DONOVAN
It is with deep sadness that we, the family of James Donovan, announce his passing on Sunday November 27, 2011 in the Rimbey Extended Care Centre at the age of 88 years.
Jim has lived a long and happy life and now goes to join his wife Rita, the love of his life. Left to cherish his memory are his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his children Patrick (Jeanette) Donovan of Calmar, Barbara (Frank) McKeage of Blackie, Phyllis (Kelvin) Kloss of Blackfalds, Joyce (Greg) Forchuk of Devon, Diane Donovan of Grand Cayman, BWI, and Janet (Gord) of Smoky Lake; thirteen precious grandchildren and twenty-four very precious great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws Dorothy Donovan, Clara Donovan, Francis Sargent, Esther Gustafson, Rose Hoag and Pearl Johnston.
James Clifton Donovan (Jim) was born on October 4, 1923 to James William and Harriet Jane (Jennie) Donovan at their home in Nugent, Alberta. He was the youngest of seven children. Jim attended school at the Bluff Center School. He married Rita Helen Hug on Nov. 17th, 1948 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Bluffton with Father Murphy officiating.
Jim and Rita resided on the family farm for two years. Patrick was born on September 6, 1949 and Barbara was born on October 23, 1950. In 1951, the young family moved to Mirror, Alberta. Jim started working for the CN as a machinist helper. He worked servicing Steam Engines in Nordegg, Rocky Mountain House and Mirror. Phyllis was born on January 1, 1952. Joyce was born on February 8, 1953. Diane was born on July 30, 1959.
In 1959, Jim started working for the Ford Garage in Rimbey. He would drive home to Mirror for the weekends. In 1961, Jim and Rita moved back to Bluffton. Janet was born on July 22, 1962.
While working at the Ford Garage, Jim returned to school for his mechanic papers. He went to SAIT for 2 years and did his last 2 years at NAIT. In 1967 Jim started working as the Mechanic for the County of Ponoka at the Bus Garage in Rimbey. He worked there until his retirement in 1989.
Jim enjoyed his life. He loved the time spent with his children. He took great pride in his grandchildren, and loved to talk about his great-grandchildren. Jim loved to remember the traveling near and far with Rita. He also loved to talk about the trips he took after her passing. He went to Grand Cayman, Mexico (for his Grandson Paul's wedding) and then back to Mexico again twice more with two of his daughters.
Jim loved his wood working shop where he spent many hours making things for his children and grandchildren. Jim enjoyed bowling, floor curling, singing, bingo and doing volunteer work for the Church and Community.
Prayer vigil was held at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Rimbey, Alberta on Wednesday November 30, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Margaret's Catholic Church on Thursday December 1, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. with Father Peter Sharpe celebrant. Interment followed at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Bluffton, Alberta.
If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Margaret's Catholic Church, PO. 8 Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 or to St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery c/o Richard Vandenhoven PO Box 1166 Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca
WILSON'S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
serving Central Alberta with locations in Rimbey and Lacombe in charge of the arrangements.
Phone: (403) 843-3388 or (403) 782-3366.
"A Caring Family, Caring For Families"