Arthur Donovan

Arthur Stephen Donovan
April 4, 1917-October 23, 2013
It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Arthur Stephen Donovan, on October 23, 2013 at the age of 96. Born and raised on a farm in Simpson, Saskatchewan, to Mary and Jack Donovan, Arthur was the second of five children. He was loved and admired by his siblings who predeceased him, Margaret, John, Dennis and Ralph. Arthur left the farm for the east and eventually moved to Toronto, where he met and married the love of his life Anne Stephens (deceased 1983). Arthur and Anne were loving parents to Mary-Eileen, Stephen (Loretta), Shelagh (Michael) and Maureen. Arthur was also the proud grandfather – or ‘Papa’ – of his seven grandchildren, Elysia, Colin, Kathleen, Madelin, Hannah, Connor and Stephen, and his adopted grandchildren Conan and Amanda (Chris), and their children Liam, Emma and Sadie. He will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews.
Arthur initially worked as a tool and die maker alongside his brother John in Sorel, QUE and then in Toronto. It was in Toronto that they started their own business, DONLEE Manufacturing. At the time they sold their business in 1980 it had grown to in excess of 2500 employees with factories in Canada and the U.S.
Arthur was a competitive curler and in retirement turned to golf, and played many games with John and his son Stephen in Limerick, Ireland and Boca Raton, Florida. He continued to be active both physically and mentally, exercising daily and traveling extensively. He was also an avid fan and supporter of his grandchildren at all of their events, sports games and graduations.
Arthur touched all of those that entered his life with his positive outlook, gentle nature and warm smile. He will be remembered as a father figure who quietly inspired not only his family but by many who encountered him.
Friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home, 2035 Weston Road (north of Lawrence Ave.),Weston on Friday, October 25 from 2-4p.m. and 6-8:30p.m. . The funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 26 at 10 AM at St. Gregory’s R.C. Church, 122 Rathburn Road (at Kipling Ave). Many thanks to the team at Sunnybrook Hospital (4C) for their compassion and care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Free the Children and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Please visit our Book of Memories at www.wardfuneral home.com