Peter Donovan

Peter Donovan, 52, died peacefully after a stroke, surrounded by his family at St. Patrick Hospital on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013.

Peter was born June 7, 1961, in Walnut Creek, Calif., the son of James and Pearl Donovan. He attended Lewis and Clark Elementary and Sentinel High School as he grew up in Missoula.

Peter loved sports from an early age. He played baseball, tennis, high school football, basketball and ran sprints in track. He had planned to continue playing football in college until he suffered a career-ending injury. Peter considered becoming a meteorologist and was obsessed with weather. He always predicted the weather better than the weather man.

On June 25, 1983, Peter married Renee Oliver. Best decision he ever made. They celebrated their 30th anniversary this past summer. Together they raised three beautiful daughters. Being a dad was Peter's number one satisfaction in life. He would often refer to having to check with all "four of his wives" before planning events with his friends.

Peter co-owned JTL Dental Lab and was an accomplished dental ceramist for the past 32 years. In this capacity, he developed many long-term friendships and business relationships.

Peter Donovan was the "go to" guy for his family and so many of his friends. If he did not know the information you needed, he researched the topic thoroughly and would get back to you. Peter made friends easily and those friends became family. He genuinely cared about people. Loyalty was part of his DNA.

An avid outdoorsman, Peter loved hunting and being at his cabin with the Fish Creek crew. He developed a very relaxing, beautiful retreat at the Fish Creek cabin over time and his place was the hub of activity for everyone up the creek. He never considered work at the cabin to be a chore. The lawn was perfect. The flowers were gorgeous. It was a labor of love.

Peter had the greatest sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes. According to his wife, it was a sign of his intelligence because "a person can't be stupid AND funny." He would torture his daughters with his wit, often at the most opportune times. His smile, laugh, practical jokes and sparkling blue eyes will be missed.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, James and Pearl Donovan.

Peter is survived by his wife of 30 years, Renee; daughters Kendra Owens (Ty), Zoe Donovan and Jenna Donovan; brothers and their families, Jim, Brooke, Tanner and Hayley Donovan of Havre, and Tim, Janelle, Callan, Jake, Carlyn and Lauren Donovan of Missoula.

Peter's service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. A reception will follow in the basement of the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Partners Hospice, 2687 Palmer St., Suite B, Missoula, MT 59808; St. Patrick House in care of St. Patrick Foundation, 500 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802, designate St. Patrick House; or Ronald McDonald House, P.O. Box 119, Missoula, MT 59806.

Read Peter Donovan's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.