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OBIT: McGill star Dunn was scouted by Maple Leafs

Published: 27 November 2008

MONTREAL -- Tim Dunn, one of the oldest surviving hockey players who skated for the McGill Redmen,  died at Ste Anne de Bellevue Veterans Hospital on November 17. He was 89.

A talented athlete who became a Quebec junior champion in tennis, and an outstanding badminton player, Dunn played three seasons of varsity hockey for McGill, from 1937 to 1940, and was scouted as a possible player for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He helped the Redmen win the Queen's Cup league championship in each of his first two campaigns with the club. Both years, the Redmen also captured back-to-back titles in the International Intercollegiate Ice Hockey League, which included Ivy League teams such as Yale, Princeton and Harvard.

Born Timothy Hibbard Dunn in Quebec City on Aug. 26, 1919, he was educated at Quebec high school, then Lakefield College School in Lakefield, Ont., before entering McGill in 1936.
Dunn, who played on the junior varsity hockey team during his freshman year, was also an honoured member of both the Scarlet Key Society and the Martlet Society.

When the Second World War broke out, he enlisted in the navy, serving with distinction as a lieutenant on the corvette 'Chilliwack.'  Dunn later returned to McGill and graduated with a commerce degree in 1944.

He made a lifelong commitment to McGill and remained true to his belief in the gift of education.  In the early 1990s, Dunn and the surviving members of the 1938 McGill football and hockey championship teams, created the 1938 Champions Awards, presented in memory of their teammates who lost their lives in the war. These awards are offered to current student-athletes on the basis of academic performance and qualities of leadership demonstrated.

In 2002,  the Tim Dunn Award was initiated as an annual athletic scholarship for a member of the hockey team who has demonstrated leadership on an intercollegiate team while maintaining high academic standing.

He is survived by his sister Mary Dunn and his six siblings (Peter, Stuart, Robert, Brian, Debra, Daryl), plus 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A private service was held in Montreal. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested a donation to any charity in his name.

On-line condolences can be made at:

legacy.com/can-montreal/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=120628530



DEATH NOTICE IN THE MONTREAL GAZETTE:

TIMOTHY HIBBARD (TIM) DUNN

Suddenly at Ste Anne de Bellevue Veterans Hospital on Monday, November 17 at age 89. He was the husband of the late Osla Jane Holt (Pam).

He is survived by his sister Mary Dunn and his children Peter (Judi Fletcher ­ Adrian, Hilary), Stuart (Christa Gautier ­ Whitney, Brendan), Robert (Nancy Heelis ­ Amanda, Timothy, Matthew, Megan), Brian (Leslie Vincent ­ Stephanie, Gillian), Debra (Katherine, James, Sean Michaud), Daryl (Ben Kozak ­ Nicholas, Trevor, Jason) and his great-grandchildren Frazer Dunn and Elle Dunn.

Tim was born and raised in Quebec City, spending summers and holidays at his family home on Ile d'Orleans in his youth. He remained attached to his roots there throughout his entire life. He was proud of his family heritage and of his Province.

His great great-grandmother was the well-known Canadian author Susanna Moodie and his father was Major Gwyllym Dunn, publisher of the Quebec Chronicle Telegraph. Tim was educated at Lakefield College School (The Grove), as was his father before him.

During his years there, he developed a love of sport and excelled at whatever ones he chose. He was a talented athlete who became Quebec Junior champion in tennis, and an outstanding badminton player. He was scouted by the Toronto Maple Leafs while playing for the McGill Redmen.

When WWII broke out, Tim enlisted in the navy, serving with distinction as a Lieutenant on the corvette 'Chilliwack.' He remained an avid tennis player, golfer, and cross-country skier, challenging his entire family to keep pace with him. As skipper of the 'Curlew,' Tim took great pleasure in welcoming his family and friends on board.

He was also a skilled duck hunter, spending many weekends on Ile Marguerite in the St. Lawrence. He continued to play golf and tennis well into his eighties, particularly enjoying these sports in Metis-sur-Mer in the Gaspé during July and in Lyford Cay in the Bahamas every winter.

Fondly called T.H. by the members of his family, including his grandchildren, he was the heart of the Dunn family. A very private man, he was nevertheless always able to win over anyone who met him, with his tremendous charm and sharp wit. He was a gentleman and a gentle man, whose family was the centre of his life. His humour never failed him and delighted all in his presence, whether an old friend or new acquaintance.

T.H. exuded class and had the wonderful ability to 'walk with kings and never lose the common touch,' connecting with anyone regardless of age or gender. In his quiet way, he showed us all an example of generosity without fanfare, never refusing a request for charitable support. He made a lifelong commitment to both Lakefield College School and Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and remained true to his belief in the gift of education.

All the members of his family and his many friends will remember T.H. with the deepest affection. A private service was held in Montreal. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice in Tim's name would be gratefully accepted. See on-line guest book at:

legacy.com/can-montreal/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=120628530

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