Donald V. Edwards, lovingly referred to as ‘The Gov’, died Sunday June 26th, 2022, at Cape Cod hospital. He was 99.
A Provincetown native, Donald was the youngest son of John ‘Chef’ Edwards and his wife Georgianna. He was the proud owner of the Governor Bradford Restaurant where he worked and lived with his friends and family until his final days. Always adventurous, he loved to travel, spending much of the off-season with his wife in their RV or riding his motorcycle. Music and art were also passions; collecting the big band recordings of his time, playing in the family band with his brothers, and developing his artistic talents through carpentry and woodworking.
He was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather.
Donald served in the U. S. Army during World War Two, meeting his beloved wife, Erma Beech while stationed in Mississippi. Donald and his wife went to work in the family sandwich shop after the death of his father in 1949. The sandwich shop changed in many ways over the years. Donald bought the property next door and used his carpentry skills to connect the two buildings as well as adding a second floor to the building. The business became a showcase for his artistic talents. He used bits of old ships to design the doorways and beach finds to create the bar. Donald kept all the family working at the sandwich shop that he renamed the Governor Bradford in 1960. He worked side by side with his siblings and children. Nieces nephews and in-laws came from far and wide to reap the rewards of the summer tourist season. He mentored hundreds of young people over the years, showing them the ways of the kitchen and keeping them in line with his offbeat quick-witted humor.
Donald's laugh, mannerisms, and bold personality were unforgettable. He was one in a million!
Donald was predeceased by his adoring wife Emma Beech. He is survived by his son Donald Ray Edwards and wife Barbara, his daughter Marlene Edwards, his six grandchildren, Donald Richard [Cole], Susan [Scott], Stella, Sarah, Steven, Donald Valentine, and his eight great-grandchildren Jasper, Alden, Hank, Jack, Elias, Kasey, Kaylee, and Athena.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Donald's family on Wednesday, July 6th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 94 Harry Kemp Way, Provincetown. Burial will be at the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi.
If desired, donations in Donald’s name may be made to the Provincetown Rescue Squad, PO Box 109, Provincetown, MA 02657.