William “Bill” “Bullwhip” Robert Bonomo
Bill passed away in his home on October 27, 2014.
Bullwhip was born on May 15, 1950 in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Elmer and Imogene Bonomo. Growing up he was never without his horses or dogs. He learned to rope at an early age and showed great love and passion for sports. He was naturally great at whatever he took on and always had a smile on his face.
Bullwhip attended high school in Green River, Wyoming and graduation in 1968. From there he went on to play college football for Westminster in Salt Lake City, Utah for one year. After that, the cowboy in him called him back home where he played for his favorite team, the University of Wyoming Cowboys. He finished his college career with a degree in Physical Education.
On August 30, 1970 Bullwhip tied the knot with the love of his life, his sweetheart, Mary Kay June. Together they created a home and loving family in Green River where they loved spending time with family and friends. Debbie Sue was born on January 27, 1970 and a few years later Justin arrived on May 5, 1973. Bullwhip loved his kids and was proud of them and everything that they did.
With his love of the out-of-doors, he became a successful big game outfitter, running Southwest Wyoming Outfitters for over 20 years. Together with his son Justin, they followed their shared passion for the outdoors and hunting and created Southwest Wings Bird Farm. Bullwhip was a champion team roper partnering with his son Justin as his heeler. Their love for roping led them to raise their own long horn cattle on the Blacks Fork Ranch. His love of throwing horseshoes brought together many friends, family and neighbors.
Bullwhip was an extraordinary athlete and outdoorsman, who enjoyed sharing his passions with his friends and family. He spent countless hours teaching his children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and children around the community how to hunt, rope, ride horses, shoot baskets and many other activities.
In 2003, Bullwhip and Mary Kay moved to Forsyth, Montana to be closer to their children and grandchildren. While in Forsyth, Bullwhip became an integral part of the community and was loved by many. His passion for sports never faded as he was able to watch his daughter Deb coach his granddaughter Allie in volleyball; his son-in-law Cass coach his grandsons Casey and Shane in football, and finally his grandson Shane coach his youngest grandson JW in football. Bullwhip was also very proud of his granddaughter Rachel for her accomplishments in her teaching career in Dubai.
Bullwhip was able to continue enjoying his passions of hunting and fishing with Justin, daughter-in-law Mandy and grandson JW. Bullwhip was also able to join his son Justin at North American Energy Services as a carpenter.
He continuously enjoyed all of his passions with his wife Mary Kay. They would often take off fishing for the day or join family on many camping adventures. He was overjoyed with all of the love he was able to share with his family and friends over the years, making an impact on each and every individual he met. He touched the lives of many people over the years and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Bullwhip is a man among men with a heart as big as Wyoming and Montana. We love him.
William “Bill” “Bullwhip” was preceded death by his parents Elmer and Imogene and his sister Jolene Jensen.
He is survived by his wife Mary Kay, daughter Deb Cole (Cass) and their children Rachel, Shane, Allyson and Casey; his son Justin (Mandy) and their son JW all of Forsyth; and his brother John Bonomo (Shirley) and their son Dustin of Holland Texas; and many numerous family and friends.
The family wishes to thank all who have reached out to them in this difficult time. The outpouring of love and support from friends has assisted the family in this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Forsyth Booster Club to continue to support his love of the youth of this community and their activities
A celebration of Bullwhips life will be scheduled at a later date.
sharon cope says
My heartfelt sympathy to each and everyone of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sharon
Peggy and Earl says
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of your beloved Bill. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care. We are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. Praying you will find hope in His promises…and comfort in knowing that many caring hearts are holding you close.
Randy & Janet Stanhope says
We send our sympathies and prayers for you all during this very difficult time. Take comfort knowing there are lots of prayers being sent to you all.
Elsie Sorenson says
Prayer to all of you and the difficult time.
God has his arms wrapped around all of you.
Eric and Shyla Barnosky says
Deb, Cass and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
John & Bonnie says
Deb, Cass and family,
We are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Mark and Jen Winkley says
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Lanell Kaup says
Mary Kay, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. May your precious memories and the love of our Lord give you comfort.
Sharon & Duane Wetsch says
Deb and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers..
Anne Yegen says
Deb,
Peter and I send our condolences to you and all your family on the loss of your father. We hope you find comfort in the love, support, and prayers your community of friends and fellow-workers offer you in this hard time. And may your dad rest in peace.
Anne
Merlyn & Ginny Weber says
We were saddened by the loss of Bill. If there is anything we can do please let me know. The best of his life is all of the wonderful memories. I’m so glad we got to know him.
Thank you for being our friend.
Ray and Karen Pellant says
Mary and family,
We are so sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you.
LindaKolar Ellison says
I am so sorry to hear about Bill he will be missed
If I can help you please call
all my love Linda
Donnie and Paula Peplow says
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May you have many memories you hold dear in your heart.
RITCH, DEBBIE AND DONEL says
DEAR MARY AND FAMILY, WE WERE SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF BILL, HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. WE HAD SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES WITH BILL AND THE FAMILY. WE WILL LOVE AND MISS HIM FOREVER. YOUR WYOMING FAMILY WHO LOVES ALL OF YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!! LOVE RITCH DEB AND DONEL
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of William Robert Bonomo – May you find comfort in your loving memories, great pictures and in recalling his many talents. It was not God’s purpose that mankind suffer (Romans 5:12) The Bible promises a resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises (John 17:3).
Lee Johnson says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Bullwhip was dear friend and will be greatly missed. God Bless.
I J and Kari Rogers says
Marry Kay, Kari and I’s hearts were truly saddened when we learned of Bill’s passing. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I have many great memories of Bill as we grew up. My your memories and your family give you comfort in this time of sorrow.
Fred Moczulski says
Dear Mary Kay and family, I only learned of Bill’s passing last night while reminiscing with John Love last night. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you. Fred