Brian Michael Donovan

B rian Michael Donovan, 73, of Toronto passed away peacefully on 19 January 2022. Brian was born to Thomas James "Jim" and Sarah "Sally" (Coady) Donovan on 19 May 1948 in Glace Bay, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. He spent his first ten years as a resident of the town of Dominion, Cape Breton Island before moving to Boston with his family. He continued his schooling in the Boston area until he enlisted in the United States Marines and was deployed to Vietnam. After his tour of duty Brian became involved in the antiwar movement and in later life volunteered with Vets Canada providing support to returning Canadian Veterans. Brian made a living as a Boston Taxi driver and tour bus operator before retiring to Toronto.

In his retirement, Brian enjoyed reading (he was a devoted library patron and voracious consumer of books), and spending time at the many museums of Toronto, especially The Art Gallery of Ontario. He enjoyed politics, history and culture and would follow current events, often posting about them on social media.

Brian’s love of children and family was clear. He enjoyed travelling to Boston to spend time with his many nieces and was delighted to discover he had a brother in England through Ancestry.com. Although meeting in person was not possible due to the pandemic a bond was quickly forged.

Brian is survived by his brother Paul Cressy (Carole) his nieces, Kimberly Haverstock, Cynthia Donovan, Connie Archibald, Beth Donovan, Kelly Odo, Tanya Donovan, Dawn Thompson, Barbara Graziano nephews Dave Bradley, Blair Steele, Andrew Nutbeen, Gareth Nutbeen, Kristian Cressy, Stuart Cressy and Kevin Cressy and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

Brian is predeceased by his father Jim Donovan, mother Sally Donovan brothers Jim (Margaret) Donovan, Dan (Janette) Donovan, John Donovan, Jim Nutbeen (Norma) sisters Diane MacLean, Barbara Donovan, Anne McNeil, nieces Kimberly Steele, Sally Steele and nephew Dan Donovan. A scattering of ashes ceremony will take place in his beloved Cape Breton Island this summer. If you’d like to honor his legacy, please make a donation to The Salvation Army in Brian’s name.