Lois Rider Nordman

Hi Maggie, I posted Bonnie’s obituary on her page.
I hope you received it.

Kent note: Apologies for the length of this...I wanted to get my memories down and it was cathartic to write as I was sitting next to her bed the last few days....I'd ask her questions for clarification and although she couldn't answer, I hope I got the details correct.
Goodbye Mom, we love you!
Maya Angelo offered the quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
That may have been Mom’s superpower.
She had a gift and consciously worked at it with people regardless of their station or situation with dignity, empathy, and respect. Countless number of people will never forget how she made them feel.
Mom lived beyond her 87th birthday. Even very late in life when she needed assistance she was loved by the staff, nurses, and other residents. Mom had a special way of making people feel valued, cared for and appreciated. This is probably one of the most valuable lessons Mom provided our family.
Mom was born Bonnie Ann Bishop to Ann and Donald Bishop just outside of Park Rapids MN in 1935. Tragically Mom’s Dad died early in his life when Mom was only 12 leaving Ann Bishop as a single mother with 5 young kids. Ann Bishop was resilient and strong and instilled a confidence and sense for adventure in her kids despite difficult circumstances. Mom kept a portrait of her mom Ann near her bed throughout her life.
Mom was preceded in death by our father and her husband of more than 61 years Jim Baril, her father Donald and mother Ann, older brother Jere, her younger brother Lee, and her younger sister Bette. Within the Bishop family, she is survived by her younger sister Bev Hargrove, and in her immediate family her daughter Kristi, her son Kent, his wife Kathy and their children Jamie, Emily, and Erica.
Growing up in Park Rapids, Mom was active in high school as a cheerleader. She loved how sports and academics expanded opportunities for her daughter and her grandchildren over time. She loved watching her kids and grandchildren compete and was among their biggest cheerleaders.
She was quite the athlete in her own right and loved physical activity from neighborhood volleyball parties in her back yard, hikes in the mountains surrounding Gunnison, community tennis at Char Mar Park and competing in tennis tournaments throughout Western Colorado, riding motorcycles and mountain biking. She embraced the outdoor opportunities in Gunnison and Western Colorado.
At Bemidji State University (BSU) in Northern Minnesota Mom graduated with Magna Cum Laude distinction. At BSU she met Dad. Mom and Dad were married on September 27, 1958. Supporting Dad’s progression in academics, they lived in several locations before they found their home and settled in Gunnison in 1968. Gunnison was their home for more than 50 years.
Mom’s first job was as an elementary school teacher before moving to Gunnison. When she was in Gunnison she was able to join the Gunnison County Library staff and begin what was more than 25 years as the Library Director for the county.
In the early 70s the library was in the south basement of Webster Hall. Providing public access to books and information via the library was a very compelling purpose for Mom. She was actively involved with the county in the planning and opening of the Gunnison County Library in the current location. She worked closely with Ann Zugelder on her generous bequest to the library and ensured Ann’s legacy continued as the library was named the Ann Zugelder Library.
Moving all the books from Webster Hall to the new Ann Zugelder Library was a herculean effort. Mom helped catalog and shelved those books as the starting catalyst for what has become a significant and impressive collection. Growing the scale and range of books and access to information for the Gunnison community was an important goal for her as the Head Librarian. As technology evolved Mom embraced broader access with Braille and audio books, then digital media and heralded the introduction of computers and access to the internet in the library as an important tool for learning and growth for the community.
At the library, she was particularly proud of the children’s section. She would lead weekly “Story Time” with young kids sitting on the stairs in rapt attention as she would read, personalize, and animate the stories to make them more engaging. I am sure they can’t remember the stories, but they likely remember how Mom made them feel.
As we shared the plans for the new Gunnison County Library with Mom, she was very pleased to see the growth and continued commitment to the library in the community.
Mom was very proud to be a member of the Gunnison community. She had many friends, supported many causes, and joyously engaged in activities like the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree, events at the Gunnison Arts Center, Art in the Park, and other activities with friends.
Mom and Dad loved adventures in the Gunnison Valley from hiking and cross country skiing up Mill Creek with their dogs, camping at different sites from one end of county to the other, motorcycling trips to Marble and other locations with friends, to mountain biking at Hartman Rocks and in the VanTuyl Meadows behind their house.
They loved the convenient access to the Gunnison River. Both found solace and wonder in the awesome power and contradictory peacefulness, and the timeless and eternal nature of the river.
Mom would promote Gunnison whenever she could. Growing up in Gunnison, I sometimes bemoaned the cold. Her retort was always…” but it is a dry cold”. Once again, Mom was right. Gunnison at -10 with the sun shining is much more comfortable than 40 degrees and raining in Seattle.
Mom loved her family and friends, who were many. We were able to have all the kids at her bedside in the last few days. It was an honor and privilege to be with Mom in her last hours as we released her peacefully to reunite with Jim, her mom and dad, brothers and sisters, and friends.
Everyone in your world was lucky to experience your life all because of your compassion, engagement, and joy Mom. You made so many people remember how you made them feel.
Mom, we will miss you and cherish our memories and your support of us and our families. We are proud to have you as our mom or grandmother.
We are planning to host a Celebration of Life for Mom in Gunnison later this summer. More details will be forthcoming. We will establish a memorial fund at the Gunnison County Library if you would like to donate in Mom’s name.

Hi Fred, How is your sister Carolyn?

A good and faithful servant. You will be missed Orv. 

Jerome was a good friend in high school. I met up with him for lunch in the cities after we were all grown up!! He led a good life.

What a beautiful tribute to your wife, Jim.

Posted on: Dec 15, 2022 at 11:33 AM

Great to see the new pictures Gary! How are you doing?
Is your email address the same?

Posted on: Aug 08, 2022 at 3:41 PM

I am so sorry to hear about your son Bob

Happy Birthday Freddie!