Obituary of Garnet ODonnell

With saddened hearts we announce the passing of Garnet O’Donnell of New Bandon, NB. He died at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital on March 18, 2010 after a sudden illness. Garnet was born in New Bandon (February 10, 1925) in the homestead where he lived to his final days. On September 29, 1945 Garnet married Monna Ellen Spencer of Taxis River. He is survived by Monna and his only son Fred O’Donnell and his wife Mavis. Monna has been his faithful and devoted wife for nearly 65 years. Garnet was predeceased by his parents, George and Grace, brothers, Morley, Doyle and Gerald; also, sisters Edythe Passow, Clara Wilson and Marjorie Amos. He leaves behind one brother, Fraser O’Donnell (Olive), sister-in-law, Margaret (Morley) and Mabel (Doyle) O’Donnell and several dear nieces and nephews. Garnet cherished his grandchildren, Darren and Trudy (Sheldon) and great grandchildren, Owen “the big man” O’Donnell and Ava Lace. Garnet was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II; a 60 year plus member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Normandy Branch and a Life Member of the Doaktown Curling Club. Garnet in his early years was an avid hunter and enjoyed the woods especially the Cains River Country. In his youth, he was employed as a woodsworker and later with the Department of National Defence as an Ammunition Worker for 29 years, working in McGivney, Renous and Gagetown. He was a past elder and life member of St. Augustine’s United Church, New Bandon and assisted in the preservation of his little village church throughout the years. Visitation will take place at Miramichi Valley Funeral Home, 7681 Route 8, New Bandon, NB on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 6-9 pm. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branches #78 and # 23 are asked to assemble at the funeral home on Sunday at 5:30 pm for a Legion Tribute Service. A Funeral Service will take place in St. Thomas United Church, Doaktown, NB on Monday, March 22, 2010 at 2 pm with Pastor Lena Medeiros officiating. Interment will take place in the St. Augustine’s United Church Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas United Church, Doaktown, NB or the SPCA.