DR. DAVID PUNTER

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DR. DAVID PUNTER

May 26, 1936 - April 24, 2025

Beloved husband of Elizabeth (née Roberts), and father of Susan (Mark) and Fiona, David passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, in Winnipeg at the age of 88 years.

David was born in Hadleigh, Suffolk, UK to Joan (née Taylor) and Albert (Bill) Punter. David's childhood was spent surrounded by family, developing a love of sports and learning to appreciate music, art, and the natural environment. He was educated at Miss Partridge's (Hadleigh, Suffolk), St. Felix School (Felixstowe, Suffolk), and Gresham's School (Holt, Norfolk).

Before attending Trinity College at Cambridge University, David completed his National Service as 2nd Lieutenant at Catterick, North Yorkshire, as a member of the Royal Signals. He spoke fondly of his time in military service and made lifelong friends through their shared experience.

David completed a B.A. in Natural Science (Hons. Botany) and Ph.D. in Botany-Forest Pathology at Trinity College. After finishing his graduate studies, David moved to Canada, taking on the role of Research Scientist with the Canadian Department of Forestry in Maple, Ontario. It was there that he met Elizabeth; they married in 1965 in Sutton, Ontario.

In 1968, David and Elizabeth moved to Winnipeg, where he joined the University of Manitoba as Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany. David retired as Professor of Botany in 2004, continuing as a Senior Scholar associated with St. John's College. In the Department of Botany, David held several committee and administrative positions, including Department Head from 1994 until 2002. Over the course of his academic career, David took great interest in researching dwarf mistletoe, wild rice, and the plant biodiversity of Wapusk National Park and York Factory, Manitoba. As a teacher and mentor, David supervised both honours and graduate students and sat on numerous graduate student advisory and examining committees. Many of these academic relationships developed into lasting friendships, as former students became valued colleagues. During his time at the University of Manitoba, he enjoyed many study leaves and sabbaticals, which took him to Minnesota, North Carolina, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and locations across Canada.

David strongly believed in service to the community and volunteered many hours to a variety of organizations. He was the Founder and President of the Manitoba Association of Plant Biologists, and member of the Manitoba Environmental Council, Manitoba Naturalists Society, Manitoba Museum Program Committee, Canada Wild Rice Council, Manitoba Model Forest, Manitoba Round Table on Sustainable Development, and Crescentwood Homeowners' Association, to name a few. In the community, David offered lectures and workshops about his research, shared his extensive knowledge of mushroom foraging, and judged school science fairs.

David had a strong faith and was a member of St. George's, Crescentwood Anglican Church. He served as Churchwarden, Chair of Parish Council and many other roles over the past 50 years. Additionally, he served on various committees of the Anglican Diocese of Rupert's Land.

Music always played an important role in David's life, from childhood until his passing. He was a season ticket holder to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for decades and supported local music organizations through time and philanthropy. Anglican church music was of particular interest to David, who sang with choirs at St. Mary's, Richmond Hill, and St. George's, Crescentwood. He was also a committed member of All The King's Men, Winnipeg's male voice liturgical choir.

A man of many interests, David was an avid photographer, loved to travel, and enjoyed puzzles and stamp collecting. David was a well-rounded athlete, playing rugby and field hockey during his schooldays. Inheriting a love of tennis from his parents, he went on to play squash throughout his adult years. As soon as the snow disappeared each spring, he would begin months of cycling to and from the university each day. He was a quiet observer, not one to speak for the sake of speaking, and when asked, offering a carefully considered opinion. He was the epitome of a Renaissance man, with a profound knowledge of many subjects and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Above all else, David's greatest love was his family. He was a devoted husband to Elizabeth for almost 60 years, and a loving and supportive father to Susan and Fiona. Words cannot express how much we miss his gentle nature, the twinkle in his eye, his sense of humour, and his hugs.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. George's Crescentwood (168 Wilton Street) on Saturday, October 4, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. George's Memorial Fund at 168 Wilton Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3M 3C3.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 20, 2025