Donald Harvey Bougie

At an early age, Donnie was taken in by Ruth Humphrey and family who supported him and loved him his entire life. At 20, Don was Honourably Released as a Private Recruit with the Canadian Army. He became, and remained, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 21, for 47 years.

In 1969 Donnie moved, with his family, from Montreal, Quebec, to Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia, where he began his career as a licensed plumber. Once established in Granville Ferry, Donnie bred German Shephard dogs; some of which were sent to Dog Service Training facilities for the third largest police service in Canada, the Sûreté du Québec.

In 1975, Donnie moved again, with his family, to the farm in Port Wade where he resided until 2022. Donnie loved the farm and all it entailed from long days in the hayfields and raising cattle, to barrel racing at the Bear River Exhibition with his horses, Nomad and Lady.

One of Donnie’s favourite things was playing poker with friends Donald and Ronald Sarty, Frank and Bob Halliday, and many others. Donnie checked in daily with his dear friend, Chris Robinson. It was comforting for Donnie to know that Chris was always there for him.

In 1980, Donnie became an important contributor to the rejuvenation of the Town of Annapolis Royal under the guidance of his close friend and confidant, Paul Buxton. As Construction Foreman, Donnie was involved in building the Farmer’s Market, rebuilding the King’s Theatre and the Adam’s Ritchie House, assisting with the development of the Historic Gardens and several other projects that were so important to the overall project. A film production titled Rural Renaissance: How Canada’s Oldest Town Reinvented Itself, made possible by Jane Nicholson, which includes an interview with Donnie, can be found on YouTube. In addition to continued support for these endeavours, Donnie took great pride in his role as Construction Manager of the Upper Clements Family Theme Park.

Donnie met and married the love of his life, Dianne Hersey, and together with Dianne’s daughter, Angela, they settled on the farm. Dianne and Angela brought joy and happiness to Donnie’s life and they enjoyed many wonderful years as a family.

Donnie was predeceased by both parents, Real and Edith, his loving wife Dianne, sister Peggy Ring and brother Real Bougie. He is survived by sisters Sandra Burger, Linda Hebb, Andrée Léveillé, brothers Jerry Bougie, Ralph Secondcost, Wayne Secondcost, John Bezoine, adopted daughter Angela Yeo, grandsons Dawson and Zachery Sproule and several nieces and nephews.

At Donnie’s request, there will be no service. Burial will be in Culloden alongside Dianne.

A Celebration of Life will take place Sunday, September 15th, 2024 at the Port Royal Legion, Branch 21, 66 Victoria Street, Annapolis Royal, from 2 pm to 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be made to the Port Royal Legion, Branch 21, Annapolis Royal, NS.