Published in Bangor Daily News on October 2, 2010
Willard "Yogi" Donovan Sr
JONESPORT - Willard "Yogi" Donovan Sr., 82, passed away Sept. 30, 2010, at the Robbinston Bridge Home, Robbinston. Willard was born Nov. 1, 1927, in Jonesport, son of the late Melvin James and Hattie (Hartford) Donovan Sr. Willard entered the work force as a teenager on the Machias River, working many log drives. During this period he also honed his skills at digging clams and cutting wood. He was a member of and retired from Massachusetts Laborers Union and Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Union. He also had been a member of Heavy Equipment Operators Union Local 4. Willard enjoyed the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, cutting firewood and pulpwood. He was an avid Celtic, Red Sox and World Wrestling Federation fan. He loved to dance. He was especially proud of his new trucks, which he kept polished. Willard was predeceased by his wife, Jacqueline "Jackie" Look Donovan; a daughter, Eunice Leah; one brother, Melvin Donovan Jr.; and six sisters, Hilda Moffett, Annie Smith, Alice Davis, Minnie Monihan, Olive Getchel and Margaret Bennett. Willard is survived by his a sister, Stella Sadler of Jonesport; a brother, Malcolm Donovan of Machias; his children, Willard "Bill" Donovan Jr. of Brewer, Leah Holmes and husband, Clayton Jr., of Bangor, Linda Ingalls of Trescott and Charlotte Harmon and husband, Jason, of Jonesboro; three grandchildren, Charles Ingalls and wife, Erin, Adam Ingalls and Christina Harmon and fiance, Christopher Cox, all of Bucks Harbor; five great-grandchildren, Luke, Riley, Cole Ingalls, Ethan Harmon and Jacqueline Cox; many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. He had a special companion for more than 21 years, Flora Barrett. The family gives a special thanks to all the caregivers and friends at the Robbinston Bridge Home. At Willard's request, there will be no service. A get together for family and friends will be held at 1-3 p.m. Sunday at Charlotte and Jason Harmon's residence in Jonesboro. Those who would like to make a donation in Willard's memory may do so to Mason Bay Seaside Chapel Fund, care of Machias Savings Bank, P.O. Box 318, Machias, ME 04654, attention, Melissa Moffett.