Gananoque celebrates and honours Charlie Donevan
A commemorative bench and plaque dedicated to Mr. Gananoque, Charlie Donevan, now sit along the sidewalk in front of the TD Bank on King Street East.
And they do so only a few steps away from the Canada 150 mosaic mural, which depicts a top-hatted Donevan in a tie and shirt with rolled-up sleeves, sitting in a wooden boat perched on a flatbed railcar on the tracks. In the background is the river and several of the islands.
Across the street is Donevan’s Hardware, the family-owned and operated business that has been open since 1872.
The bench and plaque were revealed during a ceremony on Wednesday – what would have been Donevan’s 100th birthday. He passed away on May 2.
“On May 2, Charlie was talkative, happy, engaged and excited about this day,” said Mary, Charlie’s daughter, who also thanked the community for their support.
“He chatted (about) his 100th birthday party plans, about the ladies that were at the shop doing the stain glass workshop that day, and about our family, our children and friends. Charlie may not be with us in person, but he’s with us in spirit.”
The family of Charlie Donevan – Christina Brabant (granddaughter), Mary Donevan (daughter) and Louise Donevan (daughter), sit on the commemorative bench placed outside the TD Bank on King Street East in Gananoque, in honour of Charlie.
Ever since Donevan’s death, town council and staff have been discussing ways to honour him.
Town council declared Wednesday, July 31, 2024 to be recognized as Mr. Charles “Charlie” F. Donevan Day in the Town of Gananoque, and had the commemorative bench constructed.
“It’s a place for people to sit and enjoy the outside air, a place where people can have a rest, have a break,” said Mayor John Beddows. “I think he would enjoy that. I know every time someone has a seat, when I see it happen, I’ll have a smile.”
Wednesday’s event was well-attended by local dignitaries, town staff, and Donevan family members and friends.
Brian Mabee, the Town Crier for Gananoque, read a proclamation to kick off the celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Donevan’s Hardware, in Gananoque, was opened in 1872 by Charlie’s grandfather, James Donevan, and Joel Stone, founder of Gananoque.
It passed to Charles Sr., then Charlie, and now is being run by his daughter Mary, transitioning to a community showcase as Charlie wished.
Donevan was involved in every major event in the area and was the founder of Landon Bay, Canada’s newest national park. He bought the land, developed the park and donated it to the Federal Government – Parks Canada.