P. Brian Donovan

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, brother, partner and friend, Peter Brian Arthur Donovan, who passed away at home in Ingonish Beach on January 9th. Brian was born on June 5, 1955 to the late James Arthur (Art) and Lillian Donovan (Butts).

Brian was employed with Parks Canada as a painter for 25 years. After his retirement he spent his time making and building things for those he loved. His two girls, Gemma and Emily, were the light of his life. Everything he did was with them in mind. His little princess and constant companion, was his beautiful dog Abey. Their bond was like nothing we have ever seen between a man and his dog. They were each others whole world.

Our Dad was a man of extraordinary talents. He was an incredible artist. Even the small doodles he made on scraps of paper had incredible beauty. He had a sharp ear for music, and was particularly talented on the guitar and mandolin. In the past, he was often joined at his home by many other musicians and friends for a Saturday night kitchen party. Even while sitting watching TV he always had an instrument in his hands, stumming and filling the house with music. He was not a man for idleness, and always had to be doing something, whether it was making something out of wood for his many friends, working in his garden, or preparing his harvest through pickling and bottling, he was always busy.

Brian is survived by, and will be dearly missed by his children Gemma (Dave Young), Emily, adopted son Joseph, grandsons Anthony White and Nathan Young. He will also be greatly missed by his beloved significant other, Gloria Whitty as well as his sister Linda Hines, Ingonish, Brothers John (Janice), Saint John, NB, Tim (Joan), Ingonish, George (Shauna) St. Paul, NB, Wallace (Charlotte), Springhill, NS, and Ryan of Dartmouth. His absence will also be greatly felt by his Uncle Phillip and his good friends Dave (Stomper) and Bill Capstick, as well as his many nieces and nephews, and other friends from far and near.

Brian was predeceased by his parents, Art and Lillian Donovan, the mother of his children, Deborah Donovan, and brother-in-law Joe Hines.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Fillmore Whitman funeral home. A graveside service will take place at St. Peter’s cemetery, Ingonish, in the spring. If desired, donations can made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.