Donald William was born on Monday, December 16, 1946, in Hanover, to proud parents John Henry and Doris Susie (McClelland) Donovan. He was the eldest of five children, and in the years following, welcomed younger siblings, Robert and Randal – twins (1950), Wanda (1952), and Mary “Jill” (1958). The Donovan family resided on a mixed farm on Sideroad 5, just outside of Desboro. Here, they enjoyed their rural upbringing and attended school at nearby S.S. #6 Sullivan. Donald went on to enrol at Chesley District High School until grade 10, before venturing off to explore a variety of opportunities for himself.

His first stop took him to Desboro with Morrell Schwartz, where he began working at his local garage as a mechanic. Lunch breaks were for a game of cribbage, where Donald learned the game, and up until days before he passed, he was winning games left, right, and centre. He then took off to Durham to work at another garage there. He enjoyed the work but wanted to see more, so along with a few friends, Donald travelled west to British Columbia and then the Vancouver area, where he enjoyed his late teens and early 20’s working a variety of jobs. By the late 1960’s Donald’s mom, Doris, encouraged him to return home to pursue a trade and be closer to family. I am told that this was only one of the few times in Donald’s life that he actually listened – just joking, however, he returned to Ontario and began working towards his mechanic license with Mac Truck. He then went to work for Maluskie’s after this.

In 1972, the Folkerson Store became available in his hometown of Desboro. Donald jumped at this opportunity and bought the property, which he soon transformed into a garage with an adjoining residence. It was perfect, and just what Donald needed. The only drawback, or positive, depending on how you took it, was that he now lived directly across the road from the Desboro Tavern. How did he get the nickname Donkey, you might ask? We are not sure! He had told a staff member at Summit Place, not too long ago, that he was under the influence one night and found a donkey in a field. He thought that this donkey had to come home with him. He had tied the donkey to the clothesline and woke up the next day with it in his yard. Sounds believable, that’s for sure!

Donald worked hard to provide for his family, all the while becoming a great mechanic. He could fix anything, not just cars, and always enjoyed helping those in need. Countless hours were spent in the garage, working hard. Two families formed very special bonds with Donald. The Edwin McNabb family and Fred and Victoria Littlechild. They, too, were local to Desboro.

Donald always made time to enjoy himself with his kids. Lana recalls countless days and weekend trips across Ontario. Maybe it was Santa’s Village, or Marineland, the destination was secondary, to the company and the fun they had on these adventures. And who could forget the large snow pile he would create for the children every year? Although it was not the safest location, thank goodness for the four-way stop in Desboro, right Lana? Or when Lana was learning to drive an old standard jeep, on their way home from Owen Sound, Lana stalled the vehicle 16 times at the 4 way stop from the Tavern to home. His patience was tested that day, but he never got angry. Thankfully, these stories and memories, and many more, will last a lifetime, and Donkey will continue to live on through storytelling.

Back in Desboro, Donald was an active member of the Desboro Lions Club and a staple in the community. After the Tavern closed in 2004, Donald’s garage became a regular meeting place amongst family and friends, where he enjoyed the occasional OV, I am told. Donkey enjoyed cribbage, euchre, and darts, and was often a regular at the local Legions for these events. He also liked to curl and was a proud member of “The Animals”, along with Duck, Rat, and Mad Dog… there must be a few stories behind those nicknames – they made quite the foursome! Donald loved his game shows and rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune. He was also an avid supporter of the Blue Jays, watching them regularly, and who could forget a good Western! No day was complete without reading the local news in the Owen Sound Sun Times and completing the daily crossword! Donkey was a meat and potatoes kind of guy and LOVED his cookies – even as a diabetic! His favourite? No sugar added oatmeal, of course! If asked about his favourite colour, Donald would likely respond, “Black, like my heart!”

It should be no surprise that a “broken” car was his favourite – sorry, I couldn’t resist! Donald was no different from most mechanics and opted to own and drive fixer uppers rather than new. In the winter months, he appreciated the “pennies from Heaven” which always helped his snow blowing business. Donald was a maverick who enjoyed no filter. He said it how it was, and he always treated everyone the same. He could be a pain in the ass, but his heart was always in the right place. He was also known to have a nickname for everyone.

In 2010, dear friend Fred Littlechild died. Prior to his death, Donald promised to care for Fred’s wife, Victoria, and that he did for several years. As he got older, he began to slow down himself. But there was no quit in Donkey. In 2021, the tough decision was made by Donald’s family and with the help of his friends, he was able to transition easily to Summit Place.

He soon called Summit Place in Owen Sound home, where he settled into his own apartment. As his dementia worsened, Donkey moved to assisted living before finally calling long-term care his final home. His fellow residents and the staff truly became his second family, and for that, Donald’s family is truly thankful. Their support and care will never be forgotten.

Sadly, Donald “Donkey” William Donovan, passed away at Brightshores Health Services, Owen Sound, on Monday, September 1, 2025, in his 79th year.

Loving father of Lana Beamish and Darren Donovan, and grandfather of Logan Beamish. Dear brother of Robert of Bancroft, Randal (Ida) of Milestone, Saskatchewan, Wanda Gostick (Earl Reid) of Flesherton, and Jill Harpley (Don Keeting) of Berkeley. Donald will be sadly missed by his nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Mike Croft, Ron Gostick, Thomas Harpley, sister-in-law Katherine Donovan, niece Lisa Donovan, and his parents, John and Doris (McClelland) Donovan.

A casual gathering, honouring Don’s life, will be held at the Chatsworth Legion on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 1 – 4 p.m., with words of remembrance shared at 2 p.m. Private inurnment in Desboro Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to TCDMHA (Township of Chatsworth & District Minor Hockey Association) or Summit Place Residents’ Council would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.