Bryan Timothy Donohue

Tim came into this world at Modesto City Hospital on November 10, 1954. He was the second son born to Michael Joseph Donohue, Jr. and Betty Donohue. He was the middle brother to Michael Joseph Donohue III and Mark Terence Donohue. He was always extremely proud of his hometown and cherished his childhood years growing up in what he described as a “magical era”. He made friendships that would last a lifetime while attending Garrison Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High and Davis High. During these adolescent years he enjoyed playing baseball with his brothers and neighborhood friends, swimming in the MJC pool, listening to the Top 40 on his transistor radio and having countless adventures on his bicycle in a then rural town. Tim’s perpetual thirst for knowledge was still not quenched after graduating high school. Accordingly, he decided to extend his education at MJC and California State University Stanislaus. Along his road of higher education Tim found his true calling imparting wisdom on a new generation as an elementary school teacher. Teaching became his zest for life. His passion for his profession was realized when he found his home away from home at Catherine Everett Elementary School. During his 28 year teaching career he spent 25 of those at Everett where he became known as the legendary, “Mr. D”. Embracing his Irish storytelling roots, Mr. D could transport students from a dull classroom along a spellbinding journey using only his words. He would make each child feel unique by giving them a personalized nickname that often lasted well beyond one school year. It was akin to winning the lottery to be included in Mr. D’s sixth grade class. Students and teachers alike enjoyed his vibrant personality and quirky sense of humor. Mr. D never passed up the chance to play a practical joke on a member of his Everett family. Though an undeniable joker, Mr. D could always be counted on to lend a listening ear, offer a strong shoulder to cry on, or give sage advice. When not in school, Tim loved spending time at the beach. He and his family annually visited Cayucos, California during Easter Break. During his time spent relaxing at home he enjoyed being in his yard, watching the hummingbirds and listening to old time rock ‘n roll. He was also an avid SF Giants fan. Never missing a game and rejoicing in their pennant victory last year. The most important impact Tim had on people was his infectious personality. He could turn any stranger into a friend with his Irish curiosity. Tim passed away on August 7th, 2011 surrounded by his family after losing a herculean battle with cancer. Our much loved gentle giant has a healthy new body in heaven and is joyfully reunited with his father, Michael Joseph Donohue, Jr. and younger brother, Mark Donohue. Tim is survived by his wife of 31 years, Rita Donohue, daughters: Kelly Katherine Donohue and Shannon Kelsey Donohue, mother, Betty Donohue, brother, Michael (Julie) Donohue III, and nephews: Michael Donohue V and Stephen Lee Donohue, brothers-in-law: Gerrit (Fannie) Hartkamp and Luke Hartkamp, nieces: Karin Flanagan and Geri Hartkamp, and mother-in-law, Hattie Hartkamp.