Obituary of Donald E. Breen

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Donald E. Breen who went to be with his Lord on Sunday April 21, 2013. Don passed away peacefully at his home in Rothesay. He was the son of the late Bertram and Marguerite Breen. Don will be truly missed by his family – his wife Helen of 64 years, his daughters Sally Craig and Gwen (Fred) Nelson and his son Steve (Kathleen), three grandchildren, Nicole Brown, Jill Norfolk and Chelsea Breen and four great grandchildren. He was predeceased by two sisters, Joan Stiven and Doris Boyd and son in law Dr. David Craig. After high school Don served in the Royal Canadian Air Force for three years. He worked with London Life Insurance Company for many years, retiring in 1986. Don was active in community life. He had delivered meals for Meals on Wheels for over twenty years, was past president of Saint John Y’s Men’s Club, treasurer of Fundy Heights Baptist Church and served as a deacon at Main Street Baptist Church. As a boy, Don spent many happy summers on Long Island where his grandparents and their ten children had settled after leaving Ireland. Here Don learned (of necessity) to sail and to use his Long Island reachers. His uncles Hudson, Fred and Wilson were names well known in former days in speed skating circles. He belonged to the Royal Kennebeccasis Yacht Club and spent many happy hours racing and cruising the "Honey B". He loved the outdoors – sailing, golfing, ice skating, hunting and fishing. For his 70th birthday his children presented him with roller blades and he loved roller blading as well. Don is resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visitation on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at Main Street Baptist Church on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 2:00 PM. A private interment will take place at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Main Street Baptist Church Building Fund or any charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.