Brian Joseph Donahue: 1958 – 2019
By Jan D’Arcy
Brian Donahue, picture here with his wife Bev Shea and daughter, Julia was a much-loved husband and father, and a friend to all who know him. Photo Supplied
Brian Donahue, a beloved neighbour and friend, died on May 10th. He was 61 years old. Brian, his wife Bev Shea, and their infant daughter, Julia moved to Evelyn Avenue in 1998.
Brian was a dear human being, friendly, thoughtful, always ready for good conversation. He could be wickedly funny. When I was the editor of The Mainstreeter, Brian contributed a regular column covering Lady Evelyn School news. Brian and Julia were long-time distributors of The Mainstreeter; he flipped burgers at the annual Main Event barbeque; he knew everyone who lived in the neighbourhood.
In 2016, Brian retired from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, where he had worked, first in Newfoundland, and then in Ottawa, for over 30 years. During his working life in Ottawa, Brian and his friend, Keltie would walk home from work, stopping on the way at the Royal Oak. The pair were there often enough to be awarded their own dedicated chairs at the pub.
Retirement can mean different things to different people. When Brian and his dog, Buddy went for daily walks, four or five neighbours would often gather on the street to visit with them. He looked after Julia and Bev. He looked after their house. And, he looked after his cars, taking regular spins, especially in fair weather. Brian loved his cars – a 1962 red Volkswagen Beetle, a 30-year-old Porsche 911, a red and black Mini Cooper.
Three years after he retired, Brian was diagnosed with glioblastoma (Grade IV brain cancer). And yet, almost until the end, Brian and Buddy went for their walks, stopping to visit with whoever was passing by. We will miss him.
A funeral mass took place in Saint John’s, Newfoundland on May 18th. A celebration of Brian’s life will take place
