Donnie Power

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Patrick Power on August 31, 2024. Donnie, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away at the Halifax Infirmary at the age of 73. Born in Alder Point on October 30, 1950, Donnie was the son of the late Joe and Theresa (McGuigan) Power.  

A lifelong resident of Balls Creek, Donnie worked (quite fittingly) as a power engineer at the Sydney Steel Plant for over 30 years. His passions in life were his family, friends, and cars. For over 25 years he was a proud member of the Cape Breton Antique & Custom Car Club. He loved working on old cars and boats with his father and his brothers. Donnie was a car enthusiast with tremendous knowledge of mechanics and often diagnosed car problems for his children from hundreds of kilometers away. Donnie had no vices, except tea, which he drank by the gallon. His sense of humour was legendary, filled with witty one-liners that brought both groans and smiles to everyone’s faces. He always wondered what he did to deserve life with so many redheads and often said how he couldn’t tell them apart. Donnie built the house where he and Jean lived and raised their family and he often quoted Red Green, saying “If the women don’t find you handsome, they should at least find you handy”. Donnie’s pride and joy were his grandchildren, who were the center of his universe. He was without a doubt the best Poppy anyone could ask for. To his family, Donnie was an unwavering source of love and support. 

Donnie is survived by his wife and soulmate – his rock of 56 years – Jean (Farrell); his children (who all thought they were his favourite) – Tracy (Kevin) Power-MacKenzie, Joey (Denise), and Karen Power (Jon Biles); grandchildren – Emma (Matt), Seamus, Liam, Owen, Abbi, Teagan, Ronan; siblings – his favourite sister Laura Lee (Chuck) Issac, Jimmy, Bernie (Bonnie), Shaun (Nola); special aunt – Bernadette Oliver; special nephew – Devon, as well as many other nieces and nephews; in-laws – Mary Capstick, Eddie (Gale) Farrell, Caroline Farrell, Lena Farrell, Randy Gilbert, Jimmy Reynolds, and Tommy Farrell. Donnie will also be dearly missed by special friends – Dougie (Rose) MacKinnon, Terry (Sharon) Donovan, Cathy (Eugene) MacLeod, Gerard (Rhoda) Hurd, Juanita Blagdon (Craig), as well as special cousin and friend Ronnie (Doreen) Roberts. 

Along with his parents, Donnie was predeceased by in-laws, Laura Gilbert, Yvonne Reynolds, Christine Farrell, and John Capstick.  

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Cape Breton Homemakers for their wonderful care as well as Eddie Orrell for getting him back on his feet. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do something nice for somebody else unexpectedly and without explanation to continue Donnie’s legacy of kindness. 

There will be a visitation from 2 to 4pm on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home at 107 Pleasant St. in North Sydney. A reception will immediately follow at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 19 on Archibald Avenue in North Sydney. Online condolences can be left for the family by writing on the tribute wall of the obituary page.    

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donnie Power, please visit our floral store.