Obituary of Donald Gordon McKelvie

On April 1, 2017, the everlasting God wrapped his arms around Donald Gordon McKelvie and welcomed him home to live and reign with Him forever. Born on March 14, 1941 in Saint John NB, he was the son of the late William Joseph and Beatrice (Nelson) and the loving husband of his sweetheart Carol Marie (Craig) who for 53 years - 61 years if you count all the courting he did before her dad, Ralph gave his blessing. Donnie devoted his life to caring for the needs of his family and friends and treasured the times spent with those he loved. He loved ‘hunting’ - actually walking through the woods as he wouldn’t shoot an animal if it stood right in front of him. We think he actually took treats. He worked tirelessly for many charities including the Thyroid Foundation of Canada and was a founding member of the Motion Picture Pioneers Association of Canada. People have said you couldn’t out give Donnie McKelvie. Donnie worked for Universal Films for 37 years, starting as a film splicer eventually becoming the General Manager. After his time at Universal, Donnie became an independent film broker, owning his own company - Atlantic Theater Services for the last 26 years. Donnie was well loved and respected in the industry by those he worked with and the clients he represented. In addition to his love of his family, Donnie had a great love for music. If there was a campfire you’d find Donnie with guitar in hand and his dog Bud by his side, playing the Twelfth of Never for Marie and Sonny’s Dream, Buddy Holly, Merle Haggard, and all the greats for those who loved to listen. He was also a prolific songwriter, penning and producing many songs with his son William "BJ" in Nashville Tennessee. Donnie was the proud father of his two sons: Mark (also a song-writer) and William Joseph (Francine) and his favourite daughter Dawn-Marie (Marc); and the ‘oh so proud’ Grandpa of Liam and Aidan (Hannah), and Rylie and Hannah; sisters, Christina Mahoney, Mable "Mamie" Freeze (Ernie) and Betty Smith; brothers-in-law Jim McCarron and Ralph Craig; sisters-in-law Wilma McKelvie and Jane Tippet; many nieces and nephews. Donnie was sadly predeceased by his brothers Ronald McKelvie and Douglas Tippet; sisters Elsie McCarron and Barbara Craig; as well as brothers-in-law Wilfred Mahoney and Gordon Smith. Donnie’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff and volunteers of Bobby’s Hospice for the excellent care that was provided to him. The compassion and support shown towards Donnie and his family will never be forgotten. A funeral service will be held at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) at 2pm, Wednesday April 5th. The family will be greeting friends and relatives at Brenan’s on Monday April 3rd and Tuesday April 4th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Interment will take place in Ocean View Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick, Canadian Cancer Society, and Autism Speaks Canada.