Gregory Bonacich

February 19, 1958 - October 31, 2009

Gregory Joseph Bonacich, born in San Pedro, Calif., died on Saturday in Corvallis. Gregory was the son of Marie and Andrew F. Bonacich, and brother to Frank Bonacich, Cynthia Vezina and Andrea McDonald, and proud uncle of Celine, Danny and Heather. Family noted in his early years that Gregory seemed a bit different, possibly autistic and subject to seizures. In special education classes, Gregory gained excellent skills as a lifelong learner. This helped him overcome many challenges with surprising success, becoming an inspiration to his friends and the community. Driven to be in the mainstream work force, he taught himself to use and then upgraded a discarded laptop, the first of many computer hardware and software projects for himself and friends. As office assistant at The Arc of Benton County, he typed, produced fliers, organized data, filed and managed mass mailings. He assisted with events of The Arc. He was a hard-working, joke-cracking, joyful-leaping member of the administrative staff. Visitors to The Arc will remember his cheerful greetings and welcoming conversations. As a Special Olympian, 6 feet tall and powerfully built, Greg helped his teammates and friends to victory on the softball field and basketball and volleyball courts. While he was a good friend to many, Georgiana Thomas, Jim Ezell, Susan Sparks and their families especially enriched his life. The Arc will host a celebration of Gregory Joseph Bonacich's life at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in The Arc's InSight Gallery, 414 N.W. Fourth St., Corvallis.