Dedicated
Longtime head of local humane society served as a powerful voice for animals that couldn’t speak for themselves
Longtime head of local humane society was a powerful voice for animals
As the longtime executive director of the Cambridge and District Humane Society, Bonnie Deekon dedicated her life to giving unwanted and mistreated animals a new lease on life.
In the days following her passing on July 4, after a lengthy battle with cancer, Deekon’s legacy as a guardian over animals is being celebrated by those who worked and volunteered with her during her 20-plus year tenure at the humane society.
Known for her fiery character in the battle to protect animals from cruel and careless people who perceived animals as disposable property, Deekon served as a powerful voice for animals that couldn’t speak up to save themselves.
Ever present underneath that emboldened surface, however, was a heart warming gentle side reserved for the furry and feathered kind. It was a hard act to follow, but many lined up to do just that.
“She was the toughest person I know, but also the softest,” recalls Julie Gil, who volunteered at the humane society for 20 years.
“She really was a force, an absolute force, and her entire life centred around the animals, which was amazing, and she just brought everyone along with her.”
“Cambridge was really lucky to have her.”
Under Deekon’s leadership, the shelter ran a strict no-kill policy, often filling beyond capacity by taking in animals from other shelters and animal hoarding situations, just to give every animal a fighting chance at a good home.
Deekon also helped lead a teams of volunteers across the U.S. border to retrieve dogs left helpless and homeless after natural disasters, including hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Bureaucracy and red tape often proved no match for Deekon, recalls Gil. And many supporters were right behind her, regardless of the challenges that lay ahead.
“She was a very hard lady to say no to. She knew it could be done and she just made it happen.”
Although her health was failing after being diagnosed with cancer, Deekon remained at the helm of the humane society right to the end, even attending the shelter’s Poochie Power fundraiser in Riverside Park in a wheelchair last month.
Those who appreciated Deekon’s tireless dedication to the caring of animals flocked to the Cambridge humane society’s Facebook page Thursday to express condolences.
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” wrote Terry Lee Rhynold in her post. “May she rest in peace. An angel on Earth has now become an angel in heaven.”
Another emotional post likened Deekon to a story about an animal angel rescuer in an afterlife where animals can’t complete their journey until their human companions pass on, and accompany them across “The Rainbow Bridge” to their forever homes.
“She was truly an inspiration to so many, an angel who walked here among us for far too short a time,” penned Chris Schaefer.
Deekon died peacefully at her Cambridge home at the age of 77. Funeral services were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Friday, with interment following at the Mount View Cemetery.
In keeping with Deekon’s life work protecting animals, her family has asked donations made as an expression of sympathy to be directed to the Cambridge and District Humane Society.