Nathan Donegan

Nathan Donegan Like Keats' Nightingale, Nathan is flying free and has flown to the next valley-glade to sing his song. A talented musician, Nate played the upright bass and bass guitar. In his too short life, he played with Hyfantis and the Bishop’s Band, Cristabel and the Jons, Marble City Shooters, Joey Pierce, Chris Mathien bands and others; and loved to jam with many of his friends. He especially loved being in the outdoors and spent many happy hours on the Appalachian Trail. Nate Donegan passed away March 26 after a valiant fight with metastatic melanoma. Even though he received the worst kind of diagnosis in August, he kept up the fight and stayed as hopeful as possible. He didn't want cancer to dominate his life. He did not like to share any bad news in his updates, just the good news. He traveled, he hiked, even though his hikes were shorter than previously, and he continued to play music as he was able. In fact, he played at First Friday in the Old City with Chris Mathien just this month, 3 weeks ago. We are very proud of our awesome son, and the example he set to stay strong, and to "just be." His melanoma was just a random occurrence, he didn't do anything to cause it. But he fought this most difficult battle with grace and courage like we have never seen. During his last weeks, Nate’s amazing friends were ever present, some flying from across the country to share stories, love, and one last hug. His friends and family will all miss his wit, humor, and stubborn self-reliance. Born January 16, 1981, Nathan Donegan attended McMinn High school and UT School of Music. He was preceded in death by his father, William Donegan, his aunt Beth Gray, and his grandparents. He is survived by his mother, Jill Alliman and stepfather Peter Alliman of Sweetwater, his brother Casey Joseph Donegan and Radha Leonni and daughter Sara of Sylva NC, special niece Kayana Donegan, maternal aunt and uncle, Mike and Jody Bricker of AR, paternal aunts and uncles Meg and Ashley Hammond of NJ, Craig and Josephine Donegan of NY, and Emmett Donegan of RI. Nate had many cousins, and was closest to Jeremiah and Daniel Bohatkiewicz and Ben Bricker. Just a few of his amazing friends include Keith Hendershot, Chris and Meghann Borden, Greg Celentano and Jennifer Terry, Matthew Garwood, Russ Davidson, Curtis and Rachel Geren, Shantel and Grant Geren, Natalie Morganti, Ashley Coram and special friend Tegan Medico. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses, nurse practitioners and physicians at the UT Cancer Institute who helped in the fight against melanoma. We want to thank them all, and in particular Jamie Loveday, APRN, Drs. Panella and Dill, nurses Ruth and Becky, and client navigator Randi Ray. Nate’s Celebration of Life will be at the First United Methodist Church in Madisonville, April 12 at 5 pm, with a potluck to follow. An Irish wake with music and sharing of stories will be at the Jig and Reel in Old City Knoxville April 13 beginning at 6 pm. Friends and family are invited to join either or both. We love you, our beloved son and friend, Nate. Now you can fly free and rest easy. Heaven just won an amazing soul. Memorial donations can be made to the Joy of Music School, 1209 Euclid Avenue Knoxville, TN 37921. Joy of Music is a nonprofit free music school for financially disadvantaged, at-risk children and teens. Funds given in Nathan’s memory will be used to provide them special opportunities, such as music camp fees, travel to competitions and auditions, application fees, and outside ensemble participation fees. This support helps break down the financial barrier for kids whose circumstances might limit their opportunities. Memorials can also be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 799 Washington St., PO Box 807, Harper’s Ferry, WV.

Nathan Donegan

January 16, 1981 - March 26, 2017