CBU Mourns the Loss of Donald Fewer

To the University community,

It is with sadness I share with you news of the recent passing of Donald ‘Donnie’ Fewer, age 83, who was an early builder and administrator of our institution. Our condolences go to his wife, Leona, and his children Kevin, Karen, Elaine and Paul, and to all members of his family.

Donnie joined Xavier Junior College as Registrar and held that role in the early years of the College of Cape Breton. He 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 housing, MacDonald Residence. His leadership, as part of the University’s executive team, helped shape CBU into the institution it is today. He retired from the University in 1994.

Donnie was born and raised in Whitney Pier and graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Education. After his 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 teachers’ union, including President of the Sydney Local of NSTU. He was also the first elected member of the Sydney School Board where he served as chair.

Donnie was a proud ‘Pier Boy’ who loved living out his retirement with his ‘Town Girl’ and wife of 61 years, Leona, in East Bay, where he was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish.

Due to COVID restrictions there will be no visitation. A private family Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, East Bay with former CBU Chaplain Fr. Anthony O’Connor officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. 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

Please join me in offering our condolences to Donnie’s family.

Yours very truly,

 

David C. Dingwall

President and Vice-Chancellor