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Jake retired from competition in 1988. St. Stephen held a banquet in his honour and congratulatory messages and letters were received from, among others, Premier Frank McKenna and Senator Ted Kennedy. Senator Kennedy wrote: "I salute you as a world competitor, as a community leader, and as an inspiration to challenged youth - and to us all. Your success in life and living is dramatic proof that disabled doesn't mean unable. We thank you for sharing your most precious gift - your vitality and spirit - with all of us." Friends and family, far and near, came to celebrate Jake's career and the contributions he had made to sport and community life.

In 1991, Jake was elected to the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame. At the induction event Donahue said that "it is an honour to be associated with Hall of Famers like "Squirrely" Earl Ross, George Purcell, Howard Clark (all members of St. Stephen - Milltown's Baseball Team), Dr. Bill Greenough. . . and Gordon Coffey."

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John 'Jake' Edward Donahue
1991

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Sandra McCrossin, who assisted with the organization of Jake's 1988 banquet, wrote a poem celebrating Donahue's achievements. The final verses are, perhaps, the most fitting way to summarize how Jake's hometown thought of this remarkable individual:

. . .
Much acclaim has come Jake's way,
Brave medals have been won.

Adventures still pursue him
Though the times may be more rare
But I think it could be aptly said
"He wheels one racy chair"

Now family, friends, the youth, our Town
Have got a message too -
"You make our hearts SWELL ‘very' full
We're proud. . . And we love you"!!