Donald Rueban Haggart, age 74 years, passed away, peacefully, at his home in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia on February 7, 2026. Don was born on May 10, 1951 to parents, James Garvin Haggart and Ruth Macdonald Haggart in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.
Don is survived by his loving spouse of 32 years, Diane Bagnell, and his sons: Dwayne Edwards, River Hebert, NS; Christian (Lori Yu Luo) Haggart, Kelowna, BC; and daughters: Arlene Windsor, Stellarton, NS; Melanie Hamilton, Riverview, NB. He is also survived by his sisters: Myra June Nicoli, Boscawen, New Hampshire, USA; Bonnie MacKenzie, and Evie Haggart, and brother-in-law, Alfred Irving, all of New Glasgow. He will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, great, and great-great nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Irving, and brothers, James, William, and Harold Haggart.
Don’s life’s vocation was music. From his earliest childhood, he had but one dream – to be a singer/songwriter. He had never known a time when his mind wasn’t filled with melodies and rhymes. He said his lyrics and tunes came as gifts in the quiet of evenings or pre – dawn hours. His themes were universal – family, faith, love and nature. For Don, the highlight of his musical career was playing the Grand Ole Opry and the Wheelin’ West Virginia Jamboree with his brother, Jim. In recent years, he thoroughly enjoyed playing small venues across Nova Scotia with The Tonveta Shows entertaining with and for so many people who loved classic country and gospel music.
Over his 60 years in music, professionally, he received a number of awards but the two that pleased him the most were the induction of he and his brother, Jim, into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame and being recognized by the town of New Glasgow as "Ambassadors Extraordinaire" for their pioneering contribution towards the international music legacy of Nova Scotia.
Don gave freely of his talents by devoting much of his time to charitable causes and performing at fundraising concerts. He was a man of many interests: antiques, furniture restoration, art and gardening to name a few. Don drew great inspiration and serenity spending time at his Piedmont bunkhouse and with his much loved pets: Gus, Mickey and Sally Socks.
He will be remembered by all who knew him for his sense of humor and love of storytelling but, most especially, as a compassionate, loving and deeply spiritual human being whose generosity knew no bounds. When asked, he simply said, "I have had a wonderful life".
Don’s family would like to express our deepest appreciation to nurse, Rachael MacDonald, and the doctors of the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital for guiding us through this difficult journey with our beloved Donny. We, also, want to sincerely thank the VON nurses and home support for their kind and gentle care of Donny during his illness. To Don’s friends, who have shown so much empathy and support, we are forever grateful.
Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 pm Friday, February 13, R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow. Funeral 2 pm Saturday, February 14, in First Presbyterian Church, 208 MacLean St., New Glasgow, with Rev. Grant Johnston officiating. Burial in Murray’s Point Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Pictou County Palliative Care Society, the VON, the Canadian Red Cross, the Nova Scotia SPCA or a charity of your choice.