ALFRED BERNARD DONAHUE

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ALFRED BERNARD DONAHUE It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Alfred Bernard Donahue Sr., of Winnipeg, MB, on December 4, 2003. He died peacefully with his family at his side. Born on July 7, 1928, in Providence, RI, Al was the tenth and youngest child of Patrick and Christine (nee McKay) Donahue. All of his brothers and sisters predeceased him. Al was named for Alfred Smith who was the first Catholic to run for the Presidency of the United States in 1928. In 1946 Al enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served for two terms. In 1949, while stationed in Nassau, Al fell in love with and married the late Ida (nee Becker) who passed away in 1994. They had three children. Al was lucky enough to find love "a second time around," and on June 23, 1996, he married Rose. Al is survived by his beloved wife Rose of Winnipeg; his daughter Joan Virginia Saunders of San Diego, CA; his son Al Donahue Jr. and girlfriend Lea Todd of Winnipeg; his daughter Christine Adele and son-in-law Mark Johannesson of Edmonton, AB. In addition, Al is survived by his extended family, Roses children, grandchildren and family: Doug (Roses son) Rogowski, wife Tammie-Lee and their children, Caitlin and Michael, Nancy Beaulieu (Roses daughter) and husband Corey. Al is also survived by his in-laws, Egnace and Mary Marchak of Gimli, MB, and Roses sisters and families. Al found great comfort in his Catholic faith and was a long-standing member of the Knights of Columbus. Employed by the UpJohn Company of Canada for over 30 years, Al received many accolades, including once being named "National Manager of the Year." Al loved music, most especially all Irish music. He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage, and he possessed a fine Irish tenor voice, which he loved to raise in song especially around St. Patricks Day. Al was an avid reader. Appropriately nicknamed, "King of the one-liners," Als wonderful sense of humour was enjoyed by all and remained evident even during his brief illness. While serving in the Marines, Al was "scouted" by The Boston Red Sox; however, he was unwavering in his loyalty to "his" New York Yankees. Prior to his short illness, Al played baseball on a senior mens league and bowled every week. Most importantly, Al enjoyed everyday. He loved the time he spent with members of his family and activities that included family dinners, grandparenting Caitlin, Michael and their dog, Meesha, having coffee at Polo Park with longtime family friend Joyce Clark, summers spent by the pool, and Monday lunches with his son Al Jr. In accordance with Als wishes, cremation has taken place and funeral mass will be celebrated by Father Wayne Morrissey at St. Peters Church, 748 Keewatin St., at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 9. Honorary pallbearers include Al Donahue Jr., Mark Johannesson, Doug Rogowski, Corey Beaulieu, Doug Morrison, Joe Hrankowski, Claire Lockhart and Wayne Chung. A family interment will take place at a later date. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr.Borrett and the medical and nursing staff at the Grace Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare or a charity of your choice. Papa Al, you touched our lives with your kindness, generosity, love and friendship. We love you and will miss you terribly. May you rest in eternal peace. "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28.20 Cropo Funeral Chapel 586-8044

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 06, 2003