George Murray Donovan passed away in Fredericton, NB on August 18, 2010 after a 3 month struggle with pancreatic cancer. George was born in Woodstock, NB on August 27, 1938. He was the son of James and Catherine (Frederick) Donovan. George grew up on the family farm at Skiff Lake, NB and graduated from Canterbury Regional High School in 1956. He then enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving two years at College Royal Militaire, five years as a Radio Navigator with Maritime Command and over 30 years as an Air Traffic Control officer. He retired in 1994 and moved to Fredericton in 1995. During his career George served across Canada from Goose Bay, Labrador to Whitehorse, Yukon. He also served 7 years in Germany on two separate tours. George enjoyed his retirement keeping busy with various projects at both his home in Fredericton and at the family homestead at Skiff Lake, making wine, walking the family dogs and spending time with his family and friends. George was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Josephine (Haley) Donovan. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sylvia (Sedor) Donovan; his daughter, Michelle (Martin) Beam; his son, Michael (Judy) Donovan and grandchildren, Christopher Tijssen, Sarah Donovan, Sean Donovan; sister in law, Stephanie (Sedor) McNee and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Funeral Mass will be held from St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church, 1 William Street, Fredericton, NB on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 11 am with Father John Jennings officiating. Interment will take place in the St. Thomas Roman Catholic Cemetery, Canterbury, NB. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit, the New Brunswick Wildlife Federation, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Personal condolences may be offered through York Funeral Home Ltd., 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton. www.yorkfh.com