Kym Bonython facts for kids

Hugh Reskymer "Kym" Bonython (born September 15, 1920 – died March 19, 2011) was an amazing Australian man. He was a pilot in World War Two, a talented musician, an art gallery owner, and even a racing driver! Kym Bonython was a very active and important person in Adelaide, Australia, for many years. He received high honors for his service to the community.

A Life Full of Adventures

Growing Up in Adelaide

Kym Bonython was born in Adelaide, South Australia, on September 15, 1920. He was the youngest child of Sir John Lavington Bonython and Lady Jean Bonython. His family was well-known in Adelaide. Both his father and grandfather had been editors of the local newspaper, The Advertiser. His father also served as the Lord Mayor of City of Adelaide. Kym was named after an old family ancestor.

Flying High in World War Two

Kym went to St Peter's College, Adelaide. After school, he started training to be an accountant. But then, World War Two began, and his life took a different turn. In 1940, he joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to train as a pilot.

He flew planes in places like the Netherlands East Indies and New Guinea. He had some very close calls during his time as a pilot. Once, he was in a hospital in Darwin with dengue fever. He had just left his ward when it was directly hit during the 1942 bombing raid. Kym became an aircraft captain in 1941 and a chief flying instructor in 1943. He reached the rank of squadron leader.

For his bravery and skill, Kym Bonython received two important awards. He was given the Air Force Cross (AFC) in 1944. Later, in 1946, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

A Passion for Jazz Music

After the war, Kym decided not to go back to accounting. He first tried dairy farming and was the first in Australia to use artificial breeding for cattle. But soon, his love for music, art, and racing took over.

From a young age, Kym Bonython loved jazz music. When he was just 17, in 1937, he started his own jazz radio show on the ABC. This show was very popular and continued for 38 years! Kym also played the drums in a jazz band, a skill he learned as a child.

In 1954, he opened his first record store in Adelaide. His passion for music also led him to start a company called Aztec Services. Through this company, he brought many famous jazz musicians to Adelaide. These included legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong. Later, he even brought rock and roll stars like Chuck Berry to Australia. Kym was also a key person in bringing The Beatles to Adelaide during their Australian tour in 1964.

Supporting the Arts: Art Galleries

Besides music, Kym Bonython had a deep love for art. He started collecting art in 1945. In 1961, he opened his first art gallery, the Bonython Art Gallery, in North Adelaide. He showed the first painting by Francis Bacon in Australia there.

Later, he moved to Sydney and opened another gallery. He returned to Adelaide in 1976 to buy back his first gallery, running it until 1983. Kym Bonython was known for finding and promoting many talented Australian and international artists. These included Sidney Nolan, Pro Hart, and William Dobell. He is especially remembered for helping to discover the work of Brett Whiteley.

Kym also wrote and published several art books. Sadly, much of his personal art collection was lost in the Ash Wednesday bushfires of 1983, which destroyed his property.

Racing and Speedcars

Kym Bonython was also known for his daring spirit, especially in motor racing. He raced Speedcars at the Rowley Park Speedway in Adelaide. He even owned and promoted the speedway from 1954 to 1973. Kym had some big crashes but also great success, winning the South Australian Championship in 1959-60. He raced at famous tracks across Australia.

He was also a national champion in hydroplane boat racing. In 1956, he had a serious accident while racing his boat. He spent 14 months on crutches because of his injuries. Kym Bonython was nicknamed "the man with 99 lives" because of his many adventures and close calls.

One of his biggest achievements in motor sports was helping to bring Formula 1 racing to Adelaide in 1985. He was a key person in making this big event happen. Kym was also one of the first people to be added to the Australian Speedway Hall of Fame in 2007. Around Adelaide, he was also famous for riding his yellow MV Agusta motorcycle to meetings.

Serving the Community

Kym Bonython was also very active in public life. He served on the Adelaide City Council, just like his father and grandfather before him. He was also the chairman of the South Australian Jubilee 150 Board, which celebrated South Australia's 150th anniversary.

He was a member of many other important boards, including the Adelaide Festival of Arts and the Australia Council. Kym was also a strong supporter of the monarchy in Australia.

Family Life and Legacy

Kym Bonython wrote a book about his life called "Ladies' Legs and Lemonade" in 1979. He was married twice and had five children: Chris, Robyn, Tim, Michael, and Nicole.

He passed away on March 19, 2011, at his home in North Adelaide, at the age of 90. It was during the Clipsal 500 race, and an F-18 jet flew overhead. This was a fitting tribute, combining his love for motor sports and his time as an RAAF pilot.

Kym Bonython was survived by his wife, Julie, his five children, 15 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was given a State Funeral at St Peter's Cathedral, Adelaide, which was attended by many friends from his racing days and other parts of his amazing life.

Awards and Recognition

Kym Bonython received many honors for his service and achievements:

• On September 1, 1944, he was awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC).
• On February 22, 1946, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
• In June 1981, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his contributions to the arts.
• On January 26, 1987, he received Australia's highest civilian honor, becoming a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). This was for his service to the community, especially as Chairman of the SA Jubilee 150 Board.
• He was also appointed a Knight of the Venerable Order of Saint John (KStJ).
• The University of Adelaide gave him an honorary degree, Doctor of the University (DUniv), for his outstanding service.
• In 2007, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Adelaide Critics Circle.
• The Kym Bonython Fellowship, which helps new visual artists, was named in his honor in 2010.

	Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)	1987
	Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)	1981
	Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) (DFC)	1946
	Air Force Cross (United Kingdom) (AFC)	1944
	Knight of the Venerable Order of Saint John (KStJ)
	1939-1945 Star
	Pacific Star
	Defence Medal
	War Medal 1939-45
	Australia Service Medal 1939-45

Other Recognitions

• 2007 - Lifetime Achievement Award by the Adelaide Critics Circle
• 2008 - Premier's Lifetime Achievement Award, 2008 Ruby Awards
• 2007 - Inaugural member, Australian Speedway Hall of Fame
• 2010 - Kym Bonython Fellowship named in his honour