Donald Joseph O'Hearn

Donald “Don” O’Hearn (96) It is with heavy hearts that we, his grandchildren, announce that our grandfather, Donald “Don” O’Hearn passed away peacefully, at home, November 17th, 2024. Born February 20, 1928 in Dartmouth, Don was the son of the late Martin and Monica (Ryan) O’Hearn. With his family home just steps to the #2 tee, one could argue that Don O'Hearn was born with a golf club in hand. Brightwood would become a place that would provide him with stories and memories, countless lifelong friendships and accomplishments that he would share with his family. These experiences would eventually earn him the title “The Legend” . While working as a caddy at age 9, Don played his first few holes by sneaking back on the course with his buddies after work. He became a member of the club at age sixteen and won the club championship at thirty; in fact, between the O'Hearn brothers, the O’Hearn name was on the Club Championship board three times between 1956 and 1960. Don played his first Nova Scotia Amateur in 1957 and in 1963; he won, setting a Brightwood course record. As a senior golfer, Don played in the Nova Scotia Men’s Senior Championships numerous times, taking the number one spot in 1983 and 1991. Don and his brother Gabby were the first brothers to ever win the Nova Scotia Senior Four Ball Championships when they teamed up together in 1989. After retiring from the provincial government as a pipe and steam fitter; Don had more time to enjoy his passion and continued into his nineties, playing three times weekly with friends. There were two things that could always be counted on; lots of laughs and a little cash being on the line. Don had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. Don is survived by his wife of 31 years Jeannine (Raftus); grandchildren Krista (Demetrius), Jason (Katie), Jeffrey, their father Bill (Barb). He is also survived by Bill and Barb’s children Josh (Becky) and Liam (Shataya), siblings; Lawrence “Butch”, Janet Feener (Keith), Rosemarie Masters (Alfred), Monica Nightingale, Theresa Orton and sister in law Cecelia along with many nieces and nephews. “Grampy with the stripes” will also be missed by his great-grandchildren Taylor, Bronwyn, Maddux, Iris, Braden, Ryker, Hollie and Tucker who always enjoyed their visits with Great Grampy and Nanny Jeannine. Don was also very close with Jeannine’s children; Colleen, Richard (Holly), Louise,Stuart (Tracey), Jeannie (Les),Michelle and all of their families, with whom he shared many happy memories Besides his parents; Don was predeceased by his first wife, our grandmother, Dorothy (Malay); brothers Clarence “Gabby” and Bernard, sisters Joan, Dorothy and Catherine. To us, his grandchildren, words can’t express what Grampy meant to us; he was a mentor, father figure, and always there with a listening ear to provide guidance and support. We would like to thank personal caregivers Harpreet Kaur, and Samson Dosu as well as the doctors, nurses and staff at the Dartmouth General hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to First Tee- Atlantic to help to grow the game that Don loved so much! Donations in Don’s memory can be made online at http://firstteeatlantic.ca/giving or to a charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place. A funeral mass for Don will be held Tuesday, November 26th at 11 o’clock at St Peter’s Catholic Church, 10 Maple Street, Dartmouth, NS with Archbishop Martin Currie officiating. We would like to invite friends and family to a reception to celebrate “The Legend” at Brightwood Golf and Country Club from 1- 3pm following the service.

Donald Joseph O'Hearn

February 20, 1928 - November 17, 2024