Obituary of Donald Joseph Dempsey

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Donald “Donnie” Dempsey, 93, share the news of his death. He passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at the VG Hospital in Halifax. Donnie was born in Herring Cove on May the 11^th, 1931, to his parents, Everett and Theresa (Power). He was a lifelong resident of Herring Cove where he enjoyed a full life with his wife of 70 years, Dorothy (Forrest). He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and a friend to many.

Donnie spent 35 years working in the Shipwright shop at the HMCS Dockyard before retiring. Prior to his career he left school in grade 8 to fish off the waters in Herring Cove with his father to help support their family. Leaving school early did not mean he wasn’t a well-educated man. Donnie was an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and always curious and inquisitive of the world around him. He enjoyed sharing his time with others in the woods and on the water. He was known for walking – especially when making his rounds in the Cove visiting his siblings, cousins, and friends. He was proud of his Irish roots and made a memorable trip to the Emerald Isle alongside his cousin and best friend Neddy. He was known to belt out an old Irish folk song or two and his favorite song was always “Danny Boy”.

Donnie’s pride and joy was his family - enjoying an abundance of Dempsey family gatherings and special moments over the years with each of his treasured blessings. In addition to his loving wife Dorothy, Donnie is survived by his daughters Darlene (Terry) Fahie, Sheila (Donnie) Harvey, Sara (Raymond) Roberts, his son Everett; 9 grandchildren – Terry, Jason, Kelly, Dawn, Krista, Holly, Melissa, Chantel, and Alicia; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings Reggie, Dermot, Carlton, Lyllie, and Marina. Donnie was predeceased by his son Donald Dempsey Jr; grandson Adam Dempsey; brothers Surry, Christopher, and Harry; sister Caroline.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal” – Richard Puz

Cremation has taken place under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 27th at 10AM in Stella Maris Parish, followed by a reception in the Parish hall. Interment will take place at St. Paul's Cemetery, Herring Cove. In honor of his love and dedication to his wife, Dorothy, donations in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.