Herman “Buddy” O’Donnell
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Buddy O’Donnell, of 15 O’Donnell Road, Glenwood, husband of Norma O’Donnell (Driscoll). His death occurred at the Miramichi Regional Hospital on September 29th, 2022, at the age of 91. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a brief illness. Born in Glenwood, NB, Buddy was the son of the late Raymond and Lillian O’Donnell of Glenwood.
Buddy spent his whole life in Glenwood and left school in Grade 8 – when he was at the top of his class – to help care for his family after his father’s death. He was a proud neighbour and lifelong friend of the Lahey’s, Conroy’s and Kennedy’s from Glenwood.
In his younger years, Buddy was a well-known judge of the horse hauling matches across the province, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and he worked as a delivery man for Robert Lamkey, Earl Walsh, George Burchell and Sons, and Lockhart’s Building Supplies for many years before his retirement. He retired in 1994, and in his retirement, he thoroughly enjoyed beating his wife and 3 sisters-in-laws (Gerry, Audry and Joyce) at cards with his team of the 4 Four Aces made up of his 3 brother-in-laws (Hazen, Lorne and Elbridge) on Sunday nights, coached by daughter Elaine Sullivan. Buddy and Norma also enjoyed going to card nights at the St. Margaret’s Church, bowling, and following the senior dance circuit. Buddy loved looking through all his old family photos, watching Nicole on Days of Our Lives each afternoon, and spending time with family, especially family suppers – always having at least two plates. Most of all, Buddy loved being in the woods. He was an avid woodsman and his woodpile stretched as far as the eye can see, often attracting travelers who wanted to take photos with it. Next to his family, Buddy’s pride and joy was his woodpile – never a stick out of place. Buddy was also a coach in the Miramichi Rural Minor Baseball League and was proud to be the first one to coach former major leaguer Jason Dickson. He was always someone to have an ice cream sandwich available for all his grandchildren and grand nieces and nephews, and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He was loved by all the knew him.
Besides his wife of 66 years, Norma, he is survived by his brother Billy O’Donnell (Mary) of Glenwood and sister Betty Wood of Toronto, and according to his mother was the 3rd of the Seven Wonders of the World. He is also survived by his 4 children Darlene O’Donnell of Glenwood, Maureen Redmond (late Bill) of Glenwood, Elaine Sullivan (John) of Chatham Head, and Greg O’Donnell (Jennifer) of Miramichi, and his 6 grandchildren Kelsey Redmond (Nick) of Saskatchewan, Jenna Gowan (Byrann) of Fredericton, Billy Hubbard of Sunny Corner, Grace O’Donnell of Miramichi, Jaidalyn Hannah of Miramichi and Averie O’Donnell of Miramichi. Buddy is also survived by sister-in-laws Barb O’Donnell, Dorthey Benoit (Art), Gerry Driscoll, and brother-in-laws Lorne Driscoll (Joyce) and Kenney Walsh, and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Eileen Phee and Marie Savoy-Flynn, brothers Patrick O’Donnell and Edward O’Donnell, and son-in-law Bill Redmond Jr.
The family will receive visitors at Maher’s Funeral Home, on Sunday October 2nd from 2-4PM & 7-9PM. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated from Saint Michael’s Basilica Monday October 3rd at 11AM.
Donations can be made to the Palliative Care Unit of the Miramichi Regional Hospital, Saint Michael’s Basilica, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Herman Buddy O’Donnell 29 Sep 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Miramichi, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick