Bruce Doney, an 89-year-old Ontario man, has shared a heartbreaking victim impact statement after his wife of 63 years, Eleanor Doney, was randomly stabbed to death by a 14-year-old outside their home in Pickering last May. The attack shocked the nation and left Bruce, who is disabled with age-related health problems, without his main caregiver and supporter.
A Life Changed Forever
In his statement, Bruce said: 'Unbelievable grief. Although I am receiving good care at the long term care home that I have moved into, I am living a constant nightmare. It has been unspeakable how I miss my wife, Ellie, and look forward to seeing her in heaven which will not be a long wait I believe. With my many health problems which are age-related I am disabled and my wife was my supporter, my main caregiver.'
Bruce explained that when Ellie was murdered, it created a crisis for him. Within 10 days, he was offered a room at a long-term-care home, which had been Ellie's first choice a year earlier because she knew she couldn't continue as a caregiver due to her own physical limitations. He had to leave his home and everything changed.
Memories of a Shared Life
'The atmosphere of a home with love from my wife. The atmosphere – during the day, the times I stop and meditate on good times and the fun we had and our faith together. I used to enjoy working in the garden with my wife with the flowers stretched over a couple of ponds and the songs of birds which returned to the birdhouse. Now it’s like a little bird has flown into a closed window and was killed. I can only put it now in a place where it rests, is buried and marked. I’ll never forget that little bird that I spent 63 years with,' he said.
He also recalled how Ellie would read to him at night as his eyesight failed, and bring him coffee in the morning to discuss their plans. 'That’s gone and there is an empty space as a result,' he added.
Health Impact
Since the attack, Bruce has been hospitalized three times, including once for congestive heart failure that nearly killed him. He now struggles with memory and name recall. The teen has been charged with first-degree murder, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for July.
