Donne Flanagan

September 29, 1964 – August 24, 2008

- By Darlene Dziewit, MFL President

Long time NDP political activist and trusted advisor to the Doer government, Donne Flanagan, died suddenly on August 24, 2008. Donne will be greatly and sadly missed.

Donne died, much too young, at age 43. Donne had held key positions with the Doer government and the Federal NDP. He was just beginning a new job as assistant deputy minister of community initiatives in the department of science, technology, energy and mines. It would have been a job at which Donne would have excelled.

I first met Donne while working for the NDP on the provincial election campaign in 1994. I was struck by how truly bright he was, and how well he could grasp the issues of the day. We did not win the election that year, but the seeds were sown then for the three Doer majority government election wins that followed.

In addition to being very bright, Donne possessed keen political instincts, which were coupled by a strong, healthy dose of skepticism, a helpful trait when working in the political arena. Donne also had a wicked sense of humour that often came out at strategic planning meetings, causing much hilarity.

Donne Flanagan is survived by his sons Callum and Kieran; his parents Wallace and Marjorie Flanagan of Claresholm, Alberta; his sister Jillian of Medicine Hat, Alberta; and his wife Deirdre. Donne will also be mourned by many friends and colleagues.

Donations in Donne’s memory can be made to The Boreal Forest Network, in care of Don Sullivan, 101-134 Langside Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1Z4.