Obituary of Byron Gerard Donovan

Byron Gerard Donovan, 67 Truro, N.S. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Byron Gerard Donovan, age 67, of Truro, N.S., on Monday, May 20th, 2024. Born on May 11, 1957, in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, he was the son of the late Herbert and Mary (Caume) Donovan of Glace Bay. Byron will be dearly missed by his devoted wife and best friend, Ginny MacAulay also of Glace Bay, N.S.; sons Terry (Christina), Dartmouth, N.S. and Brendan, Halifax, N.S.; daughters Sonia (Adam) Clark, Dartmouth, N.S. and Katelyn, Truro, N.S.; grandchildren Patrick (Elizabeth), St. John, N.B., Nicholas, Connor and Natalie Dartmouth, N.S., and Nash, Truro, N.S. Byron is survived by his brother Terry (Irene), Pictou, N.S. and sisters Marilyn (Will) Santin, Ont., Trisha (Rick) DellaVella, Ont. Maria (Dave) Cherevaty, Ont., Brenda Donahue, Glace Bay, N.S., and Cathy Pyatt, B.C., along with sister in-law Dannette (Alan) Donovan and many nieces, nephews, and god-children. In addition to his parents, Byron was predeceased by his brother Alan Donovan, Glace Bay, N.S., and brother-in-law Barry Donahue, Glace Bay, N.S. Byron is best known for his love and devotion to his family, especially his grandchildren. In recent times he was rarely seen without little Nash tucked up under his wing. He couldn’t wait to take Nash for a ride in his fire truck, “Dyna.” Byron was always up for any chance to spend time together, whether at home, at a camp, on a road trip or at a backyard barbeque or picnic. He also had a special place in his heart for his kitties Zoey and KitKat and everything ducks. In his younger years, Byron worked in Devco No. 26 Colliery, Glace Bay, N.S. He studied at Cape Breton University and taught at NSCC in Sydney, N.S. before turning his career interests to Health and Safety. Health and Safety brought him all over the province, as well as abroad through Learn Corp., developing training and programs to keep people safer in their workplace. In more recent years, he enjoyed semi-retirement, splitting his time between Truro, NS, and the Cape Breton Countryside, including Grand River, L’Ardoise, and Iona. Byron was an active member of the Truro Chapter of Delta Waterfowl. In recent years, he also volunteered with the Celtic Colours Music Festival in Cape Breton, N.S. Byron enjoyed fishing, a love he shared with his son, Brendan. He enjoyed boating and cottage life. Byron helped many friends and relatives over the years to build or renovate their homes or cottages. If you needed help with something, he’d show up. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024, between the hours of 12:00-1:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service beginning at 1:00 p.m., in T.J. Tracey Funeral Home, 370 Reserve St, Glace Bay, N.S. 902-849-4199. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke foundation. Online condolences may be sent to family by visiting: www.tjtracey.com “Dad, your memory is our keepsake, with which we will never part, God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.” xoxo