Bryan Keith Donahue
December 31, 1936 – March 11, 2024
The family of Bryan Keith Donahue are saddened to announce his passing on March 11, 2024 at the age of 86. Bryan was born on the Nimmo homestead in Keppel on December 31st, 1937. He was the eldest of 4 children born to Dorothy (nee Nimmo) and Royden Donahue. They lived on the homestead and then in the Valley Center before moving to Biggar. His early life was spent helping on the family farm, leaving school early to do so. He painted trucks at his Dad’s IH dealership and was quite talented.
He married Marilyn (nee Ross), on August 26th, 1961. They lived in Edmonton briefly while she attended college and he studied to get his Grade 12 equivalency.
Bryan took over the Ross family farm at Perdue in 1964 when Marilyn’s parents retired. They renovated the old Eaton’s catalogue farmhouse and turned it into a welcoming home. Later, they sold the old farmhouse, and built a new bungalow of which he was very proud.
When time permitted, Bryan enjoyed going to the lake, camping with friends, skiing in the mountains, and visiting. He especially delighted in spending time with the babies and little kids in his life. He contributed to the community through his volunteer work with the Perdue Arena (old and new) and the Perdue Complex.
After Marilyn’s passing in 2001, Bryan married Cathy (nee de Bussac) in 2002. During their 21 years together, Bryan and Cathy enjoyed watching their grandchildren in sports, music, dance, drama and other school activities, camping, caring for the farmyard, and visiting. Bryan loved his Kubota tractor and spent many hours mowing and rototilling, and more recently used it as a main mode of transportation around the farm. Bryan and Cathy continued to live on the farm in Perdue until his health concerns made is necessary to move to a house in Biggar in October 2023. Bryan passed at his home, as he had wanted. His family will miss his independent spirit, his wit, and his love and support.
Bryan is lovingly remembered by his wife of 21 years, Cathy; daughters Erin (Murray) and their children, Mandy (Aaron) and family Addy and Dex; Zoë (Wren) and Danica; Joanne (Wayne) and their children Shane (Sarah) and family Leo; and Aidan (Danielle); Kerry (Troy) and children Taryn and Hilary; Cathy’s sons, Todd (Heather) and their children, Josh (Emily), Nathan, Blake and Cohen; Chris (Rhonda) and their children Bryn (Bryce) and Grady (Jayden); Ian (Erin) and their children Garrett (McKenna) and Andon (Amy); mother-in-law Yolande; and siblings, Marlene and Dennis. Bryan was predeceased by his first wife Marilyn (2001); and brother Terry (2022).
A Celebration of Bryan’s life will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 2:00PM at the Perdue Recreation Complex. In lieu of flowers, donations for Bryan may be directed to The Perdue Recreation Complex or the Perdue Cemetery.
Bryan Keith Donahue
December 31, 1936 - March 11, 2024
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