Obituaries : * L.D. (Bonnie) Bonham, 87; Gun Collector

L.D. (Bonnie) Bonham, a longtime Ojai resident and an avid gun collector, has died. He was 87.

Bonham died at Ojai Valley Community Hospital on Monday after a brief illness, said his daughter, Mary Beth Peterson of Ventura.

A graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a degree in aeronautical engineering, Bonham moved to Los Angeles in the early 1940s. For years, he worked for several aircraft manufacturing companies in the Los Angeles area.

Shortly before retiring, Bonham and his family moved to Ojai from Arcadia, Peterson said.

“The moment he visited Ojai, he fell in love with the mountains,” she said. “That’s why he moved over here.”

After retiring, Bonham joined several Ojai organizations, including the Ojai Retired Businessmen Club. In addition, Bonham collected guns and often would make them himself, Peterson said.

“He was a very good craftsman, and he would spend a lot of time making his own guns,” she said.

Bonham also enjoyed fishing and exercising. He walked daily around his neighborhood, his daughter said.

In addition to his daughter, Bonham is survived by a son, Steven E. Bonham of Cayucos, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.