Chris Bonany did not leave North Bay because he wanted to; work took him away from the place that introduced him to the sport of Bowling. Under the tutelage of mentors such as Ray Blanchfield, Mel Edwards and John Caicco, Bonany not only learned the sport but excelled at it, setting numerous high-water marks while competing in YBC local and provincial events representing North Bay. Later, while residing across Canada as an adult competitor in both Provincial and National events from Saskatchewan to British Columbia, he continued to excel at the sport. From 1980 through to 1991 Bonany established himself as a top level bowler, having won the Saskatoon City Singles Championship (including a perfect game) enroot to winning gold at both the Provincial and Canadian National championships in 1984. The following year he represented British Columbia with a 4th place finish at the Canadian National Championships. Returning to Ontario, he claimed the Royal Canadian Legion Singles championships in 1997 and 2001 with averages of 309 and 289 respectively. Throughout his competitive career, Bonany was also immersed in coaching in Saskatchewan where he led the boys team to Gold at the Canadian Championships. He also coached men’s teams to provincial championships and ultimately gained the status of certified Master Bowler in 3 provinces. For his and his teammates achievements winning the 1984 gold medal at the National Championships, Chris was inducted into the Saskatoon Hall of fame in 2008. Blanchfield and Edwards introduced Chris to bowling and now he joins them in the Hall.
