The Rev. R. L. Donahue

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The Reve rend Canon Ray Lawrence Donahue of Downsville, died on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, in Binghamton.

Father Donahue was born Feb. 23, 1929 and was the son of the late James and Laura Donahue of Horseheads. He was predeceased by a brother James, and is survived by two sisters, Josephine Larson and Anita Donahue, and several nieces and nephews.

“Fr. D” as he was affectionately known, was beloved throughout Delaware County and the Catskill region, The Episcopal Church, and to countless people whose lives he blessed.

He received his bachelor degree in philosophy from Hobart College, Geneva, and a master of sacred theology from General Seminary, New York City. He was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1954. He was made Canon of the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany.

Father Donahue served at Trinity Church, Sharon Springs, St. Paul’s Church, West Middleburgh, St. Mary’s Church, Downsville, and St. Margaret’s Church, Margaretvi l le. In retirement, he served at Trinity Church, Rensselaerville, and Christ Church, Greenville. He also supplied regularly at Christ Church, Walton, St. James Church, Lake Delaware, and St. Peter’s Church, Geneva.

As Chaplain of the Lake Delaware Boys’ Camp for fifty years, Father D nurtured young people and their counselors and provided for the camp’s spiritual needs by the offering of daily mass and addresses to over 100 campers and staff each season. A celebration was held at the camp last summer to honor him for his 50th year as Camp Chaplain, and to express the love, reverence and respect with which he was held by all.

As a renowned mountain climber, Father Donahue passed on his love for the mountains to many other people. In 1969, he climbed all 46 peaks in the Adirondacks over 4,000 feet in elevation in nine days, a record that stood for many years. He was a charter member of the Catskills 3500 Club, and served as the Chair of Conservation.

In retirement, Father Donahue took a milking course at Cornell Cooperative Extension, and worked at the Harmonie Farm, Downsville, for several years.

A Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of The Rev. Ray L. Donahue will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 11:30 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 55 Lake Delaware Drive, Delhi. The Rev. James Kruger, celebrant, The Rev. James H. Adams, preacher and assisted by others.

Father Donahue made an anatomical gift of his body to the Albany Medical College.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lake Delaware Boys Camp, P.O. Box 31, Delhi, NY 13753.