On April 29, 2020, Gilbert Anthony Donohue (born Gilbert Axford Donohue) of Dearborn Heights passed away at the age of eighty-six after a ten-year struggle with Alzheimer's.

On April 23, 1934, Gil was born to Lawrence and Elizabeth (O'Connor) Donohue. As the second of five children, he overcame his middle-child status through his sense of humor, welcoming smile, and charm. Following his graduation from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, he agreed to join the army in exchange for his parents' permission to marry his high-school sweetheart (Joan M. de Guise), which he did on February 13, 1954. After serving in the army, he attended the University of Detroit College and the University of Detroit School of Law – all while working to support his wife and children.

Gil was a true champion of the poor and under-represented. Initially following in his father's footsteps (his father was an in-house real estate attorney for General Motors), Gil accepted an in-house position with Ford Motor Company. He resigned soon thereafter – without discussing it with his wife – and gave up a much larger salary, benefits, and a company car to join Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services. During the 1967 Detroit riots, he defended countless individuals who were arrested, defended the rights of African Americans, and endured numerous death threats against him and his family because of his "unpopular" views at the time. He then joined the University of Detroit Law School's Urban Law Clinic in its infancy. "Professor Donohue," as many knew him, began taking students to court and accepting his own criminal defense appointments. He spent the rest of his legal career ensuring that everyone, no matter his or her race, socioeconomic status, age, immigration status, or sexuality, had quality legal representation. There were even a few family vacations that were planned around his trips to meet clients who were in prison. After retiring from the law, he remained active by joining his son-in-law's construction company, taking boxing lessons, and taking his dream trip to Ireland.

From the time he was nineteen until his Alzheimer's progressed, Gil ran every morning and lifted weights every night. He jokingly challenged his daughters' and granddaughters' boyfriends to compare the size of their biceps. He loved boxing, coffee, beer, chips, peanuts, and hard candy. He came home after work every night to make dinner, which was a hit-or-miss experience, but he knew how to make a solid Irish stew. He was a member of Mensa yet humble about his intelligence, until he played Trivial Pursuit, where he would crush the competition ( i.e ., he played on his own while his entire family joined forces on the opposing team). His favorite song was "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones, often played before he went into his jury trials, and he also enjoyed the Pogues, Clancy Brothers, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and Janice Joplin.

Gil's mustache was legendary, as was his random belting out of Irish folk songs in his strong baritone. More importantly, he leaves behind a legacy of lawyers, judges, colleagues, friends, and family who adored him. And family always came first. He was the first person we called with any problems or if we needed bail (not naming names). He always showed up without asking questions or pronouncing judgment. He had to leave the practice of law to care for his wife, until she lost her battle with depression. He never once complained. Despite the struggles that he faced, he lived each day as his last and always smiled. Indeed, his smile remained and his true friendliness persisted throughout his battle with Alzheimer's.

Gil is survived by his children, Diane Marion (Gary), Mary Sarb (Timothy Sr.), and Gilbert Donohue, Jr. (Carmelita Davis Holts); his granddaughter whom he raised, Katherine Van Dyke (James); his grandchildren, Charles Marion (Laurie), Michael Marion (Ling), Meghan Simonie (Matthew), Timothy Sarb, Jr. (Renee), Jeremey Donohue, Patrick Donohue, Kathleen Sarb, and Christopher Sarb; and great-grandchildren, Andrew and Charlotte Goudie and Margot Van Dyke; Madelyn, Jack, and Savannah Simonie; Penelope and Bobbie Lin Marion; Leo Sarb; and Rosalyn Sarb. Gil also is survived by his sister, Ellen Warwick; his brother, Dennis Donohue (Maureen); his sisters-in-law, Bernadette and Marilyn Donohue; his former daughter-in-law, Susan Donohue; his former grandson-in-law, Jeffrey Goudie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gil is predeceased by, and now joins, his wife of fifty years, Joan Donohue; his children, Norman and Daniel Donohue; his grandchild, Colleen Sarb; his parents, Elizabeth and Lawrence Donohue; his brothers, Lawrence and Daniel Donohue; his brother-in-law, Don Warwick; and countless pets.

The family wishes to thank Presbyterian Villages for the loving care that its caretakers provided to Gil. He will be buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery surrounded by his immediate family. A celebration of his life will be scheduled for a later date when it is safe again to gather in groups.

If family and friends desire to make a memorial contribution in Gil's name, please consider donating to the National Audubon Society: https://www.audubon.org . He found peace in nature, the garden, and birdwatching, and we are happy that he is at peace again.