Ivan Ernest "Ivy" Donovan

1949 - 2017

HAWLEY - Ivan Ernest Donovan, 68, of Hawley passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, October 24th, with his family by his side. Ivy, as he was known to all who knew and loved him, was an organic farmer by trade, a lover of music with a long and diverse playlist, a writer of poetry, a knitter, and an avid reader. He was a trusted friend and devoted husband and father. There were very few things he couldn't repair, build, or nurture. He enjoyed the farm pets throughout the years, motorcycle riding, beach vacations camping on Cape Cod, and a fierce game of Croquet or Cribbage.
Ivy was born in Northampton, MA, on August 29th, 1949. He was the sixth of nine children to Ernest and Ruth Donovan. His early childhood began in Chesterfield, MA until the family moved to Forget Road in Hawley when he was 10. He attended Hawlemont Elementary and Charlemont High School. He was proud to voluntarily enlist in the Army serving a years tour of duty in Vietnam from 1967-1968.
Ivy gained his love for the earth by working with his father on the family farm while growing up and after his discharge from the service. He drove trucks for Stoddard Development Corporation in Stoddard, NH, and log truck and tractor trailer trucks for Cersosimo Lumber out of Brattleboro, VT. He had his own logging business until returning to help his father with the farm which he took over in 1984.
Ivy was a pioneer in the local organic potato market, raising up to 18 different varieties of potatoes. He sold his famous potatoes locally, wholesale to Whole Foods (formerly Bread and Circus) as well as fine restaurants in NYC. For a few years he produced the never to be forgotten Rocky Row Potato Chips.
Ivy will be remembered for his quick wit, bright sense of humor, his energetic outlook, and his dedication to hard work. He touched the lives of many - always leaving a warm and happy memory for all those he spoke with. He was a mentor to many workers on the farm, up and coming farmers, and to anyone who confided in him.
Ivy leaves behind his wife Cinni (Cynthia Fitzroy) of whom he was married 47 years, his daughter Becky whom he raised to love animals, the Earth, and people as he did, sister Lorraine Judd, brothers Glen (and Marilyn), Merle, and David (and Lenny) Donovan, brother in law Bob Fitzroy, sister in law Dawn ( and John) Hope, sister in lawn Brenda (and Nelson) Lanoue, and his god daughters Melanie and Sarah (Hope) as well as his nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.
Ivy's family invites you to celebrate his life and to share fond memories Saturday, October 28th at their home 49 Forget Road, Hawley, MA from 1-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Ivy's name to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway Street, Greenfield, MA 01301
Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls is assisting with arrangements.
To send a message of condolence visit smithkelleherfuneralhome.com