Monmouth Roady Gone. High but Dry. With Olives

Duane Bondy, one of Monmouth Roads most notable characters, passed away on April 9, 2010.  Monmouth Roadies had a soft spot for Duane ever since he and his late wife Renee moved into the hood.  He was always in the thick of things.  Always the kind hearted Bohemian. He had a natural radar for any kind of social event and his bar keep talent was always in high demand.  Especially if one craved a high octane, very wet martini.  He stayed up with the best of us and often did us all in.  Somehow, after an evening of wine and cheese everyone would inevitably end up at Duanes house for one last night cap.  Duane never mastered parallel parking which is  required on Monmouth but rarely mastered by anyone.  His brand of parking was more of a unique three point variety; never pretty, never the same way twice but effective.  Always a contributor to hood functions and always some great stories.  He was extremely fond of his entire clan and we heard about them endlessly.  Duane even ran road tours for hoodies.  Often times everyone would pile into his convertible and cruise the neighbourhoods of Detroit.  The odd Tiger game was not out of the question either.  He even did the slimy bar tours with us.

Here is what his kids have to say about him:

  BONDY, Duane James Duane James Bondy-December 10, 1927 2010. Born in Rockwood, Michigan. Our Father and Friend died suddenly on Friday, April 9th. He was eighty two. Dad had a wonderful sense of "self" and humor. Ironically while making his bed (a chore he detested) he became weak, his heart stopped and he was sent into the arms of his wife. When mom died he was devastated and his "stride" became forever changed, this confused some who knew him. Dad was handsome, intelligent and charming beyond compare, funny and at times a challenge. He loved friends, family, being a "dad," teaching, good hair, a double Windsor knot, theatre, music and culture of any sort. He hated Cats, Onions and oddly....Squirrels, but he "rraaallghly" loved martinis on the balcony, history, folklore, Detroit, Windsor in full bloom, architecture, bacon and eggs, fashion, literature, writing, art, tuxedos, parties and gatherings of any kind, but mostly he loved Renee. His relationship with his children was similarly complex and wonderful. He was a great dad! As per his wish there shall be no ceremony, cards, flowers or donations. In lieu of such... call a friend, child, parent, spouse or sibling and tell them that you love them. And if you can, please join us at Christopher and Gina's house this Saturday, April 17th (1945 Ontario Street, Walkerville,Windsor) at 2:00pm and share a heart felt story or a prayer to help complete Duane's journey. As his children, we would like to thank all of you who have enlightened both his and our lives. Tim and Marie, words cannot express our gratitude and love... Merci! Jeff... good job...very good ...thank you. Lastly, dad laughed frequently with this high pitched "giggle" that in truth was highly annoying. To hear it one more time would be... Well you get the picture. So Long Dad, Pops, Poppa, Duane James, El Duano, Straw Hat Man... You truly are the King of France...Give mom a kiss. Much Love from Mark, Christine, Paul, Suzanne, Artie, Chris, Gina, his wonderful grand daughters Georgia and Rachel, and all those who enjoyed you....Bravo!..Merci!...Fini.

See you out there Duane.  Keep a couple of stools open.