BRUNSWICK — Michael Louis Donovan, 69, of 317 Old Bath Road, Brunswick (formerly of Bath), passed away at home with his loving family by his side on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Mike was born on Aug. 3, 1944, in Escanaba, Mich., to Francis and Lucille (DeGrand) Donovan. He attended Holy Name Catholic School in Escanaba. After graduation he served in Navy, stationed at Brunswick Naval Air Station VP-10. Mike married Bonnie Smith on Oct. 29, 1966, in Brunswick.

After honorable discharge, Mike returned to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with his family. He took on the profession of welder at P&H (Harnischfeger Industries, Inc.) and later at Mead Paper Co., both of Escanaba.

In 1974, Mike moved his family back to Maine to join BIW as a welder. He took on many roles in his 36-year career at BIW: welder, leadman, welding instructor and pipefitter.

Mike was admired by his friends and family as being a caring and happy man. He was always willing to grab his toolbag and head over to help anyone in need. It has been said that he had a hand in home-improvement jobs at every house he ever visited. He enjoyed helping others, never wanting anything in return. A cold drink while he worked was payment enough. He enjoyed bowling, as a loyal member of the BIW Men’s league for over 25 years. He was a proud, lifetime member of the American Legion Post 202 & 21. Spending time with his family was his favorite pastime. There was nothing he loved more than having his grandkids over to visit. Through the years, the Donovan house buzzed with children’s laughter. The house was full of love. Nephews, nieces, extended family members and children of friends and neighbors were always welcome to the dinner table and on the family weekend trips. His warm smile, patient manner, and hearty laugh will forever be missed.

Mike is predeceased by his parents; sister Renelle McGuigan; brother Terry; infant sons Teddy and Tony; infant daughters Treena and Tonya.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years; sons Tim (wife Wendy) Donovan of Wiscasset, John Donovan of Bath, Glenn Donovan of Harpswell, Nathan Donovan of Wiscasset; daughters Tammy Schroeder and Tina Donovan of Bath; 15 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; brothers Guy (wife Lynda) Donovan of Kingsford, Mich., Brian (wife Diane) Donovan of Escanaba; sisters Patricia Menard (companion John Whitney), Judy (husband William) Multhaupt, Maureen (husband Wayne) Bougie, Colleen (husband Ron) Atkins of Escanaba.

A military service with full honors will be held Thursday, July 17, 2014, at 10 a.m. in the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery Civic Center Drive, Augusta, Maine. A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion Post 21, Congress Avenue, Bath, at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Mike’s honor to the New England Cancer Center.

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