Tribute Wall
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Ann Bromley lit a candle
Sunday, May 10, 2026
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Maggie, I am So Sad to hear of Richard's passing. And feel so blessed that I had such a recent opportunity to visit you both! He was very brave in the face of his health challenges, always cheerful and putting the best foot forward. Memories of years of friendship shared in the wilds of Nova Scotia flash by, as well as remembering him at shared moments on various sets and pub crawling in Halifax. Huge hugs to you and your family, and yes, Richard's spirit lives on. He will forever be present on his cherished farm in New Elm.
XXX Ann Bromley
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Tanja Jacobs posted a condolence
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Dear Maggie, I was very sad to learn of Richard's passing. Dick was a delightful, loving, kind, playful and gifted man. He was a wonderful artist. I loved working with him as an actor. I loved the way he valued truthfulness, the way he valued transparency on stage and also in human relations. He liked clarity and directness in communication. That's a trait that is simply vital when folks are trying to pull off the impossible. Richard was funny and generous. On stage, he was tremendous. He was grounded and vivid and real.
Nina and I will never forget the generosity and kindness you and Richard showed to us when we were guests in your wonderful home. You were simply the finest hosts on earth.
There is a grand shadow, a vast empty place where Richard Donat stood, a giant and a gentleman. Blessings on his memory.
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Michael Fuller posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
One of my most favorite people on this planet. Memories of that first magic summer of theatre in Chester where our friendship began. I am so very sorry to hear of Dick's departure.. I spent far too little time with him. Concolences to Maggie and all the family. Carry the light.
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Bernard Robichaud posted a condolence
Monday, April 13, 2026
My sincere condolences Maggi, loved all my times with Richard, he was always very kind and giving to me wherever we crossed paths, he will be missed and always have a place in my heart. Bernard
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Chris Shore posted a condolence
Monday, April 13, 2026
Maggie - my deepest condolences to and your family. I had the distinct pleasure of being directed by Richard in Consecrated Ground and acting with him in Drawer Boy. What a joy - both times. He was a phenomenal artist. Great sense of humour and such a grounded person. It was a privilege to have known him.
Chris Shore
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JoAnn Smith posted a condolence
Monday, April 13, 2026
Maggie I was remembering all of the lovely moments shared with Richard on Emily of New Moon and many other various productions we worked on. His humour and his respect for his workmates was unparalleled.
My condolence to you and the family.
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Janice Hagen posted a condolence
Saturday, April 11, 2026
My sincere condolences to Morgan, family and friends.
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David Ferry uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 10, 2026
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Richard and Michael Hogan and Errol Slue and I were in Of Mice and Men at Toronto’s YPT directed by Peter Moss. It was a lovely production anchored by Richard’s beautiful Lennie.
David Ferry
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George Condon posted a condolence
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Oh Maggie I'm so sorry. Rick was a wonderful person and a wonderful actor. I can clearly remember him at the age of 15 lying on our living room floor in Kentville with red food colouring on his face to represent blood as his hand stretched out for a toy pistol. (Perhaps it was his first acting role) His Mom and mine were great friends and we spent many hours together. In retrospect it was perhaps pure fate that he and I spoke on the phone just two months ago. That wonderful voice will be with me forever. It is an enormous loss.
George Condon
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Mary Fay Coady posted a condolence
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Richard was quite remarkable to me. I stage managed a Beckett show he directed, starring Tim Leary. Krapp's Last Tape. I was young, and didn't quite know how good at had it to be in a room with those two artists. After that, Richard would come visit me at Steve-O-Reno's where I worked. He'd sometimes bring some of the honey he harvested. I will remember him.
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Richard Hadley posted a condolence
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Richard was a true gentleman and a wonderful actor
I spoke with him regularly when I worked for ACTRA and had the pleasure of working with him once before that on Clean Sweep. Will always have the fondest memories of him
My sincere condolences to Maggie and his family
Richard Hadley
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Amy Reitsma posted a condolence
Thursday, April 9, 2026
My mother, Linda Bateman, always spoke so highly of Richard Donat. I think she called him ‘Dicky Donat’. (She knew him in the late 60’s, early 70’s I believe.) I have heard of him as the incredible actor he was, although unfortunately I never met him. He was always spoken of so highly by everyone, which is a rare and wonderful thing. I am so sorry for the loss to your family, and to the Canadian theatre world.
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Norma Richard posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Omg...Maggie so so sorry to hear this...sending you and your family lots of love ❤️
Such a wonderful human being , lovely soul ❤️
Norma
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Lisa Cochrane posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Maggie. I was so sorry to learn of Richard’s death. My brief encounters with Richard on set were always delightful. He was a true gentleman. My deepest condolences to you and your children on this huge loss in your lives. Love Lisa
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lucille posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
MAGGIE and family in our thoughts take care xoxo we still watch shows he is in, littlest hobo is our favorite. Donald Mailman, Lucille Erroll, Tena, Mark, Makenna, Mervin, Anzel, Todd, Paul, Candice, Aimee. We all have great memories of Richard xo
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Tyrone Benskin posted a condolence
Saturday, April 4, 2026
So terribly saddened by his passing!
