Family mourns man killed in “a senseless act of violence” in Uptown Waterloo

What should have been a night of celebration took a deadly turn. CTV’s Krista Simpson speaks to a family in mourning.

A 62-year-old man has died in what his family calls “a senseless act of violence.”

The family has identified a victim of a fatal assault in Uptown Waterloo as Brian Donovan of Bayfield. He was known as “Bugs” and described as a fun-loving person and caring husband. He had also recently retired.

His brother told CTV News that Donovan had been celebrating his birthday and the Super Bowl with a large group of friends just hours before he was found fatally injured at another location.

Donovan’s family shared a photo of him with his dogs, taken earlier in the day.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service was called to a business on King Street North near Young Street West around 12:45 a.m. on Monday for an assault.

When they arrived, they found a 62-year-old unconscious man with a head injury. He was taken to hospital where he died the following day.

On Thursday, a 37-year-old male from Kitchener was charged with manslaughter.

Police said they believe this was an isolated incident and no weapons were involved.

Donovan’s family wrote in a statement, “As we grapple with this unimaginable loss, we choose to focus on the beautiful life Brian lived and the legacy of his many joys in life cooking for friends on his smoker, playing with his dogs and traveling with his wife Judy. They shared great times with their family and friends. We will cherish those lovely memories.”

The family is also thanking the first responders, doctors and other medical staff who tried to help Donovan.

They added they are fully cooperating with the police investigation, and are thanking them, as well as the broader community.

“Our thanks to our friends, neighbours, and the community for the overwhelming outpour of support and prayers during this dark time,” the statement reads.

Police do not anticipate making further arrests at this time, but are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to reach out to investigators.

“We do continue to ask if there is anyone in the public that witnessed the incident who has not yet spoken with investigators to contact our non-emergency line, or if they wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers,” Const. Melissa Quarrie with Waterloo Regional Police Service told CTV News.

The family said there will be a private funeral for Donovan in the future, as well as a celebration of life for friends and family in May.