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DONOVAN -- William Fay Donovan, 85, passed away August 4, 2010. He will be remembered as a kind, hard-working man with a wonderful sense of humor. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Jacquelyn; his two children Adele Woodruff and Brian Donovan; his four grandchildren, Scott Woodruff, Jennifer Woodruff, Jennifer Parrott, and Sean Donovan; and his two great-grandchildren, Cody and Caleb (Peanut) Parrott. He was preceded in death by his parents Royal and Ethel Donovan; his sister Jean; his brother Russell; and his daughter Michele. He was born April 17, 1925 in Battle Creek, Michigan. He was raised on a small farm that didn't have indoor plumbing until he was sixteen or electricity until he was twenty-one. In the summer he would travel the rodeo circuit with his parents and would amaze the crowds with his trick-roping skills. After graduating from high school, at 17, he joined the Navy and served his country for four years in the South Pacific during WWII. He knew the value of a good education and went on to get his Bachelors Degree from Michigan State College. He continued to serve his country for another 40 years as a Senior Programming Engineer for several Major Defense Systems in California until his retirement. He was active in Community Theatre and enjoyed playing major roles as well as directing. He was also a dreamer and a prospector. His search for the golden mother load was the basis for many great family outings to the desert, a mountain stream, or the time when we found ourselves in the middle of a test site with the possibility of unexploded ordinance. He never found gold but he created family memories that are a far greater treasure. He lost his eyesight just prior to retirement and his move to Albuquerque, but he refused to be idle. He became the last remaining "elevator attendant" in a local bank building. He greeted everyone passing through the lobby with a smile and, if you were really lucky, he would ride up with you in the elevator and share his latest joke. His favorite things were hot coffee, buttered toast, and a good joke. He lived his life well. He loved his family deeply. He will be missed. Please visit our online guestbook for William at: www.RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
        Published on: Sun August 08, 2010