DAVIN DOBBIN

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DAVIN DOBBIN 1911 - 2004 Davin Dobbin, aged 93, widower of Helen Louise Thompson, died after a brief illness at Victoria General Hospital on June 27, 2004. David was predeceased by his daughter Patricia (Patsy) of Portage la Prairie, grandson Joel David and sister Phyllis Stanistreet. He leaves to mourn his son Michael (Gail) and daughter Margaret, both of Winnipeg. Also grandchildren John (Claire), Suzanne (David Blicq) and Jim and great-grandchildren, Thomas and James Blicq. Davin was born and educated in Montreal, graduating from McGill University in 1932 with an Engineering Degree. During the Second World War he was a Captain in the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He served for four years, mostly in the UK. After the war, he joined the engineering firm, Stevenson Kellogg, staying with them until he moved with his family to Winnipeg. He bought a house in Wildwood Park just before the 1950 Flood. He has resided in Wildwood for 54 years. He was associated for many years with Canada West Shoe and Greb Shoe. Then he made a dramatic career change, becoming Executive Secretary of the Canadian Association for the Mentally Retarded (now the Association for Community Living), Winnipeg Branch. Upon retirement, he spent 12 years on the board of directors of Com-Span Inc. Davin was an active volunteer and gave generously of himself. For years, he and Helen spearheaded and helped with the adults of CAMR, in a bowling league, swimming and at annual BBQs given at the Dobbin home for all the special people. Davin was involved with St. Pauls Anglican Church in the vestry and as treasurer for years. He attended St. Pauls until his death, aided in recent times by helpful parishioners who drove him to services. He was also involved with the Wildwood Community Centre, serving on the board and as President. He was on the executive of the Scouts, served as time-keeper at hockey games, helped with homework and cheered his family on whenever they needed him. He also cheered on the Blue Bombers, the Moose, the Jets and the Goldeyes and was a weekly visitor to the Public Library where he devoured four or five books a week. These interests continued until very, very recently. And he did his duty by voting in the recent civic election, although none of us knew he was really ill with pneumonia. When his wife Helen died, he was sorely tried to keep up the pace of involvement he and his wife had set for themselves. However, he came shining through - remembering birthdays, being involved with all celebrations and happily keeping connections with everyone in the family. For years, he hosted an annual trip to Grand Forks for upwards of ten or eleven family members, himself included. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have had the pleasure of his attention and company which has not waned with his increasing years. For the last 24 years, Davin could be seen walking his dogs around the Park. He outlasted all of his many dogs but Sandy, who is now with Michael. Davin managed to live in his home with his dog right to his passing. He will be missed. Davin has donated his body to the Department of Anatomy, University of Manitoba. A memorial service will be held at St. Pauls Anglican Church, 830 North Drive, Fort Garry, on Saturday, September 18 at 11:00 a.m. Geoffrey Woodcroft will officiate and Chapel Lawn will be in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Davins memory to the Dobbin Family Fund, The Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg R3B 0X3.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 03, 2004