BORN

1928

DIED

2016

Donald Kavanagh Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 28, 2016.

Donal Kavanagh
Peacefully after a brief illness on Sunday December 25, 2016 at the age of 88. Predeceased by his beloved wife Cecilia. Devoted father to Michael (Stephanie). Lovingly remembered as their dear Poppa by grandchildren Siobhan, Aodhan and Loughlin. Beloved uncle of Sue (Eric), Jeff, Ryan, Julia, Richard and Tom. Predeceased by his parents Miceal and May and siblings, Nuala (Wallace), Brian, and Ide. Lovingly remembered by his siblings Niall (Gertie) and Muriel. He will be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews and dear friends. Fondly remembered as a gentle, kind and generous man who was fiercely proud of his Irish heritage. His passion for playing traditional Irish music was a driving force in his life which brought his fellow musicians and all who heard him play, great joy. Well remembered as a founding member of the Ottawa Gaels Gaelic Football Club and an original and long-time member of the Irish Society of Ottawa. Visitation will be held at Racine, Robert & Gauthier Beauchamp Funeral Home, 47 Denise Friend, Gatineau (Aylmer) on Tuesday, January 10 from 2 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, January 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 160 rue Principale, Gatineau (Aylmer). Donations in lieu of flowers to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Kavanagh

Sponsored by Maison funeraire Racine, Robert & Gauthier Beauchamp Funeral Home.

What is your first memory of Donald?

Share a favorite memory you have of Donald.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Donald.

Describe a time when Donald made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Donald?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Donald.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Donald.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Donald.

What is something you learned from Donald?

Not sure what to say?

34 Entries

February 21, 2017

Michael,Stephanie and family. So saddened to hear of your dad's passing. He played for my mom's (Peggy Kendellan) Irish dancers beginning in the early 60's. I spoke with him briefly in Nov. to tell of Peggy's passing. He was a great friend of hers and she always heard from him at Christmas. A wonderful kind, caring person he was, and a very telented musician. RIP Don.
Susan Kendellan Doucette,
Langley, BC

January 10, 2017

Neil Gunning

May he Continue to Sleep with the Angles RIP.

January 10, 2017

Florence Buyondo

We the members of Kisumba Foundation family, we wish to convey our deep heart felt sorrow for the passing on of our dear friend,mentor, great sponsor and supporter of our program for the disabled people of Uganda, Buwama- South of Kampala.

He has supported us for over 10 years to raise the literacy among the children with disabilities,particularly mental disability.
All members who have benefited from his support will live to remember him always.

"The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

January 10, 2017

John O'Flynn

Sympathies from the The Canadian Gaelic Athletic Association to the friends and family of Donal. He was a valued member of the Association for the promotion of Gaelic Games in Ontario, Quebec and beyond. May he rest in peace.

Posted by John O'Flynn

January 10, 2017

Marcia Colquhoun

What a wonderful man was Uncle Donal (as he was known to my son and me). Always generous with his words, his kindness, his spirit, and (of course) his music. He will be missed by many. Our love and thoughts are with Michael (and family) and Sue (and family). With much love, Marcia and Xander

January 10, 2017

Florence Buyondo

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE
We the members of Kisumba Foundation family, we wish to convey our deep heart felt sorrow for the passing on of our dear friend,mentor, great sponsor and supporter of our program for the disabled people of Uganda, Buwama- South of Kampala.
He has supported us for over 10 years to raise the literacy among the children with disabilities,particularly mental disability.
All members who have benefited from his support will live to remember him always.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Florence Buyondo
Programs Coordinator.

Matthew 25:40
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

January 10, 2017

Stephen McCarthy

I knew Don only as a fellow session player but always admired his gentle ways and his musicianship.

My best memory of him was when I was attending a Chieftains concert at the National Art Centre and Paddy Moloney called Don up on the stage to play a few tunes with them.

My heartfelt condolences to the family and to all of us who will miss the lilt of his voice and the sound of his harmonica.

January 10, 2017

Jennifer

Sue, Eric and family, very sorry for the loss of your beloved Uncle Donal. Sincere condolences on his passing. May God Rest his Soul in Eternal Peace.

January 9, 2017

Michael, Stephanie and family.
All of us at The Irish Seniors Group
send our condolences on the loss of Dad
and Grandad. We mourn his loss along with you as Don and indeed Celie were
among the original members of our group. Who can forget his music, his
annual support for the Kasumba Mission
and his annual collection of warm
clothing for the less fortunate among us.
Slan Abhaile Don.

January 6, 2017

Charles (Chuck) Hart

Such a beautiful person and friend. A rich life well lived that touched so many people, far beyond the traditional music community where he wound up settling. But in that regard, be it Irish, Ottawa Valley, Newfie, Quebecois, you name it, when it was music played with talent and heart Don was there, a relentless supporter and promoter.

Good fortune brought me to living around the corner from Don and Celie these past dozen years or so: "C'ead Mile Failte" a fixture outside the front door on Elizabeth Street. No truer words could ever be said about the warmth and hospitality to be found within.

Not that long ago I lent them the Dublin film, Once, with Glen Hansard, and it was a good while before I got the DVD back. According to Don, the two of them had watched it three times through in quick succession--he borrowed it again later on when relatives visited.

