Obituary of William Anthony Donohue

DONOHUE, WILLIAM ANTHONY “BILL” Jr. – Thank God the Toronto Raptors won. While cheering on his beloved team, with his Raptors hat, scarf, and socks on, Bill died at home, on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at the age of 82.

Bill was the beloved husband of 55 years to his like-minded, and better-looking, wife Victoria Donohue, a non-golfer. Vicki being a non-golfer was what made the marriage last for 55 years. When asked how she felt over the death of her “Dear,” Vicki said, “If the Raptors didn’t get him, I was sure the Toronto Maple Leafs would.”  

Bill, (Pops, Popsey) was a loving and proud (and we’re not at all biased) father of Dr. Mary Donohue (Paul Brent) of Toronto; Mark Donohue (Lisa) of Oakville; Tim Donohue (Erin Crawford) of London, and cherished grandfather of Jia, Jacob and Madelyn.

When asked about their thoughts on the passing of the one man who loved them unconditionally their entire lives, his children unanimously stated that, “We are surprised it didn’t happen on the golf course, when he finally made a putt”

His love of golf, sports, travel, martinis and adventures with his family was usurped only by his propensity to get in and out of the “trickiest” situations, including locking his keys in the car in the worst part of Detroit (and finding some “fine fellows” to open the door, who mysteriously had “jimmy sticks” handy in their trench coats). All incidents of luck were followed always by the words, “Don’t tell your mother!”

His personal quests included running his business, Donohue World Travel, for 30 years, while also volunteering. He served as chair and board member of the Lambton County Roman Catholic Separate School Board for 32 years; was a member of the Sarnia Yacht Club; and volunteered for the Heart and Stroke Society, the Cancer Society and the Catholic Church.

In his spare time Bill became a cowboy. He raised and showed Quarter Horses. He performed beyond all expectations. He even competed and won in the barrel racing category in a distinguished field of one.

Dear brother of John Donohue & Sean, Toronto; Patrick Donohue & Jane, Toronto; Joe Donohue & Maureen, Sarnia;  Irene Donohue, Sarnia; John Humphrey, London; and Colleen Donohue, Toronto. Brother-in-law of Charles (Chuck) Juryn (Wallaceburg). Predeceased by his parents, William & Eileen Donohue, and his sisters Elizabeth, Helen and Mary Eileen Donohue.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 11, 2018 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by his dear friend Fr. Matthew Sobierajski (whom he taught to golf), at 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church.  Private family interment at a later date.  As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to Bluewater Health Foundation, 89 Norman Street, Sarnia, ON, N7T 6S3 or St. Joseph Hospice, 475 N. Christina Street, Sarnia, ON N7T 5W3. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com.