Obituary of Barry David Donovan

Age 78, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025 surrounded by his family in Hants Community Hospital, Windsor. Born in Sydney on June 16, 1947 to the late Sanford Paul and Blanche Bernadette (Ponee) Donovan, he lived in Ingonish for the first year of his life before moving to Bedford and eventually settling in Lakelands, Hants County.

Barry graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 1970 with an associate degree in Communications Design and was soon after contracted to complete the visitor centre at Sherbrooke Village. He was consequently hired by the Nova Scotia Museum in 1971 to manage their in-house publications program. His work evolved to include responsibilities as Graphics Supervisor with Audio Visual Services. During almost 30 years with the Department of Education, Barry’s work covered a broad spectrum of design projects; he created logos, posters, brochures and catalogues. In consultation with educators, librarians, scientists, film producers and IT specialists, he completed numerous advertising, web page design and film graphics projects throughout his career. In September 2000, he accepted an early retirement package and settled into life on Pigott Lake.

After retiring, Barry immersed himself in designing the lakeside house which he and Claire would call home for 16 years. He enjoyed spending his time completing countless woodworking and landscaping projects, highlighting his creativity, ingenuity and craftsmanship. He loved hosting guests, enjoying the view of the lake (sometimes from his canoe) and having conversations about issues of the day with his wife and family.

Barry was a devoted husband to Claire and throughout their 54-year marriage you would rarely see them apart. From daily chores to outings, they were a package deal and did everything together. Barry embraced fatherhood to Jeffrey and Carrie and although a man of few words, his actions spoke loudly of his love for them. Throughout their youth, he spent many a late night helping with science, school and 4-H projects.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Claire (Higgins); son, Jeffrey Donovan; daughter, Carrie Greene (Chad); sisters, Maureen Cowan, Susan Waye (Ross), Jane Donovan (Greg Jones) and Patti Donovan; brothers, Jim Donovan and Scott Donovan; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Fellows (John) and Sharon Loyd (Raymond); as well as several cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Clarence and Mona Higgins; brother-in-law, Phil Cowan and nephew, Nick Cowan.

The family extends special thanks to the staff at Hants Community Hospital for their care over the past year, as well as Darlene Melvin whose respite care allowed Barry to enjoy his home this summer and fall. Up until his final days, Barry kept his caretakers entertained with his sense of humour, impeccable comedic timing and undeniable charisma.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). His ashes will be spread in some of Barry’s favourite places. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in St. Paul’s United Church in Mount Uniacke. Donations in Barry’s memory can be made to St. Paul’s United Church, 293 Etter Rd, Mount Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0; The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, 112-2719 Gladstone St, Halifax, NS B3K 4W6; Pancreatic Cancer Canada, 316 – 4211 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2P 2A9 or Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD University), 5163 Duke Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3J6. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca.