Michael,Stephanie and family.  So saddened to hear of your dad's passing.  He played for my mom's (Peggy Kendellan) Irish dancers beginning in the early 60's.  I spoke with him briefly in Nov. to tell of Peggy's passing.  He was a great friend of hers and she always heard from him at Christmas.  A wonderful kind, caring person he was,  and a very telented musician.  RIP Don.
Susan Kendellan Doucette,
Langley, BC

May he Continue to Sleep with the Angles RIP.

We the members of Kisumba Foundation family, we wish to convey our deep heart felt sorrow for the passing on of our dear friend,mentor, great sponsor and supporter of our program for the disabled people of Uganda, Buwama- South of Kampala.

He has supported us for over 10 years to raise the literacy among the children with disabilities,particularly mental disability. 
All members who have benefited from his support will live to remember him always.

"The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Sympathies from the The Canadian Gaelic Athletic Association to the friends and family of Donal. He was a valued member of the Association for the promotion of Gaelic Games in Ontario, Quebec and beyond. May he rest in peace.

What a wonderful man was Uncle Donal (as he was known to my son and me).  Always generous with his words, his kindness, his spirit, and (of course) his music.  He will be missed by many.  Our love and thoughts are with Michael (and family) and Sue (and family).  With much love, Marcia and Xander

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE
We the members of Kisumba Foundation family, we wish to convey our deep heart felt sorrow for the passing on of our dear friend,mentor, great sponsor and supporter of our program for the disabled people of Uganda, Buwama- South of Kampala.
He has supported us for over 10 years to raise the literacy among the children with disabilities,particularly mental disability. 
All members who have benefited from his support will live to remember him always.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Florence Buyondo
Programs Coordinator.

Matthew 25:40
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

I knew Don only as a fellow session player but always admired his gentle ways and his musicianship. 

My best memory of him was when I was attending a Chieftains concert at the National Art Centre and Paddy Moloney called Don up on the stage to play a few tunes with them. 

My heartfelt condolences to the family and to all of us who will miss the lilt of his voice and the sound of his harmonica.

Sue, Eric and family, very sorry for the loss of your beloved Uncle Donal. Sincere condolences on his passing. May God Rest his Soul in Eternal Peace.

I enjoyed so much playing with Don at the monthly Sunday pancake breakfast.  Don encouraged me to become a regular at that event.  Enjoyed his sense of humour, his many great tunes and the many friendly chats. Many fond memories will remain.  He will be surely missed. Rest in peace Don.

Michael, Stephanie and family. 
All of us at The Irish Seniors Group
send our condolences on the loss of Dad
and Grandad. We mourn his loss along with you as Don and indeed Celie were
among the original members of our group. Who can forget his music, his
annual support for the Kasumba Mission
and his annual collection of warm
clothing for the less fortunate among us.
Slan Abhaile Don.

Such a beautiful person and friend.  A rich life well lived that touched so many people, far beyond the traditional music community where he wound up settling.  But in that regard, be it Irish,  Ottawa Valley, Newfie, Quebecois, you name it, when it was music played with talent and heart Don was there, a relentless supporter and promoter.

Good fortune brought me to living around the corner from Don and Celie these past dozen years or so:  "C'ead Mile Failte" a fixture outside the front door on Elizabeth Street.  No truer words could ever be said about the warmth and hospitality to be found within.

Not that long ago I lent them the Dublin film, Once, with Glen Hansard, and it was a good while before I got the DVD back.  According to Don, the two of them had watched it three times through in quick succession--he borrowed it again later on when relatives visited.  

Many will know that Don kept careful note of loans of this sort he himself made, books and the like, ... which meant you never had to worry about seeing your own such treasures returned.  

The gift of the piano at the end of that film was especially resonant and personal for Don.  For the way he had gone about living.  We could use a lot more like him in this world.

Mike , Stephanie and family ,  so sorry for your heart, Don is part of many memories of great music and kindness, he is sadly missed 
Catherine Ramsey

Sue, Eric & Family. Very sorry for your loss.  Our sincere condolences from the Delta, B.C.

