John Bodnar

6 Tributes for “John Bodnar”

John will be missed, he was a gentleman and a wonderful Mason in a difficult time. He was very kind by taking leadership in Jobs daughters.
My heart is tender for you Colleen…..

John was an exceptional communicator and safety professional. I worked with him for six years at MIOSHA, and he was always honest, straightforward, and completely focused on the worker’s safety. You always knew where you stood with John, and it was a great honor to stand next to him for the time I did. I always planned on a fishing trip with him, and I regret missing that opportunity, my condolences to his family.

Great guy, I got the pleasure of assisting in John’s training as a compliance officer when he joined Miosha. We became fast friends and have continued to be to this time. I knew from the beginning John would be a good one!! he had the best personality for the job, easy going but stern when he had to be. Always a fun guy to be around whenever we got together. Miss you my friend, God speed. Prayers for John and family in this difficult time.

Was there ever more of a character—someone made of pure character—who built such a near-mythical and legendary persona as John?

John was a master storyteller, a true raconteur who loved to entertain, laugh, teach, and share meaningful, insightful lessons. Guidance and good times—that’s how I’ll remember him.

In working with John, he offered more knowledge than anyone could ever ask for, always willing to share what he knew. He enjoyed a good debate and relished thoughtful conversation. For the most part, John was quiet—until he wasn’t. When something mattered to him, he would speak up with passion and purpose.

One of my favorite things was seeing that simple, knowing smile of his when he took joy in the happiness and success of others. John was a quiet champion, always there to support and back you up. If John was your friend, then you were lucky—you got to experience a true gift.

To the family and friends of John: while he may have passed, his thoughts, hopes, and dreams live on in each of us. After all, it’s impossible to forget someone who gave us so much to remember.

May his memory be eternal.

I worked with John for several years while we were both at the Consultation, Education and Training Division of MIOSHA. I enjoyed working with John as he was always reliable, knowledgeable and he enjoyed teaching others. I remember our conversations about cutting firewood and how he enjoyed doing it. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.

One of the first division meetings I attended when I started with MIOSHA, John told me he hated my shoes. We progressed from there, developing a complimentary style of teaching workplace safety that drew on the years of experience we both had in different industries. John taught me about different ways to get the message of workplace safety out to those who needed to hear it, helping me to spread the word. Although he seemingly enjoyed displaying a gruff exterior, at heart he was a compassionate liberal and cared deeply for his fellow man. When he left MIOSHA, I missed his easy style and ability to quickly establish rapport with the students in our MTI classes. I spoke to him only a few times after, both of us displaying that lazy trait of not keeping in touch. I miss him. To his family, blessings and condolences.