The several times I had the opportunity to work and spend time with Richard were some of my most treasured theatre moments. His presence was deep and reassuring. Quiet and confident. He brought with him the joy of our craft and the belief in building and telling stories from the many voices that speak of Canada and that makes us Canadian.
You leave a beautiful legacy of people, stories and moments that are both precious and resonant.
To Richard’s family, thank you for letting us steal him away from time to time to play and tell stories together. My heart returns to you the love he shared with us and I wish you love and healing.
My deepest condolences.
Tyrone Benskin
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Geoff Bowes posted a condolence
Friday, April 3, 2026
For all the years that I knew him in Toronto - Dick was a good man. He was a terrific actor and all that, but what stays with me is a solid gentle presence and a kindness that made us all agree that Dick was a good guy. I cannot remember the plays, the tv or radio shows that we did together over the years .What I do remember is getting a call sheet and going "Great! Dick Donat is in the show!" I am proud to have had a friend like Dick.My love to you and the 'kids' Maggie.
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Elissa Barnard posted a condolence
Friday, April 3, 2026
I am very sorry for your loss. I knew Richard as a wonderful actor from my job as a theatre reviewer. But I remember one day at Neptune Theatre my mother and I went to see a play and Richard was sitting in front of us and, as you know, he is a large figure. And he looked back at us and smiled and said hello and moved his seat so we could see the stage fully. And I've never forgotten that. It was so kind.
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Misha Tarasoff posted a condolence
Thursday, April 2, 2026
It is with great sadness that we heard Richard is no longer with us. He was a good friend and a great member of the Canadian arts community and will be missed. Marlene and Misha.
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Rob McIntyre lit a candle
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
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Sorry to hear of the passing of Richard , he was such a down to earth person and always there to share his experiences and encouragement. I remember his portrayal as Jim Norris in the film Networth one of my all-time favorite hockey movies . My condolences to Richard's family and friends, a huge loss to the stage and screen community.
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Carolyn Skelly lit a candle
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
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Dear Maggie, Owen and Morgan Donat:
My name is Carolyn Skelly. I lived at Bain Co-op Apartments for 25 years, until 2000, with my son, Kanja Chen. Kanja was friends with Owen and Megan. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Richard. I remember him as a loving husband, father and neighbour. Richard was a talented actor and with your creative talents, Maggie, your family were wonderful members of the richly creative Bain Avenue community. I am saddened by the loss for your family of such a wonderful man. May you be comforted by your lifelong memories of Richard. My warm regards to you, your family and friends.
Carolyn Skelly
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Orin Dash posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
I first met Richard (and Maggie) in the mid-nineties, when I attended Acadia University with their son, Morgan...Morgy.
My first impression of Richard, was of his towering physical presence that filled a doorway. At first blush, I felt dwarfed in his shadow. However, he immediately put me at ease with a firm handshake and a warm smile.
Of course, as a young actor, at the beginning of my educational career and training, I was well aware of Mr. Donat's weight and gravitas within the community.
Over the years and throughout my occasional visits, I remember most, his openness, sense of humour, and carefree spirit.
On my last visit in '21, I sought his advice on an upcoming TV role I had landed. I also took the occasion to remind him of an impromptu visit I had made, many years before...
In 1998, I found myself motorcycling through the South Shore, cutting cross-country on my way back to the Valley. I was caught in the height of a terrible thunder and lightning storm.
Richard kindly offered me shelter, warmth by the fire to dry out, and a bite to eat, while the storm passed. After several hours of conversation, I finally prepared to head out.
Before leaving, Richard proudly presented me with his old leather biker jacket from the 60's or 70's. Of course, due to its size, it covered me more like a warm blanket of leather.
I will never forget his kindness and generosity.
My deepest condolences to the family and especially my ole friend, Morgy.
All My Love,
Orin
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Josh H posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
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Richard Francois Donat - you leave this Earth having such a lasting impression on me personally and for that I cannot thank you enough, many of my life’s first lessons were from you and Maggie and your 2 incredible boys. So thankful for the sleepovers with you rehearsing your lines and in character (used to scare me) or allowing us to use your living room as a hockey rink or wrestling ring and your house was an open door / community centre, truly special. Great memories of you making each and every kid that stayed over that night their own unique breakfast as you used to ask, what does everyone want? I can see you now, listening to the BlueJays game on the radio despite the TV being 5 feet away on a sunny afternoon. This news hits me like a tonne of bricks, you will be remembered and missed.
Thank you Richard for everything… You helped teach me what being a Father was and is…
To the Donat family, I am so sorry and saddened to hear this news. My condolences to you all, I am so fortunate to have had the time I had with Richard, thank you for sharing him with all of us.
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The family of Richard Francois Donat uploaded a photo
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
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