Donald Bartraw
Our sweet and loving husband, father and grandfather left us March 11, 2021, after a valiant and courageous battle with cancer. Left to mourn are his devoted wife of nearly 50 years, Rachelle Arbique, and his three beautiful children: Rebecca Wyllie (Jeff), Amanda Kovacs (David), and Alexander (Seana Cerson). A proud grandfather to his equally beautiful grandchildren, Holden Kovacs and June Bartraw. Donnie leaves behind his sisters, Beverly (Ken Vallins) and Darlene (Garry Hammond), and his brothers, Wayne (Sheila), Brian (Sandy), and Darrell (Cindy). Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews: Mark, Michael, Deborah, Wendy, Barry, Derek, Ian, Valerie, Christopher, Daniel, Sacha and Justin, as well as his cousin Betty Anne Beverley (Bob) plus several extended family members. Also left to mourn are brother-in-law Phil Arbique (Rita), sister-in-law Jocelyne (Guy), and countless friends.
His strength and courage will forever be in our hearts.
Many thanks to La Maison Mathieu Froment Savoie for their compassionate care and respect that allowed him to leave this world in comfort.
A celebration of life will be held later on in the summer.
Those wishing to make a donation in Donnie's name can do so at either/or:
La Maison Mathieu Froment Savoie - https://www.mmfs.org/en/
The Canadian Cancer Society - https://www.cancer.ca/en/?region=qc
Messages de sympathie
I am really sorry to hear this sad news! My sympathy , thinking of you and family
- Lois Lapierre, le
6 avril 2021
Our deepest sympathy at this very difficult time. Don was a good guy, very proud of his family and with good reason. You are in our thoughts.
Michael and Gail Donlan
- Michael and Donlan, le
5 avril 2021
Our deepest condolences at this very sad time. May he rest in God’s loving arms. Our prayers of comfort are with you.
- Fred & Sheila Johnston, le
5 avril 2021
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather.
I always enjoyed Donnie's great sense of humour and his kindness to everyone at D'ArcyMcGee.
- DavidBoll, le
5 avril 2021
My deepest condolences. Don was a very kind person and a great person to know. He used to have great chit chat with Gil at the church.
I will always remember when he was Santa at the yearly Christmas music evening.
at our Lady of the Annunciation parish. Continue to talk about him and he will remain alive in your heart. May God give you strength during this difficult time.
Huguette Dawe.
- Huguette Dawe, le
25 mars 2021
Dear Rachelle:
Am so sorry for your loss. Don was always kind to all. His favourite expression was “I’m peachy”. I will miss him very much. Hope you are staying strong. Forever treasure your favourite memories of Don.
Isobel Gordon
Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish
- Isobel Gordon, le
19 mars 2021
Chère Rachelle mes sincères condoléances. Je pense souvent à toi (et t'a citée plusieurs fois) toi qui a été une inspiration il y a plus de 30 ans lorsque j'ai commencé à D'Arcy. Puisses-tu trouver le courage et la paix en ces moments difficiles.
- Chantal Boivin, le
19 mars 2021
I am so so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was sure a great person to know and
I am sure a greater husband and father.
You have had a long life together and all your memories will get you through the
difficult times plus you will feel his presence at times also.
You have to take one day at a time that's all you can do.
- Colleen Meunier, le
17 mars 2021
Dear Rachelle and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss our dear neighbour who always smiled and liked to make us laugh. Please know you are in our thoughts, and in our hearts. We also wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time. RIP Don.
- Céline, Austin and the kids, le
16 mars 2021
We are truly devastated to hear about Don’s passing. He was one of the best human beings we have ever met and know he was a great family man, role model, and overall one of the nicest people you could meet.
Growing up in Hull with Alex, my brother Jordan and I had the privilege to meet and grow up with the Bartraw family. Don was an absolute amazing dad and you could tell he was very much an influence on his children. I only know of good experiences with Don, as he played a father to many of Alex’s friends growing up.
He was a very loving, kind and joyful man and you can’t ask for much more than that.
We will always remember Don and offer our love and support to his family, as they’ve always been very important in our life and made us feel like family.
- Justin, Stephanie and Liam, le
16 mars 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing.
May your wonderful memories of him help you through the coming days and give you comfort in the time ahead.
- With Sympathy, Cathy Lawlor, le
16 mars 2021
Mes sincères sympathies a vous. Mes pensées sont avec vous
Chantal du CLSC
- Chantal, le
15 mars 2021
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
- Gina-Ann Desjardins, le
14 mars 2021
Je suis peiné de cette triste nouvelle mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille un homme de cœur ♥️ et mon gardien de but (hockey) mint bon voyage mon chum R.I.P.
- Yves Presseau , le
14 mars 2021
Sorry to hear of the loss of Don, a kind friendly man and a great spirit who will be missed by all who have had the honour of knowing him. May he shine a light on us all from heaven and live on in our memories.
- Patrick Jordan, le
14 mars 2021
My sincerest condolences to you and all your family. May he rest in peace.
- Natalia Coutinho Santos, le
13 mars 2021
Rachelle and Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this Sad and Difficult Time. Remember All the Wonderful Times with Him. Memories are Forever. We will forever remember our times with him here at Sleepy Valley. So much Fun with Him and Rachelle, our Karaoke Friday Nights, Saturday Night Entertainment or Dances ( so remember the time Donnie and I danced to wipe out, only ones on the dance floor) (and the night with the limbo stick and he said lower, then stepped over it). Petanque , Shrimp Boils, Yahoo + Many Many More Good times together. This Fantastic, Fun Loving Man will be missed and remembered by so many. Hugs and Kisses. John and Phyllis
- John and Phyllis Perry, le
13 mars 2021