Memorial trees planted for:

Donald Pelley

“O God, thy sea is so great and my boat is so small” Donald Pelley passed away quickly on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre with his family by his side, loving and supporting him. Don led a life to be celebrated. He was a father and a friend, a Mi’kmaw, a sailor, an outfitter, an expert on Beothuk and Mi’kmaq history, a relentless advocate for environmental protection, an archeological guide, and a dedicated leader in his church and community. He was fondly known by members of the archeological community as The Legendary Don Pelley, a title he accepted with a healthy dose of mirth. He teasingly liked to remind his three daughters regularly of his status as a legend, although reminders were never necessary; his daughters adored him and counted themselves among the luckiest people in the world to have been given the gift of his fatherhood and love. He was born in Bishop’s Falls, NL and went to work with the CN Rail at a young age. He was eventually presented with an opportunity to take a job with the ferry service in Newfoundland and Labrador, where he worked his way up to the position of quartermaster with Marine Atlantic. He always said that if someone told him when he was a young man that he would be a sailor for 30 years, he wouldn’t have believed them. But a proud sailor he was and the friendships he built while on the boats sustained him while he had to be away from his family. Don had a second career as an outfitter. He welcomed hunters from all over North America to his lodge, Twin Lakes Outfitters, and guided them in their moose hunts. He loved owning his own business. It was a source of great satisfaction for him and had been a long-term goal since he was a young man who guided hunts for other outfitters. Don was a proud person of Mi'kmaq ancestry with a deep connection to the land; never were his Indigenous values more apparent than through his lifetime of environmental protection efforts. He led the charge to undertake a massive clean-up effort of the Exploits River, frequently recounting memories of how everything from cars to washing machines were hauled out of the river; he chaired an advisory board to the provincial Cabinet to establish the Bay du Nord wilderness reserve in southern Newfoundland; he was the President of the Environment Resources Management Association where he led efforts to successfully increase the declining Atlantic salmon population in the Exploits River; and around his dining room table with a friend, he originated the idea for the Exploits Valley Salmon Festival to draw attention to the importance and vitality of the largest river in Newfoundland. At the same time, he worked with archeologists throughout his life to recover and document important sites and artifacts of the Indigenous peoples that lived in central Newfoundland centuries ago, contributing to the body of knowledge that exists today on their ways of life. He established a recreated Beothuk village in Grand Falls-Windsor so citizens and visitors could learn about the lives of a people who became extinct. These are only a few highlights of his life’s work to protect the environment and advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples. He held strong to his beliefs in what was right and was a fierce advocate for the causes that mattered to him. Don’s faith and belief in God were sustaining forces in his life. He gave generously of his time to his church and its members, charted a path for himself that was guided by the simple but powerful rule to love your neighbours as yourself, and had a deep and personal connection with God. But Don’s proudest role was that of father to his three girls, which he shared with Maureen Hennessey. They felt his love, support, and presence every day of their lives and through every decision they made. Don rarely used their given names, instead almost exclusively referring to them by the nicknames he bestowed upon them shortly after they were born: Pudd (Jennifer), Fluff and then Homie (Stephanie), and Bird (Donna). His love was extended to his daughters’ husbands and friends; all of the people most important to his girls were by extension important to him. He was generous with his words, constantly ensuring they knew how unconditional and deep his love for them ran. Don is predeceased by his mother Elsie Cooke (nee Pelley); sister Joan Pelley; stepfather Leroy Cooke; grandparents Ambrose and Amelia Pelley; and beloved dog Rowdy; as well as many dear family members and friends. Left to celebrate his life and continue his legacy are Maureen Hennessey and their three daughters Jennifer (Christopher Plant), Stephanie (Ryan Manley), and Donna (Michael Cohen), and a large circle of family and friends who were always important to him. The family extends its appreciation to the staff at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre, who provided kindness and care to Don and assistance to the family. The family is also deeply appreciative of all of the support they have received from family members and friends near and abroad; this is what is sustaining them as they move through their grief. Funeral services have been entrusted to Hoskin’s Funeral Homes in Grand Falls-Windsor. Visitation will take place Thursday, September 12 from 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Friday, September 13 at 11 a.m. For those unable to make it in person, the mass will be livestreamed from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrNidjyFCWwlteO2kdKhJw. A rosery service will take place Thursday, September 12th at 3:30 at Hoskins Funeral Home Grand Falls-Windsor.

March 15, 1948 - September 8, 2024

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Donald Pelley

51 Trees have been planted in memory of Donald Pelley.

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Memorial Trees

Paula and Mike Stefanich

September 19, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by Paula and Mike Stefanich. Plant a tree

Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to help you face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

Austin (Bud) & Brenda Bennett

September 15, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by Austin (Bud) & Brenda Bennett. Plant a tree

Thinking of all of Don's family at this most difficult time.

Edna Pearcey

September 13, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by Edna Pearcey. Plant a tree

If fond memory of a man who loved life and his family. Life is to be lived and Don followed this to the fullest. Don & Edna

David Hennessey

September 13, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by David Hennessey. Plant a tree

Rest in peace Don.

Sara Newman & Tim Winchester

September 13, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by Sara Newman & Tim Winchester. Plant a tree

Andrea Head, Chad, Charlie, Cooper

September 13, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by Andrea Head, Chad, Charlie, Cooper. Plant a tree

A tree to celebrate the life of my incredible Uncle Don. One of the best! I love you.

Anonymous

September 12, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Anneke

September 12, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by Anneke. Plant a tree

While I never had the opportunity to meet Don, knowing Steph I can only imagine how vibrant he was. Keeping your family in my thoughts.

Sue & Ron Bachur

September 12, 2024

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by Sue & Ron Bachur. Plant a tree

So sorry for your immense loss Jenn. Hope all your treasured memories will guide you and your family through this very difficult time. Lots of love

Joan Bennett

September 12, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by Joan Bennett. Plant a tree

Rest in Peace

Anonymous

September 11, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Diane Brian and Dot

September 10, 2024

The planting of 10 memorial trees in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by Diane Brian and Dot. Plant a tree

We are thinking of you during this difficult time.

Calvin, Diane and Sandra Barrett

September 10, 2024

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by Calvin, Diane and Sandra Barrett. Plant a tree

'Your candle burned out long before Your legend ever did'

David FW Cohen and Family

September 09, 2024

The planting of 25 memorial trees in the honor of Donald Pelley has been arranged by David FW Cohen and Family. Plant a tree

In memory of Donald Pelley from David, Sarah, Ethan and Samuel Cohen