Many will know that Don kept careful note of loans of this sort he himself made, books and the like, ... which meant you never had to worry about seeing your own such treasures returned.

The gift of the piano at the end of that film was especially resonant and personal for Don. For the way he had gone about living. We could use a lot more like him in this world.

January 6, 2017

Mike , Stephanie and family , so sorry for your heart, Don is part of many memories of great music and kindness, he is sadly missed
Catherine Ramsey

January 5, 2017

Sue, Eric & Family. Very sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences from the Delta, B.C.

January 5, 2017

Mike, Stephanie and Family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Sincere condolences.
Helen Templeman

January 5, 2017

Mike, Stephanie and family

our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time.

Ryan, Karen, Stacey, Ashley, Kayden Mahoney

January 5, 2017

Judy Kavanagh

I have lots of good memories of playing tunes with Don at sessions. He was a lovely man and we'll miss him.

January 5, 2017

Joan McKay

Deepest sympathy to Don's family & friends. He and Celie were two of the kindest, most compassionate people I knew. Joan McKay

January 4, 2017

Ian Clark

All my memories of Don are musical ones - Many sessions, many, tunes, many friendly chats. A musical highlight for me was from 2004, when Don asked me to play guitar accompaniment for him at the Goderich Celtic Festival. Don was the guest of honour at the Festival that year, since he was being recognized for his contribution to traditional music.
The musicians that play Irish music in Ottawa have lost an inspiring friend. My condolences to Michael and family.

January 4, 2017

Craig Hamm

We both looked up to Don. Our own lives privileged and enriched by knowing him, and his dearest Cecelia. We will miss his lovely and heartfelt music making, his energy, his wisdom, and his friendship. Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Craig & Paty

January 4, 2017

Gerry Strong

I first met Don many years ago at a session in Ottawa and have been lucky enough to meet and play with him here in Newfoundland and in Ottawa a couple of times since. In the few brief meetings we've had he has left me with a lot of memories I'll cherish. I'm sure his 88 years have left you with many more memories, cherish each one of them, he was a lovely man.

January 4, 2017

Ann Downey

I was so sorry to hear of Don's passing. I was lucky in that I got to play music with the lovely gentleman many times. We will miss his twinkle and his sense of humour, and his hornpipes and airs, of course. My condolences to the family and his friends.

January 4, 2017

Michelle,Derek and family

No matter wherever he is Mike, your Dad will always now be with your Mom watching over you. They will be with you forever....

January 4, 2017

Sophia & Charlie McFadden

Michael, Stephanie & Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your dad and poppa. Don was one of the first people we met in Canada 50 Years ago. He was loved and will be sorely missed.

January 4, 2017

Gisele Gilfillan

I will be thinking of you this week especially Mike and Stephanie - and your extended family Mike as you gather, sharing tears and laughter - and many stories I'm sure. Bless you during this time of loss....with much heart,

January 4, 2017

Tim MacAleese

I feel privileged and honoured to have been able to meet Don and hear his music and joyful expression. Mike, my love, thoughts, prayers, sympathy and condolences to you and your family.

January 4, 2017

Frank Cassidy

Farewell Donal my friend

January 4, 2017

Jean Hewson

Posted by Jean Hewson

January 4, 2017

Jean Hewson

Michael and family, Don had many friends and admirers here in Newfoundland. He was a sterling human being and a wonderful musician. Don and Celie were two of the finest people I ever met. Their kindness, humour and hospitality were unparalleled. I consider myself very lucky to have called them friends. My deepest condolences to you at this time, he will be so missed!

January 4, 2017

Susan McCarthy

Sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a gentleman and a wonderful musician. All the best!

January 4, 2017

Mary Prud'homme

Michael and family,
Meeting your dad briefly in his final days in hospital was a privilege. He was a gentleman to the end.
I enjoyed our chat on Christmas Eve and wish you peace.

January 4, 2017

Colleen Downey

I am so sorry and saddened to read about Dons' death. Don was a good friend of my fathers (Jim Downey)and I got to know him through my involvement with the Irish Society. Such a gentle and caring man. Such a great loss for the Irish community. Rest in peace Donal.

January 4, 2017

Marc Wigle

Don was such a good man and he will be missed. I hope God likes Irish music. :)

January 4, 2017

Michael Fahey

Michael,Stephanie and Family..Sorry for your loss.

January 4, 2017

Bernie & Margaret Carroll

Michael, Stephanie & family,
Our deepest sympathy to you on the death of your dad & poppa.
A truly genuine man, and a legend in the Celtic music . He will be missed by so many, but will always be remembered with love & respect . Rest in
peace Don.

January 4, 2017

Hello michael. So sorry to learn of the death of your Father. We had many good chats over the years outside St. Patricks. Will enjoy his CD even more. He was a real gem of a gentleman. Take care. Des Kavanagh, Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results

Make a Donation
in Donald Kavanagh's name

Memorial Events
for Donald Kavanagh

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Maison funeraire Racine, Robert & Gauthier Beauchamp Funeral Home

47 Denise Friend, Aylmer, QC J9H3A8

How to support Donald's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald Kavanagh's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more