Harry Morin Donovan

About

Antioch College

Harry Donovan Obituary

Harry Morin DONOVAN Harry Morin Donovan lost his courageous fight with throat cancer Wednesday, 23 Septem ber, 2009. Born 3 July 1943 in Bath, Maine where he spent his boyhood summers acquiring his life long love of all things sailing. Harry graduated from Antioch College in Ohio with degrees in engineering and theater which eventually lead to all things rock 'n roll. Starting out as lighting designer (difficult for a man with little rhythm), electrician and then on to rigging. Hanging lights, sound and scenery for more than 4,000 one-nighters over a 22 year career. Harry was most proud that having rigged over 200,000 points he never had anything fall. Harry founded Donovan Rigging, in 1988 where he provided services for new projects, venues and installations (permanent systems for the Chicago Bulls Arena, the Phoenix Suns Arena, airplanes at the Museum of Flight in Seattle and for a large shopping center in Chicago to name a few). He also did inspec tions and investigations of rigging accidents and testified as an expert witness. Harry also was producer for the AA International convention's three large arena shows, held every five years. After his touring days ended, Harry spent time writing his book Entertainment Rigging and developed a software program he called Rig Right. With the new book in hand and his passion for safety, he formed Rigging Semi nars. Here Harry could impart is experience and knowledge to anyone who would listen; stating that hundreds of thousands of pounds of equipment are hung over people's heads every day and people need to have better education and safety, above everything else, must come first. Harry was a longtime member of IATSE, USITT and ESTA (where he was instrumental in establish ing requirements and testing for rigging certification). Harry's reputation as a teacher was fa mous worldwide and garnered him great respect and admiration. Harry's personal life was filled with all the things he loved and shared with his wife Patty, who survives him. Harry is also survived by his mother Constance Donovan and brother Tom Donovan of George town, ME, brother Robert Donovan and wife Sara; niece Emma and nephew Jesse of Emb den, ME; sister Gail Donovan Kesich, husband Greg; nieces Lydia-Rose and Zora of Portland, ME and sister Kaja currently in Brazil. Also survived by members of the Berg family in Boise, ID. Donations to The Center for Wooden Boats. Memorial Cele bration to follow at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Sep. 27 to Oct. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Donovan

12 Entries

Sarah Howell

October 26, 2009

Dear Patty,

My condolences to you, and to the rest of Harry’s family. I am so sad that I didn’t get to say goodbye. My giant blue chart of Vancouver Island hangs in my bedroom, where it is among the first and last things that I see each day. In my mind, I often retrace my sailing trips with Harry. They remind me that anything is possible, and that beautiful places still exist. I loved sailing with Harry, and then listening to his stories at night. He told me about so many adventures from his life that I felt like I knew him longer than I really did. Because he figured out how to rig his boat so he could keep sailing with a broken back, he taught me to look at life differently. He will remain a great inspiration to me, and he will live on in my memories.

October 11, 2009

We knew Harry from our days at Antioch College, over forty years ago. He brought a unique richness into our lives as he shared his adventures with us, the good, bad, and exciting.

During his touring years, Harry visited us at our various homes across the US, from California to New York. Our girls knew him as "Uncle Harry" and loved motorcycle rides with him. Harry's presence at Erica's wedding meant a great deal to her. He also lectured in Roger's Sociology classes at Alfred University about the social implications of organizing crews and workgroups at each new venue.

He was a unique, talented, wonderful person and a true friend. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Diane Straus

October 9, 2009

Patty,

We've known and loved Harry for a very long time -- well over forty years! We've seen him in all sorts of situations, his strengths and weaknesses illuminated by all kinds of lights. Throughout, he's been a good, kind, thoughtful, amazing man . . . nearly perfect if you ignore his occasional human flaws and foibles.

He was a dear friend and we will miss him terribly.

"They are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind." (Shoshone proverb)

Dick Birnbaum and Pamela Okano

Robin Roth

October 8, 2009

Much sadness and sympathy on Harry's passing. He will be missed by so many, including old friends going back 40+ years to Antioch days. Even then Harry was called "a legend in his own time."
Harry will live on in our memories, just as he loved to reminisce. To quote Chief Seattle "Dead, did I say? There is no death, only a change of worlds." But our world will feel the loss.

Carol Stone

October 4, 2009

Patty, Harry's shining light is gone, but the path you blazed together is etched in your heart forever so you can never get lost. Heart to heart, my friend. Carol

Fred Bunting

October 1, 2009

Patty, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Condolences to the whole family. Harry was an inspiration to many of us.

DENNIS PETERSON

September 30, 2009

Patty,
I only knew Harry for such a short time, but I will always remember his enthusiasm when he spoke of his career and his saling. Our hearts goes out to you in this time of grief.

Dennis & Nancy

Scott Thompson

September 29, 2009

Patty, I'm so sorry to hear about Harry's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.

Jerry Levey

September 28, 2009

My condolences to Patty, Donovan and Berg families on the loss of Harry. A life fully lived is bittersweet in passing.

Melissa Watters

September 28, 2009

He will be missed greatly - our sympathy is with you, Patty and family. We love you both.

Bruce Smith

September 28, 2009

Bruce W. Smith, Author of the book On Rope, teacher of technical rigging for rescue and recreation, designer of rope rescue gear and owner of On Rope 1, Inc. in Chattanoga, TN. Event rigging was never my passion, but I share a lifetime of passion for rigging in my world. I have admired Mr. Donovan's work from afar for some time. He was one of the few real riggers who engineered and calculated each piece of their creations. I have for some time wished to meet and share my admiration and appreciation for the intensity and fine edge that he took event rigging. His shoes may never be filled. He is to me one of those apostles that are inspirational and I find myself quoting from his works and reading from his book to my students. He did and will continue to make a significant impact on all those who aspire to be great riggers. I will miss his very real presence.

Scott "Punko" Holloway

September 27, 2009

I knew Harry from a tour we did together in 1976 with KISS. We rode the bus together, and got to know each other well. I always looked forward to coming through Seattle on tour, in hopes of seeing him. His book on entertainment rigging is a welcome reference in a very gray area. Harry's life was certainly well lived. My condolences to all his family on their loss.

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