1951 – 2016

AUBURN — Brian Elliot Donahue, “Tuma,” 65, of Dixfield died early Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the Hospice House in Auburn, after a long struggle with lung disease. His mother was at his side.

He was born Oct. 9, 1951, at Rumford Hospital, the middle child of Howard Elliot Donahue and Gloria Mary Brown Donahue. He graduated from Dirigo High School in 1969, where he played four years of football. He graduated from CMVTI in 1971 with a degree in building trades.

Brian worked as a carpenter for Bart Swan of Dixfield for more than 20 years. He was proud of having stick-built or remodeled many homes and businesses in Oxford and Franklin counties. In later years, he worked for Archie’s Inc. in Mexico, and as a private carpenter until poor health prevailed.

Large in girth, huge in heart, witty, talented and creative in woodworking, Brian loved babies and children; watching birds and identifying their songs; watching Patriots and Red Sox games; trading wild insults with his buddies; and good food. He loved the camp his dad built at Speckle Pasture in Peru, where he spent many hours “hunting” on the front porch with friends and family, and keeping the ancient wood cookstove stoked.

Brian is survived by his mother of Peru; his aunt, Brenda Swan of Dixfield; his sister, Gail, and her husband, Jim Belyea, of Peru; his brother, Steve, and his wife, Roberta, of Dixfield; his children, Laurie and companion, Rob Patnaude, of Mexico, Howard of Dixfield, and Randy and companion, Jen Shaw, of Denver, Colo.; his grandchildren, Trevar Donahue and Lynsey Donahue of Mexico, and Logan, Layla and Adeline Donahue of Denver, Colo. He will be remembered fondly by his nieces and nephews, Karen Roach, Joe Roach, Mary Roach, Zachary Brian Donahue and Meghann Waugh.

Brian spoke often and affectionately of all of his Brown and Donahue cousins. He appreciated the kindness over the years of his sister-in-law, Christine Lothrop of Dixfield.

He was predeceased by his father in June 2011 and by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Donahue family by visiting their guest book at www.sgthibaultfuneralhome.com.