Donald John Roper
Born In: Glace Bay
Passed in: Reserve Mines
Passed on: February 19th, 2016
It is with profound sadness that we the family of Donald John Roper announce his passing at his residence on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, at the age of 72.
Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of Ann Catherine (MacIntyre) Roper and the late Donald Smith Roper of Bridgeport.
He was a longtime resident of Reserve Mines and was a member of St. Joseph’s parish.
In his early years, Donald worked for Eastern Bakeries and Kenmount Ford. He later worked in construction and formed his own company; Roper Construction, then D. Roper Services. Donnie had been involved in volunteer organizations throughout his life, such as the Dominion, Reserve, Gardiner Kinsmen Club, where he had served as president.
As well as his mother Ann; Donald is survived by his daughter Donna and son-in-law Barry Rogers; his two precious grandsons, Zachary and Lucas Rogers; who will miss their wonderful poppa terribly. Poppa treasured the times he spent with his boys whether riding on the motorcycle or fixing things in the garage. He will also be sadly missed by brothers, Ernie (Norma), Glace Bay, Doug (Brenda), Camrose, Alberta; brothers in-law, Tommy Reid, Amherst, Brian (Mevy) Reid, Glace Bay, Jim (Sonia) Reid, Arichat, Keith (Jan) Reid, Etobicoke, Ont.; sisters in-law, Margie Brufatto, Dominion, Viola (Greg) O’Leary, Reserve Mines, Diane (Terry) Roberts, Mira, Anita (Tom) McMullin, Lingan and Melissa Villa, Glace Bay. Also surviving are aunts, Lena Sweeney, New Waterford and Calista Poirier, Dominion. 'Uncle Donnie' will be deeply missed by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Besides his father, Donald Smith Roper, he was also predeceased by his loving wife of 48 years, Norma (Reid), infant daughter, Ann-Margaret, brother, Wayne, brothers in-law, Jimmy Villa, Richard Brufatto and sister in-law, Karen Reid.
Visitation for Donald will be held Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. A funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016 in St. Joseph’s Church in Reserve Mines, with Fr. Daniel Boudreau officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Interment will be held at a later date in the parish cemetery.
Donations in Donnie’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Online condolences to the Roper family are available through www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
