James Wilbert DONOHUE

DONOHUE, James Wilbert (Wil) - Passed away at the age of 76 of a stroke on Monday December 29, 2008 with his wife Geri and brother-in-law Don Lewkoski at his side, at the St. Joseph's General Hospital in Elliot Lake. Wil was born in Percé Québec on February 14, 1932 to Arthur and Beatrice Donohue. He was the third of the family's four children, Clifford (Audrey) deceased, Raymond (deceased) and Eleanor Lewkoski (Don) deceased. His happy childhood was spent in Geraldton, Ontario with his many good friends, Jack Duhaime (deceased), Terry Franks (deceased), Don Lewkoski, Hugh Kielt, Dale Jackson and many others. Upon completion of high school, Wil began work in the mining industry in Geraldton, in the mill department, prior to moving to B.C. with his parents to work in the forestry industry.After returning to Ontario, he attended technical school in Winnipeg for a welding course, then moved to Capreol, Ontario in 1954 and re-entered the mining industry. While there, he met his future wife Geraldine Ledingham, and they were married in 1958 in Ottawa, Ontario and subsequently moved to Elliot Lake where they spent six happy years before relocating to Esterhazy, Saskatchewan for one year, then Saskatoon for 29 years. He and Geri retired to Elliot Lake in May 1994. Wil was predeceased by two sons, John Lawrence (infant son) and Grant Edward. Wil is survived by his wife Geraldine (Geri) of Elliot Lake, sons Michael James (Birgit) of Petawawa, Gregory Arthur (Rachel) of Toronto , grandchildren Melanie Thompson (Bruce), Jennifer Donohue, both of Pembroke, Ryan Donohue of Toronto and great grandchildren Caleb, Leah, Naomi, Shayla along with four nieces, three nephews and many friends. While in the Elliot Lake area, Wil worked first at Pronto Mine, then Stanleigh Mine and finally at Milliken Lake Uranium Mine for six years until it's closure. In Saskatchewan, Wil was employed in the Potash industry, first with IMC at Esterhazy, then Potash Corporation of America for three years, and finally at the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan's Cory Division, until his retirement as General Manager in 1991 due to illness. Over the years, Wil had many interests and hobbies including amateur radio (licensed in 1968), camping, boating, fishing, hunting and photography. He remained an active “ham“ until recent years, when illness curtailed that. Despite many health problems as a result of congenital heart disease, resulting in two major heart surgeries, Wil led a full and active life, always with a great sense of humour and joy. He enlivened his workplace and home with his many pranks and will be remembered by co-workers as the instigator of many of these “jokes“. Wil's legacy to his family, coworkers and friends can be summed up as “love, humour and perfection“. During his three months stay at St. Joseph's General Hospital, Wil received exceptional care from Dr. Matheson, the Third floor staff, the First floor staff and the Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology and Pastoral Care departments in a kind and caring manner, that was very much appreciated. For those wishing to do so, a memorial donation to the St. Joseph's General Hospital Equipment Fund would be appreciated. A memorial mass celebrating Wil's life was held on Saturday January 3, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Father Paul Conway officiated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the ELLIOT LAKE FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATION CENTRE LIMITED, (705) 848-9250 11379903