FEWER, Donald Vincent "Donnie"

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and husband, Donald Vincent Fewer, age 83, on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 in Sydney after a nine-year battle with cancer. Born on December 25, 1937, Donnie was the son of the late Edward and Eliza Fewer (Whitney Pier). Donnie was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University holding the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education. Upon graduation from St. F.X., Donnie was employed by the city of Sydney as a teacher. During this time, he held several positions of leadership within the teacher’s union including President of the Sydney Local, NSTU. He was also the first elected member of the Sydney School Board where he served as chairman. Donnie joined Xavier Junior College as Registrar and was later named the first Dean of Student Services at the University College of Cape Breton. He was instrumental in the creation of several university governance policies and the building of the inaugural on-campus student residences. His leadership as part of the university executive team helped shape CBU into the university it is today. He retired from the University in 1994. Donnie was a proud ‘Pier Boy’ who loved living out his retirement with his ‘Town Girl’, Leona, in East Bay. He was a man of deep faith and was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish in East Bay. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Leona; children, Kevin, Karen (Alan) Patterson, Elaine (Mike) Melanek and Paul (Jill). He was immensely proud and will be forever missed by his grandchildren, Sean, Laura, Samantha, Melissa, Scott and Nicholas. Donnie is also survived by his sister, Eileen (Cook), her daughter, Margie Alteen; brother, Murray; sister-in-law, Janet (John) McCarthy ;and brother-in-law, Donnie (Judy) Abbass. In addition to his parents, Donnie was predeceased by siblings, Winnifred, Margaret and Bill; in-laws, John and Josie Abbass and daughter-in-law, Susan. Due to COVID restrictions there will be no visitation for the late Donald Fewer. A private family Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, East Bay with Father Anthony O’connor officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Special thanks to Dr. Greg Myatt and Janice for their many years of care and support of Donnie in his time of need. Donations in memory of Donnie may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Movember Foundation or Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. Online condolences can be forwarded to the family at: www.pierfuneralhome.com