Gary Sean Bonavia (30 May 1982 - 28 Jan 2025)

In loving memory of Gary Sean Bonavia who sadly passed away on 28th January 2025.

Gary was born on 30 May 1982 in Malta to John and Yvonne with older brother Kevin. The family lived at McKenna House in Gheriexem Street in Rabat.

When Gary was nearly 4 years old, the family moved to London, settling at Pinto Way on the Ferrier Estate in Southeast London. He had many neighbouring childhood friends, including Adeline and Ryan.

Gary initially attended Holy Family Primary School on the Ferrier, but soon moved to St Mary's Primary School in Eltham.

Gary followed Kevin in attending Eltham College as secondary school. He often rebelled at what he saw as overbearing authority, but he could still be both cheeky and charming to anyone. This was also a tough time for Gary personally as he came out as gay, and John was diagnosed with throat cancer with treatment for the next five years.

John died in 1998 when Gary was 15 and he shortly left Eltham College afterwards. He had no fixed study or job, but he made the most of these years being the life and soul at the heart of London's West End. During this time he met Billy who soon become Gary's long term partner and life-long friend.

Yvonne moved up to Morecambe in 2002 to run a restaurant with her sisters. Gary joined her and ran his own cafe called Birk's. This was a short stint lasting only a couple of years but Gary also got his first car and really enjoyed driving ever since. He also picked up a Staffie puppy called Zak who Gary and Billy spoilt rotten for the rest of his life.

In 2005, Gary was hit by two life-changing events. First, at the start of the year there was a devastating house fire at Pinto Way which he escaped with Adeline. His incredible bravery led to everyone's survival, but he had permanent lung damage as a result. Second, at the end of the year Gary was diagnosed with HIV, which would affect him every day, one way or another, for the rest of his life.

Gary then lived with Billy at various flats around southeast London and despite HIV, he was able to live an outgoing life. He also undertook a degree course in anthropology at Goldsmiths College reflecting his interest in what makes people behave the way they do.

By 2012 his health began to noticeably decline and Gary moved into Yvonne's new flat in Deptford. Despite his health conditions, Gary's first care was always his mum, Yvonne. Whenever he could, he went out to get the shopping, do the cooking and other errands.

In 2022, Yvonne's own health meant she had to move to a care home in Woolwich. Gary continued to see Yvonne virtually every day until the last few months, still picking up food and other things for her.

Gary's last year was the toughest yet, but he kept going in his own way. He rekindled an old schooltime friendship with Alex and he loved his visits to her home spending time with her, her family and dogs.

Gary's passing was all too soon. He will be so dearly missed yet also remembered with much love and smiles for the fun and kindness that touched so many who were lucky to know him. Rest in peace beautiful Gary and fly ever so high.