Obituary of Arnold Donovan

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Arnold (Arnie) Joseph Donovan. Arnie was born in Saint John, NB on April 16, 1934 and was the son of the late Morris L. Donovan and Pearl (Slovitt) Donovan. He was also pre-deceased by his two brothers Peter (Pete) and William (Bill) Donovan. Arnie was married to his beloved wife and partner Marjorie Stone for 61 years. He was a lifelong resident of the City of Saint John and Quispamsis New Brunswick. Arnie is survived by his wife Marjorie and his four children: Wendell of Saint John, David and Petrina (Melski) Quispamsis, Nancy (Thomas Creamer) Quispamsis, and Susan (Rick MacMichael) Quispamsis. Arnie was the very proud and loving Grandfather (Gramp) of his five grandsons Scott (Heather McFarlane), Corey (Heather Woodland), James (Gillian Goodwin), David, and Matthew (Ashley Daley). He adored his two granddaughters Mackenzie and Adrijana, and his eight great grandchildren: Avery, Miley, Rhys, Logan, Lydia, Reid, Audrey and Caroline. He cherished his special time with all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Arnie is also survived by his sisters Alice (Tiggy) Johnson, Barbara (Don Boucher), Lauren (Joseph Bouchard), and his sister-in-law Rose Whittaker Donovan, as well as several nieces and nephews. Arnie’s professional career started as Credit Manager at BF Goodrich many years ago. He then became Managing Director of the Saint John Merchants Association and the Credit Bureau of Saint John, from 1956 until 1973. In 1973 he acquired the ownership of the Credit Bureau of Saint John (1973) Ltd. becoming CEO and sole owner. He retired from business in 1991 after thirty seven years of service in the credit industry. He spent many years building his business, while at the same time being a devoted and busy husband and father. During Arnie’s career he was an active member of the Quality Block Business Group, where he operated his business at 107 Germain Street for many years. He was a former Past President of Associated Credit Bureaus of Atlantic Canada, and an active member of Associated Credit Bureaus of Canada. He studied for a period of time at Princeton University where he perfected his skills in the Credit Management field. Arnie devoted his time to many volunteer organizations over the years including being one of the organizers of the annual Saint John Santa Claus parade in the late 1960’s and 1980’s. He served as a Board member of the Rothesay Regional Police Department from 1999 to 2004. Arnie played a key leadership role, and was most proud of, the construction of the new building that now houses the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force. Some of Arnie’s most cherished times were summers spent at Green Acres Trailer Park on Grand Lake with his family and friends. For many years he and his wife Marge were active members of the The Thomist’s Dance Club always enjoying music from the big band era. Arnie taught his two daughters how to jive at a very young age, "a life skill" he always said that everyone should have. Arnie was an avid cribbage player and enjoyed playing various card and board games with his family. Sometimes he would even let them win. He was well versed on current events and always enjoyed talking about the problems of the world. Arnie took great pride in his home and could be seen most days tending to his property, washing his car, mowing the lawn, snow blowing the driveway, or helping out a neighbour. Arnie and Marge celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary last year together with their family and friends. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all of the Nurses and Doctors who gave such warm and compassionate care to Arnie. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) where visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 14 from 2-5 and 6-8. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 15 at 12 noon from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Rothesay, NB, interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Romero House. Online condolences can be placed at www.brenansfh.com