Robert Daniel Cumming

On November 26, we lost our dear Dad/Poppa/Dan, who left us to join his beloved Celia. Dan was a devoted husband to Celia for 63 years, father to Erica (Jack), Simon (Linda), Lisa (Dan) and Alistair (Ann), grandfather to Matt, Samantha (Josh), Chandler, Caden and Payton, and great grandfather (“Big Poppa”) to Remy and Brooks.

Dan, the son of a RAF pilot, was born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1933. Perhaps it was this exotic birthplace that gave him the lifelong passion for adventure, as he truly experienced a global upbringing, with stops in London, Edinburgh, Bermuda and Canada. He finished his articles to become a chartered accountant in 1950 and was conscripted into the RAF in 1955. Dan married Celia in 1957 and after completing his service term in 1958, he moved his young family to Sri Lanka, where he pursued his love of spear fishing. In 1965 he permanently relocated to British Columbia, although the travel bug was always present. Over the following years, he and Celia visited much of the world together. He was particularly intrigued by the far North and joined many expeditions above the Arctic Circle.

Dan will most be remembered for his adventurous spirit, generosity and commitment to public service. When he moved the family to Britannia Beach in 1973, he took full advantage of the picturesque vistas all around him. Weekends were spent shushing down the slopes at the early beginnings of Whistler mountain, wading through a salmon-filled river, walking a steep draw in pursuit of the elusive Blue grouse in the Chilcotin, or camping on an isolated mountain top. He took great joy passing on his sense of adventure and outdoor skills to his grandchildren, teaching many how to fish, hunt, put up a tent or build a roaring campfire. He and Celia were fantastic hosts, Celia tending to scrumptious meals while he ensured that libations were freely flowing for all and conversation was lively. Dan’s deep and joyful laugh would always fill the room at the many social events they hosted, where all were welcome.

Dan served as chairman of the Squamish Lillooet Regional District from 1979 through 1995, tirelessly representing the citizens of the region. He was chair of the Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia from 1987 to 1992. Perhaps his proudest political accomplishment was leading a provincial liability task force which ultimately led to the creation of the Municipal Insurance Association of BC in 1987. Dan served as the inaugural chair of the MIABC from 1987 to 1990 and was honored with the MIABC Lifetime Achievement Award at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention in September 2013.

There will be a service for Dan on April 29, 2022 at the Hollyburn Funeral Home. The family will be reuniting Dan with Celia at an ash spreading ceremony at Anderson Lake in the days following the service, so that they may together enjoy the beautiful mountain view for eternity. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations be made to Ducks Unlimited, a charity near to Dan’s heart. We want to thank the incredible and kind staff at the Maple Ridge Senior’s Village, for the loving care they gave Dan in his final days.

While we are heartbroken that you have left us, we know that you are walking down a beautiful, pristine beach, hand in hand with Celia, basking in the warmth of the sun and the love of your lifetime partner. And that somehow makes everything seem alright. We love you Poppa.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere

And gie's a hand o' thine

And we'll tak a right gude-willy waught

For auld lang syne