November 24, 1963—April 10, 2026
It is with heavy hearts, and ongoing disbelief, that we announce the death of a treasured wife, sister, and friend. Bonnie Ruth Laird died peacefully in hospital on April 10, 2026, her husband and family by her side. At 62 years old she is gone too soon, after living valiantly through 20 years of multiple bouts of breast cancer.
Bonnie is predeceased by her father Major Glen Nelson Laird (1973), her sister and best friend Heather-Ann Laird (2019), and beloved mother Marion “Ruth” Laird (nee Pike) (2020). She is survived by her husband Gordon Marshall, who she originally met through her late sister; her brother Scott Laird (Wendi), her cousins Lynda Morgan, David Pike, Darryl Pike, Kim Youden, Karla Youden and Kirk Youden, and step-daughter Eden Marshall. Bonnie is also lovingly remembered by many friends, neighbours, and former colleagues.
Bonnie was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, on November 24, 1963, and spent her early years growing up in New Brunswick (1963-65, 1968-70) and later in Newfoundland (1970-77), as well as on military bases in Ontario, Alberta, and Germany during the 1960’s and 1970’s, before moving to Calgary. After graduating from Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School (Calgary) in 1981, she pursued theatre arts at Mount Royal College (class of 1984), and went on to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art & Design at the University of Alberta in 1990.
In the early 1990s, Bonnie moved to Victoria to be closer to family. She worked as a facilitator at an art studio and a multimedia lab for several years, while also volunteering with the Garth Homer Society. She was then offered a paid position with the Society, where she helped develop and co-lead its highly successful Artworks program. For over 20 years, in her position as professional artist and mentor, Bonnie shared her talents and experience with the program’s emerging and established artists. During that time, she pursued multiple opportunities to enhance the program’s offerings and status, including coordinating many imaginative, well-received exhibitions of artists’ work at a variety of venues. She retired from this challenging role in 2019 to help support both her sister and mother through their respective illnesses and deaths.
In addition to her work, Bonnie was a talented visual artist in her own right, and pursued a range of diverse projects. She participated in numerous exhibitions and juried art shows throughout her career, beginning in 1988. For several years she took part in, and helped plan, the James Bay Art Walk: an event where art appreciators visited the home studios of neighbourhood artists. For the Lairds, it was a family affair. Bonnie’s artwork would be placed throughout her mother’s picturesque garden (as well as in Bonnie’s studio), with her sister Heather-Ann ever-present to offer practical help and a calming presence. In 2016, despite surgery and her mother’s illness, Bonnie exhibited her “Bloom” series of paintings in a solo show at the former Martin Batchelor Gallery.
Bonnie was a passionate animal lover. Many cats sensed her as a kindred spirit and sought her out over the years. These rescued cats, including but not limited to Bubba, Little Kitty, Sherry, Teddy, and Lost Kitty/Rocky, received exceptional care. She was also a supporter of animal protection causes and would often share lost pet or pet safety posts on social media. Bonnie is survived by her rescue cat Waffles, and more recently his younger companion Benny. They were of particular comfort to her as she navigated the loss of her sister, then her mother, and the many ups and downs of her illness.
A lover of nature and the outdoors, Bonnie embraced walking and cycling as an integral part of her physical and mental well-being. In recent years, as she was able, she was an enthusiastic member of a James Bay walk/run group: the Sunrise Sisters. When her mother Ruth, a master gardener, could no longer manage her large garden alone, Bonnie began helping and learning from her. After Ruth’s death, Bonnie took over nurture of the garden. She embraced the steep learning curve, relished the outdoor environment, and applied her artistic eye to its subtle evolution. As she prepared for another cancer surgery in 2022, she also prepared the garden for inclusion in Victoria Hospice’s Teeny Tiny Garden Tour fundraiser: supporting a cause that had supported her and her family several times.
Bonnie had a true artistic spirit. Beyond her own creative efforts in the studio and garden, she also appreciated the art of others in its many forms. She loved a smart twisty thriller, the comfort of Louise Penny’s Three Pines series, and the nature-honouring poetry of Mary Oliver. She was a vocal supporter of artists, advocating for a broader understanding of the multiple challenges artists face. Bonnie also enjoyed an eclectic range of music: a passion she shared with her musician husband Gordon. As her health became more challenging, they would plan music-centred trips, as something to aim for and look forward to. It’s just one example of how well-suited Bonnie and Gordon were, as well as of his extraordinary care in supporting multiple aspects of her well-being amidst the hope and heartbreak of her illness. They had wanted much more time together.
Deep appreciation and thanks go to family and palliative care physician Dr. Tara McCallan; oncologists Dr. Parv Chapani and Dr. Zia Poonja; surgeons Dr. Alison Ross and Dr. Chris Taylor, as well as the many other health care professionals and programs that Bonnie benefitted from throughout her 20 years of cancer care. Special thanks also go to neighbours Catherine Ryan (Nurse Practitioner) and Lesley Pelcher, as well as long-time local friends Jennifer Lu and Maureen Foxgord.
There will be a celebration life, featuring her beautiful artwork this summer. Details will be shared at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an animal rescue/protection charity of your choice, Victoria Hospice, or the BC Cancer Foundation.
This obituary is the property of the “Laird/Marshall” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
Offer Condolence for the family of Bonnie Ruth Laird
Print Obituary & Condolences
If you are not completely satisfied with any of our services or facility offerings, we will reduce or eliminate the charge. 
Funeral and cremation costs can be very confusing. All our prices are clearly disclosed on our general price list and website.
Catherine Ryan
Bonnie was such an inspiration! She accomplished so much in her life, in spite of ongoing health challenges. I will miss her in many ways…simply her presence in the neighborhood and her positive energy. But also recalling the numerous texts and photos we exchanged of birds and other animals. I will keep those memories close.
Amber Rainshadow
Bonnie was an amazing individual one of whom I will never forget. She left an imprint on my life that encouraged me to develop my own art style and persistence. She was a lover of my services dogs. she introduced me to Claude Monet and so much more you will be sorely missed even though I had a developmental and physical disability she made me feel like an equal. Thank you so much for everything.
Tamara Stark
Bonnie was a good friend back in theatre school – funny and talented and kind and lovely. Bonnie, you gave a lot to the world and I hope you’re able to rest well now. xo