Donald William "Don" Dunbar

He was originally given 6-8 months, but was not a quitter and refused to give up. In true Funbar style, only after a whirlwind week of lunches, fishing, and a final evening of pub-hopping, was Don ready to hang up his boots. Don was a rugby player, a ladies’ man, a guy’s guy, a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a cousin, a grandfather (Papa), a Dad and a true friend.

Don was predeceased by his father William “Bill”, mother Shirley, and sisters Anne and Elizabeth “Liz”. He is survived by sister Jane (Cliff), nieces Claire and Hannah and always a proud father to daughter, Kimberley and Papa to his grandchildren, Wyatt, Laney & Dylan.

Don graduated from Handsworth Secondary, North Vancouver in 1969, and continued to live and work on the North Shore before moving to Vancouver Island in 1978. Here he furthered his education at Vancouver Island University and joined BC Tel (Telus) as a Lineman having a career spanning 5 decades.

He worked with the Ski Patrol at Grouse and Whistler before moving to Vancouver Island and joining the Mt. Washington Ski Patrol. An avid boater and fisherman, he often spent most of his summers up at the family cabin in Halfmoon Bay, dragging poor Kimberley out on day-long fishing expeditions. Evenings were usually spent playing cards, dancing, roasting marshmallows, and socializing with lifelong friends down the beach.

Don’s biggest love, after family and friends, was Rugby. In his 49 year playing career, he thoroughly enjoyed both the athletic aspect and camaraderie of the sport. After 7 years with his hometown team, the Capilano RFC in North Vancouver, he spent a further 42 years playing with the Nanaimo Hornets (as well as any other team that happened to be short a player). He founded the IRS (international Rugby Sluts) where he met friends from around the world playing for any team that needed to fill their roster on tour, which he did often.

He was a man that would help out anywhere, anytime and needed no fanfare. Those he loved, he loved fiercely.

Our family can't tell you how hard it's going to be living without him, but if you knew him, you'll have some idea.

Don asked his parting message to be his heartfelt thanks to all his family, friends and rugby mates he played with and against,…”You made life worth living”

A sincere thank you to all of his wonderful friends for their help and support during the past year and a half.

Memorial donations can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.

Don’s Celebration of Life will be planned for Summer 2022.