December 26, 1960 - February 10, 2013
Rick Donovan passed away February 10, 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. Born in Dunkirk,New York to Howard Allen Donovan and Alice (Fox) Marie Donovan. Rick and the love of his life, Carla, enjoyed
many hours fishing, camping and spending time with his beloved hunting dogs. Ricky had many friendships that spanned his lifetime, and was loved by many. Rick had a great sense of humor
and quick wit and right up until the end he kept everyone laughing.
Rick was part owner/operator of Valley Connections in Tempe, Arizona for more than 20 years.
Fishing was one of Rick's great loves, he enjoyed taking his boat out, although he believed in catch and release, once the pictures were taken. Rick loved to hunt, with his beloved springer
spaniels, including Petey who was waiting for Rick when he crossed to the other side. Rick always had a dog at his side, his love and compassion for them was amazing. He adopted Hank and
was able to bring this shy scared dog around, at the end of his life he was his best companion.
Christmas was always a family affair spent at Rick's home, he enjoyed having all the nieces and nephews around. Family was very important to Rick, his loving nature was felt by all of
those he spent time with. Rick was the family grill master, and avid cook, always feeding anyone that showed up.
Rick loved NASCAR, his favorite driver was Bill Elliot and in the most recent years Kasey Kane became his driver. Rick enjoyed spending time at NASCAR whether it be up on the hill or in the
camping area, he was always chosen to make breakfast for the gang!
Gardening was important to Rick, he always had a beautiful yard and enjoyed spending time planting new things and his roses were his pride and joy. He could make anything grow.
Rick lived his life to the fullest and music was a huge part it, between going to see Charlie Daniels, Lynard Skynard, Marshall Tucker Band and anyone that played good Southern Rock. In his
younger life he was a roadie for the local band Stampede.
Rick was survived by his adoring love, Carla, Mother, Alice (William) Johnson; brothers Gilbert (Jo) Donovan, Timothy (Melinda) Donovan, Michael (Margaret) Riggs; sister Deborah (Larry)
Yerico, 11 nieces and nephews. Additional extended family; Michelle Harrington (Joe, Madison and Roby)and Jimmy Ibach. Ricky is preceded in death by his father Howard Allen Donovan, Step-
Father Garth Riggs and his sons Richard Elliot Donovan and Toby Ibach, and several beloved pets.
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