52 Ancestors No.19: A Donivan Tragedy on the Chapleau River 1952

This is the nineteenth of 52 blog posts for the 2015 edition of the 52 Ancestors challenge. I have been blogging my family history for the #52Ancestors challenge since it began in 2014.

#52Ancestors asks bloggers to "have one blog post each week devoted to a specific ancestor. It could be a story, a biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on one ancestor.”

This week's blog post is about my husband's great grandmother's (Mary Donivan's) stepson Raymond Michael Donivan who died tragically with his son and son-in-law on the Chapleau (Ontario) river in 1952.

Ray Donivan, Lena Donivan,
Theresa Jane Donivan, and Mary Elizabeth (O'Leary) Donivan

Raymond's mother (Mary Ann McGahey) Donivan died giving childbirth in 1891 when Ray was only 4 years old. Ray's father Patrick Donivan married Mary Elizabeth (O'Leary) who lovingly raised Patrick's children from his previous marriage and from this second marriage came fourteen more children.

Ray Donivan (1888-1952)

Ray and half-sister Lena and cousin Mayme Hayes

 Sons and Grandsons - Standing in the back: Jack Boucher, Delbert Warren, Victor Donivan, Amby Donivan, Willie Donivan,. Standing near Gramma Donivan Mary Elizabeth (O'Leary) Donivan, Wilfred Donivan, Jack Donivan, James Quigg, Ray Donivan. The little boys are Jimmie Rice, Ed Boucher or Lloyd Boucher and Arthur Boucher.

Canoeing the North

From the Ontario watershed, all rivers flow north into James Bay. 

The tragic story of Raymond, his son "Donny" and his son-in-law Hilaire takes place on the Chapleau river. The details are captured in news articles below. ( All photos and news clippings belong to Ellen Quigg and are presented here with her permission.)

Chapleau River: Topographic Map

Birch Street Catholic Cemetery, Chapleau, Ontario

Margaret Mary Gallow Crichton (August 21, 1934 - April 7, 2015)

Margaret died peacefully in April 2015 surrounded by her family after a short, brave battle with cancer.

Margaret was the daughter of John J. ("Jack") and Bernadette (Donivan) Plaus.

The Plaus family
Seated left to right: Michael, Ann-Marie, Bernadette, John J., Betty-Ann and Doreen
Standing left to right: Jack, Dick, Margaret and Patricia.

Margaret was the embodiment of unconditional love and kindness. Her devotion to her family was all encompassing love, support, and mentoring.

This sense of love and devotion spread out to embrace and enrich the community around her. Her passion for improving the lives and advocating on behalf of all of individuals and families with special needs, was truly a lifetime cause.

Marg started her career in day program supports in Sudbury, ON, in the mid 70’s.  Over time Margaret has taken on roles with increased responsibility within MCSS, Justice and the Ministry of Health.

Her career from the front lines of service delivery through her work with the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services exemplified those values of giving and devotion to duty. Her work as a Public Servant included supporting the not-for-profit community agencies. As well her work at Huronia Regional Centre supported her belief in non-congregant living for those with special needs.

At the time of her death she was Executive Director of Catulpa Community Support Services where for the past fifteen years she continued with her equally dedicated colleagues to pursue her passion for supporting individuals and families.

Her wise, practical counsel and her infectious sense of Irish humour delighted everyone.

A Funeral Mass was held on Thursday April 16 in St. Mary's Catholic Church, 65 Amelia St. in Barrie

The Gallow family

The Gallow family

The Plaus family
Bernadette (Donivan) Plaus (1913-1994) seated

Gallow-Crichton grandchildren