Donald M. Brockway

It is with profound sadness that the family of Donald M Brockway announces his passing on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Charlotte County Hospital, St Stephen, NB surrounded by his beloved wife and two daughters.

Born in Blacks Harbour, NB in 1954, son of the late Ronald and Ruth Brockway.

Donnie was humble man, full of life, love and compassion. He had the patience of a saint, a witty sense of humour and devilish grin that lit up any room. It was likely these attributes that won him the heart of of a sweet Calais girl in 1976. The two would go on to marry and make a beautiful family together. Donnie was an excellent provider for his family.  He enjoyed a career with Flakeboard/Arauco that spanned over four decades. A natural born worker, he rarely missed a day of work and enjoyed the comradery of his coworkers often regaling his family with the many colourful stories and jokes that they shared.

In keeping with his caring nature, Donnie had a passion for volunteer work. He gave so generously of his time and efforts wherever he felt he could help and genuinely never expected anything in return. As a devoted member of St Stephen’s Catholic Church in Milltown where he proudly sang in the church choir, he volunteered countless hours serving and washing dishes at St Patrick’s Hall and working the canteen at Bingo. He spent several years canvassing for charities such as the Kidney and Heart and Stroke Foundations. He enjoyed being a member of the Milltown Elementary Home and School Association when his girls were young and again when his grandchildren attended the school. He also volunteered at the schools breakfast program after retiring in 2019.

Although he was proud of his work and community involvement, his greatest pride in life was his family. He lovingly raised his two daughters, alongside his wife. Together they would go on many family getaways, camping trips in their pop-up camper, late night swims in the back yard and he was always the biggest kid on any sliding hill. As much as he loved his own children, his life’s purpose was fulfilled when he became a grandfather. He went to great lengths to ensure their happiness and well being. It was out of love for his granddaughter, Kiera that he became a local celebrity for his infamous peanut butter balls. He meticulously rolled and dipped thousands of his tasty creations to raise money for his girl. He shared an equally special bond with his second granddaughter, Briella who became his little sidekick and a great source of constant love and laughter.

Although the last couple of years have been wrought with health issues as a result of diabetes and a leukemia diagnosis, he remained positive and adopted the motto "I’m going to live until I die." He did just that without complaint and faced each day with stoicism, positivity and an unrelenting sense of humour to the very end. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Donnie is survived by his wife Joanne Brockway, his two daughters Jennifer Hartford (Andrew) and Ashley as well as his sister Nancy Brockway and his granddaughter Briella Hartford.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sister Louise Brockway and his beloved granddaughter Kiera Hartford with whom he has surely been reunited with already.

A funeral service will be held at The S.O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home Ltd., 23 Main Street, St Stephen, N.B. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 2PM. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the funeral on Tuesday from 12-2 PM

For those who wish, donations can be made to the IWK Children’s Hospital https://iwkfoundation.org/ or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at mehanfuneralhome.ca