Honouring a Hero!

Veteran firefighter remembered; Died of job-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after 5-year battle
A veteran firefighter with deep roots in his community was remembered at a full-dress funeral yesterday for being a loving father who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and friends.
Capt. Paul Donahoe, 51, died Tuesday after a five-year battle with job-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which friends and co-workers said occasionally sapped him of some of his energy but never erased his warm smile or the strength of his love for life and those he held dear -- including his wife, Luanne, and his 9-year-old son, Joshua.
"He was the most stubborn man I ever met," said longtime friend and fellow firefighter Dave Forfar.
"But that turned out to be a good thing because I truly believe in my heart that is why we had the privilege of his company for as long as we did."
Hundreds of firefighters and emergency service personnel from across the province as well as hundreds more who were friends and admirers all gathered to remember the 25-year fireman at The Bridge Community Church on 16th Ave.
Donahoe was deemed to have died in the line of duty because his disease was recognized by provincial legislation last year as one of the hidden killers that can be contracted while inhaling airborne toxins at a fire scene.
His widow received a medal presented to line of duty deaths from Markham Professional Firefighters Association President Walter Brinston. Donahoe's is the first death in the line of duty for a member of the Markham Fire Service.
He was elevated to captain in 2000 and Forfar said he once asked a member of his crew what kind of leader Donahoe was.
"He looked at me and said: 'He is a great captain.' Somehow, I (already) knew that," Forfar said.
As well as being a firefighter, Donahoe also spent time volunteering at the Markham Fair and offering his assistance as a mechanic, carpenter and all-around helping hand.
"There was nothing he liked better than coming home with the newest, shiniest, biggest and best high-powered new tool," recalled his brother-in-law Todd Owens. "Well, maybe one thing better -- showing it off to anyone who would listen."
Dignitaries, including Markham Fire Chief Don McClean, Ontario Public Safety Minister Monte Kwinter and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, who grew up on the same street as Donahoe.
Referring to a photo tribute set to the music of Louis Armstrong's It's a Wonderful World, the mayor said the song was fitting.
"Paul knew it was a wonderful world -- his smile told us he knew," Scarpitti said. "And we thank you, Paul, for what you did in making our world a more wonderful place."

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Paul
• Donahoe
• non-Hodgkin's
• lymphoma
• firefighter