Mike, Stephanie and Family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Sincere condolences.
Helen Templeman

Mike, Stephanie and family

our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time.

Ryan, Karen, Stacey, Ashley, Kayden Mahoney

I have lots of good memories of playing tunes with Don at sessions. He was a lovely man and we'll miss him.

Deepest sympathy to Don's family & friends. He and Celie were two of the kindest, most compassionate people I knew.  Joan McKay

Michael, our most sincere sympathies to you and your family.
Your Dad was a wonderful man who was loved by many and who provided us with so many fond memories with his music.
You are so lucky to have had him as a father.  May he rest in peace and keep watch over you from afar.  


All my memories of Don are musical ones - Many sessions, many, tunes, many friendly chats.  A musical highlight for me was from 2004, when Don asked me to play guitar accompaniment for him at the Goderich Celtic Festival.  Don was the guest of honour at the Festival that year, since he was being recognized for his contribution to traditional music.  
The musicians that play Irish music in Ottawa have lost an inspiring friend.  My condolences to Michael and family.

We both looked up to Don. Our own lives privileged and enriched by knowing him, and his dearest Cecelia. We will miss his  lovely and heartfelt music making, his energy, his wisdom, and his friendship. Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Craig & Paty

I first met Don many years ago at a session in Ottawa and have been lucky enough to meet and play with him here in Newfoundland and in Ottawa a couple of times since. In the few brief meetings we've had he has left me with a lot of memories I'll cherish. I'm sure his 88 years have left you with many more memories, cherish each one of them, he was a lovely man.

I was so sorry to hear of Don's passing. I was lucky in that I got to play music with the lovely gentleman many times. We will miss his twinkle and his sense of humour, and his hornpipes and airs, of course. My condolences to the family and his friends.

No matter wherever he is Mike, your Dad will always now be with your Mom watching over you. They will be with you forever....

Michael, Stephanie & Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your dad and poppa. Don was one of the first people we met in Canada 50 Years ago. He was loved and will be sorely missed.

I will be thinking of you this week especially Mike and Stephanie - and your extended family Mike as you gather, sharing tears and laughter - and many stories I'm sure.  Bless you during this time of loss....with much heart,

I feel privileged and honoured to have been able to meet Don and hear his music and joyful expression. Mike, my love, thoughts, prayers, sympathy and condolences to you and your family.

Michael and family, Don had many friends and admirers here in Newfoundland. He was a sterling human being and a wonderful musician. Don and Celie were two of the finest people I ever met. Their kindness, humour and hospitality were unparalleled. I consider myself very lucky to have called them friends. My deepest condolences to you at this time, he will be so missed!

Sorry to hear of Don's passing.  He was a gentleman and a wonderful musician.  All the best!

Michael and family, 
Meeting your dad briefly in his final days in hospital was a privilege. He was a gentleman to the end. 
I enjoyed our chat on Christmas Eve and wish you peace.

I am so sorry and saddened to read about Dons' death. Don was a good friend of my fathers (Jim Downey)and I got to know him through my involvement with the Irish Society. Such a gentle and caring man. Such a great loss for the Irish community. Rest in peace Donal.

Don was such a good man and he will be missed. I hope God likes Irish music. :)

Michael,Stephanie and Family..Sorry for your loss.

Michael, Stephanie & family,
Our deepest sympathy to you on the death of your dad & poppa.
A truly genuine man, and a legend in the Celtic music . He will be missed  by so many, but will always be remembered with love & respect . Rest in 
peace Don.

Hello michael. So sorry to learn of the death of your Father. We had many good chats over the years outside St. Patricks. Will enjoy his CD even more. He was a real gem of a gentleman. Take care. Des Kavanagh, Tarpon Springs, Florida.

OBITUARY

Donald Kavanagh

January 7, 1928 – December 25, 2016

Maison Funeraire Racine, Robert & Gauthier Beauchamp Funeral Home

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