News Summary
The community of Coronado, CA is mourning the loss of Stephen William Boney, a cherished entrepreneur known for his innovative impact on the grocery industry. Boney passed away peacefully at the age of 81, leaving a legacy that spanned over six decades and numerous ventures including Windmill Farms and Pancho Villas Farmers Market. His commitment to natural foods and strong community ties made him an irreplaceable figure in local history. Boney is survived by his family, including his wife and nine grandchildren, and will be remembered fondly for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his community.
Coronado, CA Mourns the Loss of Grocery Pioneer Stephen William Boney
On a serene Sunday, January 12, 2023, the picturesque city of Coronado, CA, witnessed a heart-wrenching farewell to a true icon of the grocery business. Stephen William Boney, a beloved entrepreneur, peacefully took his last breath at the age of 81, surrounded by his cherished family. His passing has left an indelible mark on the community, where he spent decades leaving his unique footprint within the grocery industry.
A Legacy of Innovation
Born on October 30, 1943, in sunny San Diego, Stephen, affectionately known as Steve, was the son of Henry and Jessie Boney. From an early age, he embodied qualities that would one day describe a successful entrepreneur—*determination*, *perseverance*, and perhaps a pinch of *rebellion*. These traits guided him throughout his impressive career, which spanned over six decades in the grocery world.
Steve’s journey began when he, alongside his partner Debi, opened the doors to the first Windmill Farms in 1975. This innovative venture catered to a growing demand for natural foods at a time when such options were just starting to gain traction. This groundbreaking idea laid a solid foundation for what would eventually blossom into the Boney’s chain of grocery stores, which flourished throughout the *1980s* and *1990s*. Steve’s knack for spotting trends kept him ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving market.
The Evolving Entrepreneur
Despite the economic ups and downs that come with running a business, Steve was relentless. His latest accomplishment was the Pancho Villas Farmers Market, a beloved local fixture that served the community for two decades before closing recently. But Steve was never just about one business. Over the years, he operated various ventures, including restaurants, a donut shop, and even managed ice cream trucks. His entrepreneurial spirit was nothing short of inspiring.
What truly set Steve apart was his personality. Described as *confident* and *self-assured*, he possessed a remarkable ability to recall minutiae and an abundance of creative ideas that often transformed into successful ventures. His attention to detail and magnetic presence allowed him to forge strong relationships with everyone he encountered, making him a well-respected figure in the local community.
A Family Man with Diverse Interests
Beyond business, Steve cherished his family and held close ties with loved ones. He is survived by his devoted wife, Raquel, along with her children, Blaine and Rachel, as well as his sons Paul, Ryan, and Nick. Steve also leaves behind his siblings, Kenny, Stan, Darlene, and Scott, and a delightful legacy of nine grandchildren who will remember him fondly. He had an insatiable love for life, enjoying good movies, great music, and of course, the timeless joy of popping corn.
Traveling was another passion of Steve’s; he frequently visited enchanting locales across Europe, Asia, and dreamy tropical destinations, with Hawaii claiming the title of his favorite getaway. In a heartfelt nod to his love for the islands, it is expected that he will be laid to rest there, creating a serene final resting place reflective of his spirit.
Community Impact
Though he has left us, the contributions of Stephen William Boney to entrepreneurship and the grocery industry will resonate for years to come. His pioneering spirit, innovative mindset, and unwavering love for his family and community continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know him. As Coronado and all those who held him dear join together to mourn this incredible man, his legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of many.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Stephen William Boney (1943-2025)
- Legacy: Jessie Boney Obituary
- Coronado Eagle & Journal: Boney’s Bayside Market Now Open
- Wikipedia: Stephen William Boney
- Coronado Times: Dr. Beach – Current Conditions at Coronado Beach
- Google Search: Stephen William Boney
- Coronado Times: Thank You Coronado
- Google Scholar: Stephen William Boney
- Coronado Times: Historic Coronado Mansion Sells
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stephen William Boney
- Coronado Times: Bridge Jump Survivor’s Regret
- Google News: Stephen William Boney
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
