Bonnie Ann Dunbar Hahn was born in Tacoma, Washington, on July 22 nd , 1931, to Luther and

Helen Dunbar. She was the oldest of three siblings. She died peacefully surrounded by family on

July 14 th , 2023, in Homer, Alaska.

Bonnie spent her early years in Nome before her mother and siblings were sent south for the

duration of World War II. Her father stayed in Nome to help with the war effort.

Since childhood Bonnie was a troublemaker. She was a self-proclaimed “brat” and in her later

years told her children and grandchildren of her youthful antics. Most notably, as a young girl

she threw all her family’s chickens into the river next to their house in Washington and one by

one each hen floated away.

Near the end of World War II the Dunbar family was allowed to return to their home in Nome

and they were reunited with Luther. Bonnie spent her childhood years fishing, hunting, hiking,

mining, and working before once again leaving the state to attend high school and university.

At Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, Bonnie met her future husband, Pete Hahn and

together they moved back to Alaska and had five children. Bonnie and Pete worked as school

teachers in Wainwright and Nome before their eventual separation.

While in Wainwright Bonnie adopted an orphaned polar bear and raised it for several months

before it outgrew their house and was eventually donated to the Portland zoo.

Bonnie continued to live and teach physical education in Nome while raising and supporting her

five children on her own.

After retirement she enjoyed traveling and sailing. She was the only woman aboard the sailing

vessel Belvedere which sailed from west to east through the Northwest Passage in the late

1980’s. After that trip she was elected to the Explorers Club in New York and maintained her

membership until her death.

Bonnie lived between Nome and Homer during her long and peaceful retirement.

She moved to Homer full time in her 80’s and enjoyed her home filled with flowers, supportive

friends, and family.

For her 90 th birthday, she presented her family and friends with her book entitled A Lifetime of

Alaskan Adventures. She wrote it in secret and it is available through family members.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Luther Dunbar, her brother Robert

Dunbar, and her son Dr. Kenneth Hahn. She is survived by her sister June Phillips, children

Kavik (Deb), Mike (partner Sara Trigg), Pat (Sue Greenly), and Laura Schubert as well as her

many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in her name.

Internment will be in Nome at a later date to be announced.