement.

Don graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School (1963), and earned degrees from Western Michigan University (BS) and University of Michigan (MA) in leadership development for Vocational Education.

A born leader, he was part of the Meijer management team, taught in Grant Public schools, and was a Superintendent of Career and Technical Education for the Newaygo County ISD, during which time he was part of the team bringing the first internet connections to Newaygo County in 1995.  He was a visionary member of the Board of Directors for the Fremont Area Community Foundation, which he chaired for 8 years.

Don was passionate about all sports. He loved the water and snow, supporting his siblings, nieces and nephews as they learned to ski. He was a fervent supporter of U of M football and basketball - GO BLUE!  and doggedly cheered on the Detroit Lions through thick and thin.

In retirement Don’s passion was pickleball. He supported court development in Grand Rapids and Fremont, MI, as well as Green Valley, playing pickleball every day.  Most players remember him for his kindness, encouragement, and sense of fun.   Don welcomed everyone to the game.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, November 9, 10:30 AM, Church of the Living Christ, 605 Hemlock St., Fremont, MI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Fremont Area Community Foundation  www.facommunityfoundation.org;  The Lewy Body Dementia Association  www.lbda.org; or the Parkinson’s Support Group of Green Valley (PO Box 714, Green Valley, AZ 85614)  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald John Bont, please visit our floral store.