Donn Charles McLennan

Donn will be profoundly missed by his loving daughters, Kim Kovacic (husband Jason) and Britni Hannah (husband Sean); his beloved grandson, Carter, and his family, the Lewyta’s, Nondorf’s, Guild’s and Wallace’s as well as extended family and friends.

Donn will be remembered for the life and love he brought into every room—and for the way he showed up for the people who mattered most. Family was everything to Donn; Mary, Kim and Britni were his world. Although the family will miss Donn here on earth we are all comforted knowing he has been reunited with the love of his life Mary.

Donn did everything to support his girls his family—always showing up, always protecting us, always making sure we were okay. He stood by Mom with unwavering devotion, especially through her battle with cancer, caring for her with a strength and tenderness that defined who he was, he adored Mom; his love and loyalty were unmistakable, and after we lost her, a part of him was forever changed.

Even when he fell ill himself, his concerns were never about him. They were always about us girls, his grandson, his family, making sure we were okay, cared for, and supported in every way he could. Always making sure we went home to get some “rest”. That was simply who he was—selfless to the very end.

Donn taught us so many life skills—fast cars, tools, how to fix things, and countless random facts that somehow always came in handy. But more than anything practical, he taught us how to fight, how to keep fighting, and how to stand strong when life gets hard.

Above all else, he taught us that nothing is more important than family, and that being together was everything.

Donn was proud of his girls in the quiet, steady way he knew best—expecting the best from us because he saw our potential before we ever did. Every achievement we reached was met with a simple “I had no doubt,” or “What, are you surprised?”—not because he demanded perfection, but because he believed in us so completely. He was a devoted father who showed his love not through words, but through unwavering presence. Whether it was sitting in the stands at every game, applauding at concerts, or staying up late to help finish school projects and costumes, he was always there. His support was constant, steady, and without question. In his own way, he taught us what love looks like—not just something you say, but something you show. That quiet, enduring belief shaped who we are today, and it is something we will carry with us always.

Family was at the heart of Donn’s life. He cherished the connections that stretched across borders, sharing many of his favourite pastimes with loved ones, especially at Birch Bay. He was warmly embraced by Mom’s family, who welcomed him as one of their own despite differences in language and culture, and together we created countless memories filled with laughter. Summers and Christmases were often spent side by side—whether it was trips to Disneyland, time relaxing in Radium Hot Springs, baba’s backyard or wandering through malls, which Dad “loved,” especially in the summer. He held close his WallyMcGuildorf family from both north and south of the border, all of whom meant so much to him. For Donn, family wasn’t just important—it was everything, and he built a life rich in connection, tradition, and shared moments.

Donn had a true love of cars (and a definite need for speed), a soft spot for dogs, and a gift for turning everyday moments into stories we’ll be laughing about for years. He wasn’t one to chase attention, and if he could, he’d ask us to trade tears for memories and a good laugh.

He poured his creativity into everything—especially the holidays. Halloween meant carefully carved pumpkins and a kitchen that proved the process mattered as much as the result. Christmas meant big lights that lit up the neighbourhood, but came with blown circuits, and the kind of determined “make it work” spirit that defined him. In true Christmas spirit Donn was our Clark Griswold.

He was also a talented artist and had a remarkable ear for music (even though he couldn’t play note on the piano), but he would be the first to point out we “missed a note”.

Donn was a man of many skills from fixing almost anything with a zip tie, duct and glue, to teaching us how use power tools, fix a car, catch a fish, and dad even learned new skills along the way (braiding hair, sewing costumes, and relacing ball gloves). Through it all he never missed the moments that mattered: family dinners, birthdays, holidays, school awards nights, ball games, recitals, and concerts. In more recent years, Carter brought him pure joy—playing games, building Legos, puzzles, drawings, and hockey talk, quiet time at Alison lake and time on the water with Jason was a dream come true, and he would never miss an opportunity to talk fishing, firefighting and give his buddy Sean Knucks, and of course there was his Fur kids, Deeks and Tobi – always asking how “his pups” were doing .

Donn had an adventurous spirit that carried through his younger years, shared with friends and family. Whether it was racing cars and motorbikes or getting into the kind of harmless childhood pranks that turned into lifelong stories, he brought energy, mischief, and a sense of fun to everything he did. Listening to him recall these moments around a table or a fire, the joy and laughter he created were infectious. He treasured the friends who felt like family, often sharing those “good old days” stories of a life that somehow felt a little simpler and slower.

So many of our friends have reached out to share how funny Dad was, and how he was never just our biggest supporter, but theirs too. He was always there as a super fan—whether it was long car rides to tournaments and concerts or stepping in to fix a last-minute grad dress without hesitation. His laugh was infectious, the kind that filled a room and made everyone feel at ease. To so many, he wasn’t just our dad—he was part of their lives too, showing up with the same steady presence, humour, and generosity that meant so much to all of us.

He will be remembered for his resourcefulness, his humor, and the quiet but unwavering way he supported and believed in those he loved.

Donn was a man known for his strong spirit, quick wit, and deep love for his family. Through it all, Dad’s world came down to three things—Mom, Kim, and Britni— and nothing matter more to him. We’ll carry him with us, every day, in the stories we tell and the love he left behind.

He is predeceased by his wife, Mary McLennan, sister Carol McLennan and is survived by his daughters Kim (Jason) Kovacic, Britni (Sean) Hannah, grandson Carter Kovacic, and his brother and sister, Grant (Mies) McLennan and Joyce McLennan as well as extended family, and many dear friends.

A service to celebrate his life will be held on May 7th, 2026, starting at 11:00 am, at Henderson’s Fraser Valley Funeral Home 34537 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S1M1 with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Cancer Agency.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.