Richard William Donnelly

DONNELLY – RICHARD. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Donnelly of Willow Bunch, SK, on January 27, 2014. Richard was born, April 1, 1937, in Edinburgh, Scotland during the lean times. He credited the lack of school supplies common at the time with teaching him to do calculations in his head, a skill he retained all his life. His Aunt Mary came to the Willow Bunch area as a war bride and she spoke so well of the district that Richard’s parents brought their two sons, Richard and Robert, to Canada in 1947. After the family came to this area, Maurice Higginbottom also became part of the family. Richard completed his formal education at the Little Woody School, and farmed with his parents. He met Madeleine (Duperreault) at a store in Willow Bunch. They married in 1962, continued to farm and moved into town in the mid ‘60’s so Jeff and Cam would be close to the school. For some years, the family moved out to the farm in the summers, then they started living in town full time and commuting to work on the farm. Richard farmed until last summer. In the winters for some years Richard worked away. One year at a nickel mine in Manitoba, most years in the oil patch. Between planting and harvest Richard also worked for Municipal Hail. Richard is remembered as part of the web of community and political life in this area. He was very interested in politics and served as a counsellor and one term as mayor in Willow Bunch – he said ”better to do something than to complain.” He loved inviting politicians to the house like Roy Romano and Grant Devine. He wanted to hear what they had to say and to make sure they understood the challenges farmers were facing. Richard has been remembered as an avid sports fan. A grandpa who always had candies in his pockets and who enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s ball and hockey games and to the Rebels games. We remember Richard as husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, who will be sadly missed. Predeceased by his parents, William and Christina, Richard is survived by his loving wife Madeleine (Duperreault); two sons: Jeff (Nicole) and Cameron; grandchildren: Kevin, Megan and Jacoby; great-granddaughter Evia, brother Robert and Aunt Mary Morley. Private Family Service was held in Ross Funeral Chapel, Assiniboia, SK. Reverend Marilyn Leuty officiated. Donations in Memory of Richard may be made to The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency - Cancer Research, 204–3775, Pasqua St., Regina, SK S4S 9Z9. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com