JAMES EGERTON (BUN) DONEGANI

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JAMES EGERTON (BUN) DONEGANI November 17, 1920 May 14, 2009 Peacefully, at home watching hockey with mum by his side, our dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed on. Dad was born in Saint John, New Brunswick and at age seven moved with his family to Kingsway Avenue in Winnipeg. He attended Grosvenor School and upon graduating from St. John's College School, joined the family business. He operated the Fort Garry Dyers and Cleaners for over three decades. At age 50, dad switched career paths to become an accredited commercial real estate appraiser. He thoroughly enjoyed his employ and newly found comrades at Aronovitch and Leipsic, Royal Trust and Browaty and Associates. At a supper dance at Jack's Place on Pembina Hwy., Bun was swept off his feet by the beautiful, Bette Slocomb. The year was 1941. Thus ensued a 68 year love affair. During the Second World War, Bun served with the R.C.A.F. and was stationed in Tofino, British Columbia. Father had varied interests and passions. He was a voracious reader and a history buff. Gardening soothed his soul in the summers. He was an amateur painter, a bridge player extraordinaire and a patriotic Winnipeg Blue Bomber fan. He loved a good party and he loved a good joke. As well as providing his family with a safe and happy home, the true grit of our father is most evident through his charitable works. In 1957 dad became a member of the Lions Club. He worked tirelessly and with love. He was elected president of the Lions Club of Winnipeg in 1963 to 1964. In 1982 he co-chaired the Lions Club Multiple 5M Convention in Winnipeg. On numerous occasions our dedicated father received the 100% Attendance Award. From 1997 through 1999, Bun was the president of the Lions Club of Winnipeg Housing Centres. In 1998 he was Lion of the Year, and in 2007, he received the 50 year Monarch Milestone Chevron Award. We are blessed to have been inspired by our principled and loving father. Bun, Dad, Grandpa will be greatly missed and always remembered by, his wife, Bette; daughters, Stephani (Brian Cook), Susan (Saul Pilar) and Judith (Jack Meller; grandchildren, Christoper (Gina), Benjamin, Torrance, Caleb and Drew, and great-granddaughters, Stella and Bijou. A celebration of Bun's life will take place 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2009 at Neil Bardal Inc., 3030 Notre Dame Ave., across from Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200-6 Donald St., Winnipeg, R3L 0K6. NEIL BARDAL INC. 204-949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 20, 2009