DUNBAR, Frederick “Freddy” –
It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we share the passing of Frederick William Dunbar (“Fred”) in Mississauga on November 18, 2021.
Fred was born in 1939 in Woodstock, NB to parents George and Ann Dunbar and raised in Brantford and Hamilton, ON where, in true Fred fashion, he stirred things up!
Fred was married to the love of his life Helen (Clark) for 46 years and in a house full of laughter and adventure together they raised Leah and Keith. One of his greatest enjoyments was watching his children grow up whether it be at hockey rinks, dance recitals, or family trips to cause trouble in international destinations.
Fred was a football player, athletic therapist, devoted Argo and Guelph Gryphon fan, lover of ice cream, artist (a secret skill!), and the guy you wanted to sit beside at a party. He always had a story to tell, a mischievous twinkle in his eye, and a laugh ready to share.
Wherever Fred worked or lived, the welcome mat was always out; he loved helping others and it was second nature to him. Fred impacted countless people through his years as an athletic therapist at the University of Guelph and the Toronto Argonauts, and as an instructor at Sheridan College. For over 25 years, Fred and Helen extended the love they had for each other into Dunbar Medical where they supported Canadian athletics and healthcare across the country. Friends and family would often turn to Fred for advice on injuries and life. How many times have we all heard the phrase “put ice on it!”
Of his numerous accomplishments, Fred was named Trainer of the Year in 1974, inducted into the University of Guelph’s Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Hamilton Hurricanes’ Hall of Fame in 1988, and he was a founding member and first president of the Ontario Athletic Therapist Association. While proud of his awards, one of his greatest accomplishments was the many, many friends he made over the years and stayed in touch with. Fred had an unparalleled ability to connect with people.
While we are all just so very sad we want to say wow, what a wonderful life he had!
Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, visitation will take place on Thursday, November 25, Friday, November 26, and Saturday, November 27 from 1:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph. Due to COVID restrictions, guests must RSVP their attendance using the link below this obituary for the visitation. If necessary, you may call 519-821-5077 to reserve a time slot. No proof of vaccination is required but masks are mandatory and social distancing will be in place.
In lieu of flowers, we would like to continue Fred’s legacy and impact in athletic therapy. Donations in Fred’s name can be made to Sheridan College to support athletic therapy students and programs www.sheridancollege.ca/support/ways-to-give/memorial
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Frederick William Dunbar Thursday November 18th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Guelph, Province: Ontario
Dear Helen; I was saddened to learn that Fred passed away. I send my heart-felt sympathy to you and your family. He will always be remembered as a kind and loving person. We shall miss him terribly. Love, the Jackson family.
Helen
Condolences to you and the rest of your family. Such a kind generous man, I always enjoyed our interactions as there was always a laugh included. Sending love during this tough time.
John Sage and the Apple Creek Family
Dear Helen,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear Fred.
He was a great soul full of humour and wit.
Shall miss him. Our prayers are with you and family.
Ranee and Kumar Kanagarajah
WHITE OAK PREBYTEREAN CHURCH.
Helen,
I am so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing! My heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of the family. You both always had such warm, kind, & generous hearts. I enjoyed working with you both at Dunbar, and remember him fondly. Fred will be missed by many.
Carrie Alderdice
Dear Helen, Leah, Keith and family:
Freddy is one of our favourite people, we have so many fond memories.
Please know that you are in our thoughts.
Love Paul and Shan Pearson
Dear Helen, Leah, Keith and family,
It’s hard to think of anyone who was warmer and more joy filled than Fred. We are so saddened by his loss and our prayers and thoughts are with you. Even though he was an Argo, we Ti-Cat fans know that he had some good connections with the Cats. I will miss receiving his emails with jokes and anecdotes and we will forever remember that wonderful smile and gregarious nature. Our hearts hurt.
Dennis and Eileen
The greatest of people show their love and appreciation of life by doing. Fred Dunbar was and always will be a man who was continually doing. From the very start Fred did the best he could for all the people he touched and that is “literally”. Fred is a true pioneer of sport medicine in the area and perhaps in all of Canada. His efforts changed and healed people in many ways; it is impossible to thank you enough for all you did. Fred you are loved and cherished by those who had the pleasure of your company. We will miss you but at the same time will always feel you near.
My condolences to the family.
Spent many visits to the athletic training room at U of G. back in the mid-70s as a varsity cross-country runner and Freddy always looked after me with the utmost care, with a dash of humour thrown in. R.I.P sir.
To the Dunbar family and friends, I was saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. We are all better for having met him. As a student at Sheridan in the early 80’s , I was blessed having Freddie as a mentor and educator. His kindness and wit established a delicate balance among the group. His support of the Athletic Therapy community will always be remembered. Thank you. Stan Szumlak