Obituary of Walter Richard Donnelly

It is with heavy hearts and sadness that the Donnelly family announces the passing of Rich Donnelly on Wednesday July 4, 2018 at age 77. Rich was predeceased by his parents Walter and Macie Donnelly, sister Audrey and brother Don and is survived by his dear wife of 56 years Carole Donnelly and their three children; son Bret (Janice) and grandchildren Carlin and Ashton, son Greg (Kathy) and grandchildren Cody, Jesse, Sloane and Sadie, and son Bart (Sandy) as well as two sisters Pat Martin and Nelda Adam and numerous nieces and nephews. Rich was born on December 18, 1940 in Radville, SK. to Irish and American immigrant parents. He was raised in Saskatoon, attending Victoria School and graduating from Nutana Collegiate in 1959. He married his sweetheart Carole Anderson in 1961. Rich loved the clothing business beginning at Caswell's Men's Wear and was an early adopter of the great breakout clothing styles of the late sixties and seventies at Burnell's Men's Wear and later outfitting the athletes of our city in Crest Craft sportswear. His later career took Rich and Carole to Kelowna and Red Deer with Turbo & Fas Gas. Ultimately, they made their way back to Saskatoon where he ended his career and retired. As a child Rich played sports, basketball, baseball and hockey, which he played into adulthood. His love of sports was passed on to the boys and made for great family memories. Recently he was a BIG Blue Jays fan. Rich loved family time, buddy time and party time. He took the family on many camping adventures in BC and combined camping and friendships by dropping in at various cabins in the favorite lakes of Emma, Anglin, Echo and Katepwa, and of course Kinsmen Campout. The fun times always included all the kids and often their friends. Buddy time was beers and party time included dancing, dining, and plenty of laughter. Rich served his community in many ways. The Cosmopolitan Club - The Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon (President 1978) - The Saskatoon Hilltop Football Club (President 1989). He was organized and decisive in his leadership. The many friendships Rich made lasted his lifetime. He was the model of a loyal, loving son, brother, husband, father, grandpa and friend. He was most proud of his 3 boys, their accomplishments and loved their partners. He was a proud and happy grandpa. As an expression of sympathy, a donation in Rich's name may be made to Saskatoon Hilltops or Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon Foundation at Saskatoon Community Foundation. A Remembrance Service will take place on Monday, July 9, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Saskatoon Funeral Home (4th Ave. and 25th St.) followed by a Reception at The Hilltop Football Club Clubhouse at 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. (1530 Kilburn Ave.)