Harry Craig O'Donaghey

It is with heavy hearts the family of Harry Craig O’Donaghey (Sam) announce his passing on Thursday September 18, 2025, at the age of 91. He was the son of Lawrence O’Donaghey and Euphemia Link, and stepson of Olie Link. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Henry Murphy O’Donaghey, Billy Link, his sister Ellen McBride (Ken), brother-in-law George Swaren, sister-in-law Gloria Link, and grandnephew Matthew Palmer. He is survived by: his sister Vera Swaren, brother Ernie Link (Taciana), Gordie Link, Tiny Link (Ruth) and sister in law Dolores O’Donaghey; and nieces and nephews Larry O’Donaghey, Pamela Robertson (Rob), Steven Swaren, Lisa Hocine (Moussa), Dana Mikkelsen (Peer), Wendy Johnson (Wayne), Michele Boucher (Jean), Melana Palmer (Chris), Lynette Stymiest (Mike), Chris Link (Tiffany), Nicole Dalebout (Derreck), EJ Link (Raissa), Robbie Link, Brenda Link, Kim Agassiz (Jim), and many grand nieces and nephews, as well as great grand nieces and nephews.

Sam was a member of Xaxli’p First Nation. During his working years, he worked as a boom man logging in the Queen Charlotte Islands. He was a vibrant community member for several years in Harrison Hot Springs, and in the city of Chilliwack in his later years. Sam would light up a room with his loud booming voice, friendly smile, laughter and greeting. He was a man with many interests and joys. Over the years he enjoyed attending horse races, watching sports and attending sporting events, gardening and staying on top of the news. Did you ever see Sam without a newspaper? In addition, he enjoyed socializing, travelling, cooking and taking on challenging tasks such as making blackberry jam and sharing it with friends and loved ones. He was an avid collector of books, music, art, pictures, etc. and shared his love for these items with others. Some family members were introduced to various music genres thanks to Sam (Blues/Jazz, The Eagles, The Lion Sleeps Tonight by the Tokens, Rita MacNeil to name a few). One of his greatest enjoyments in life appeared to be delicious meals. If you ever saw Sam eat you would notice he ate very slowly, deliberately, intentionally, and with much gratitude and joy! He had the pleasure of the companionship of several pets over the years including “Scotty” and “Big Red”. He was quite diligent with letter writing, as well as sending cards for birthdays and special occasions making many of us feel special and valued for being remembered by him.

To many he was a well-liked community member, to others a dear brother and friend, and to his nieces and nephews, he was our beloved Uncle Sam. We all have fond memories and stories we can share because Uncle Sam took the time to know us all whether we lived nearby, locally or whether he needed to travel miles by bus, train or plane. He may not have had his own children, but he shared time and love with his nieces and nephews leaving us with a number of fond memories.

As Sam grew older his ability to travel and move about became limited. He left the family homestead in Harrison Hot Springs to live the last chapter of his life in Chilliwack. Fortunately, he found a new community of friends who embraced him, cared for him, and looked out for him. Especially Liz and the community at the Uptown Grill. Sam often spoke fondly of Liz and the Uptown Grill in his letters and during visits and the family has much gratitude for their support during his final years.

In lieu of a funeral service, the family has decided upon the purchase of a memorial bench in Sam’s name to honor and remember him. This bench will be located at Kinsmen Park in Chilliwack, British Columbia.