Joseph Donovan

Donovan - Joseph Michael

Peacefully on September 25, 2016 at the age of 87, Joseph "Joe" Donovan, devoted husband to Lorraine "Rae" Donovan (predeceased), dear father of Tim (Christine), Christine (Jeff), Linda (Terry), Laurence (Jennifer), Bill (Linda), predeceased by siblings John and Catharine and parents Joseph and Molly, loving grandfather to Matthew, Stephanie, Patrick, Christopher, Ryan, Jason, Curtis, Victoria, William, Michael, Julia and great grandfather to Tristan. Joe will be deeply missed by family and friends and remembered for his unwavering support, encouragement and love for all that were fortunate to be in his life. A consummate gentleman, Joe was born and raised in Winnipeg MB. Joe attended University of Manitoba and after graduation worked in Weyburn Saskatchewan where he met his future wife Rae. They were married in December 1956 and moved to Regina. Three years later they moved to Saskatoon and then on to Ottawa in 1964 with five children in tow, where they lived an active life raising their children. Joe retired from the Federal Government's Department of Justice in 1985 after a long and successful career. Joe's interests included spending summers at Victoria Beach his beloved summer home since 1938, playing tennis and ferrying boat loads in his zodiac, travelling with his wife, caring for his children and grandchildren, curling and following many sports on television. Keeping a close watch on his children's and grandchildren's activities was his most favourite pastime. Joe was active in the St. Basil's church community for many years, serving as a Lector, a Funeral Assistant, and assisted the parish on a weekly basis. We are grateful he was able to spend his last summer at Victoria Beach, cycling to town, the tennis courts and the post office as he always had. We are blessed to have had him in our lives. Joe's amazing competitive spirit will be with us always. Special thanks to Dr. H. Cohen for his care and attention. We were fortunate to have Debbie care for Joe with such expertise and compassion during his final days. Funeral mass will be held at St. Basil's Church, 940 Rex Ave. Ottawa, on. Saturday October 1, 2016 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation or the University of Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated.