Donald Owen Cleland MIRAMICHI, NB - Donald Owen Cleland of King St., Miramichi, passed away peacefully at the Miramichi Regional Hospital, Saturday, January 8, 2005. Born in Truro, NS, December 23, 1923, he was the son of the late Benjamin Johnson (BJ) Cleland and Muriel Alice (Keirstead) Cleland. Don was predeceased by his wife, Yvette Marie Cleland, (daughter of Colonel Arthur and Margaret Kennedy Leger) 1963; daughter, Karen Lee Cleland, 1991; sisters, Peggy Sutherland, Anna Cook and Mary K. Cleland; and brothers, Ted, John and Ben. He is survived by his life partner, Dianne M. Arsenault, King St., Miramichi; daughters, Donna Anne Thompson (Christy), Edmonton, AB, Margaret Mary Cleland, Saint John, NB; and son, William B. Cleland (Diane), Saint John, NB. He is also survived by four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Don lived in Dartmouth as a youth and enjoyed rowing and sailing at the local rowing club. During World War II, he served with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders and participated in the Normandy Landing where he was wounded twice. After the war he attended Halifax Business College and then joined his family on the Miramichi to help with the running of the British Canadian Pitwood Ltd., where he eventually became Vice President. Don also owned and operated the Variety Shop on the square in Newcastle. He later worked in Fredericton from 1971 to 1987 with the Provincial Government in the Department of Finance. Don enjoyed his retirement at home on the Miramichi, where he was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #10. By request there is no visitation at the funeral home. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at 2pm at Maher's Funeral Home Chapel, Miramichi, with Pastor Willard Watling officiating. Interment in Miramichi Cemetery in the spring. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the NB Heart and Stroke Foundation. Arrangements are under the care of Maher's Funeral Home, Miramichi, NB. Telephone 773-4321.