John Bernard Donovan

John passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at St. Mary's Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario at the age of 94. Beloved husband of the late Kathleen (Kay) Donovan (née Cheeseman) (2006). Loving father of Mark of Kitchener, Patricia of Waterloo and Brian (Judy) of Bayfield, dear father-in-law of Christine of Toronto and father of Kevin of Waterloo. Cherished Pop of Gregory (Diana) of Oakville, Anna (Rafael) Diaz Donovan of Edmonton, Tanya (Oliver) of Toronto, Nadia (Christopher) Hintermayer of Waterloo and Poppy of Katie McMahon of Waterloo. Great Pop to Tessa, Sarah, Andrew and Conor. Uncle Jack to his many nieces and nephews. He is survived by sister-in-law, Jeanine Donovan and dear family friend Mary Cameron. Predeceased by son John and siblings, Frank (Norma), Rita Blackman (Herbert), Genevieve, Emmett, Patrick and Nora (Kenneth) McNeeley. John left his family farm in Merrickville, Ontario at 17 years of age in 1942. He worked his way across Western Canada and remained there as a Private in the army, stationed in Chilliwack, BC. until the end of WWII. John began his insurance career, February 1, 1951, and later became a director on the local Life Underwriters' Association (CAIFA) board. He served as a director of the Insurance Brokers Association of Waterloo Region. John obtained his Chartered Life Underwriters' designation (CLU) 1965, and in 1969 John started his general insurance agency in Waterloo, John B. Donovan Insurance Brokers Inc. In 1981, he won the Equitable Life of Canada Leading General Insurance Agent award. In 2001, John celebrated 50 years in insurance. John was known for his involvement in and leadership of a number of local organizations. John was a director of R.A.I.S.E. Home Support for the Elderly for 5-plus years, the head of the local commercial section of the Cancer Society for 3 years, a director of the Catholic Youth Organization, a director of Catholic Family Counselling Services, a volunteer with Canadian Food for Children, and Comboni Missionaries. John was a long-time member of Kitchener Knights of Columbus Council #1504, joining in 1947 and serving as Grand Knight from 1962-1964. He was a member of the Catholic Cursillo Movement. John and his wife Kay were both golf enthusiasts and members of the New Dundee Country Club, joining in 1970 where they enjoyed time with their friends and family. John also sponsored a club favourite, the John B. Donovan Two-Ball tournament. He enjoyed playing hockey, bowling and curling throughout his life and he was passionate about travelling with his wife Kay, and many dear friends and family. Music was another of his passions and he was a member and toured with the Waterloo Regional Police Male Chorus for 10 years. He enjoyed playing euchre and cards with friends and family, and in particular, his grandchildren. John was an ardent fan of his children and grandchildren's activities and a lifelong fan of both the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Blue Jays. John's speciality was to always connect with everyone he met with his warm smiles, stories and jokes. All the angels better get ready to have their legs pulled! John's family will receive relatives and friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2021, at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Private Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church. Interment at Parkview Cemetery. Due to COVID restrictions, relatives and friends must RSVP through the funeral home website to attend his visitation and please wear a face mask. Relatives and friends may also join John's funeral mass via livestream at henrywalser.com/live-streaming. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Comboni Missionaries, Kidsability or Doctors without Borders would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). Please remember to wash your hands, wear your mask, limit your contacts and get tested if you are unwell. Please help prevent other families from feeling the loss we all feel right now. Visit www.henrywalser.com for John's memorial.