In loving memory ~
William "Bill" Dumont was born into this world on July 15, 1948, and left it peacefully on January 25, 2023; both earlier and faster than anyone expected. He was B-I-G. Not only in stature but personality, opinions, his acts of kindness, love of gardening and travel, life-spanning volunteerism and his love language of preparing food and serving it to others. Family. Friends. Food. Fun. Faith. Forestry. Fishing. Flowers. Fur-babies. All had his heart, and that heart will dearly be missed by many.
Born in Vancouver to parents Dr. Hubert Dumont (1995) and Margaret (Winterburn) (1998), Bill was No. 6 of 12 children: Jack (2017) was the oldest of the 12; Jim (2016), Ruth, Richard (Fr. Mark), Robert (2015), Catherine, Elizabeth, Joan (2019), Ronald (2010), Norman and Barbara, plus two special cousins Rea and Betty who were as close as sisters. Along with six siblings and several brothers and sisters-in-law, he leaves behind dozens of nieces and nephews (and grand-nieces and grand-nephews), in addition to Iris and Sadie and his special friend Brenda (among legions of other friends).
Bill attended Vancouver College, graduating in 1965. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) from the University of British Columbia in 1971. Next, he served as a CUSO Volunteer forester from 1971 to 1973 in Tapah and Ipoh, West Malaysia, with the Perak State Forestry Department. His journey as a Distinguished Professional Forester included being the Chief Forester with Western Forest Products Ltd. for many years. He also served on the Forest Practices Board and was a director and volunteer with many other very worthy organizations, including Indigenous economic development corporations.
Even though the Cowichan Valley was his home for decades, Bill spent the last weeks of his life at the Victoria General Hospital. He was cared for there by an exceptional team of doctors, nurses and other caregivers. Their kind, diligent and respectful care were a comfort to Bill, as well as his family and friends. Many, many thanks to them all.
A celebration of Bill's life will take place at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at Mellor Hall on the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds located at at 7380 Trans-Canada Hwy., Duncan, BC. It will include a Memorial Mass and sharing of stories, along with other reminiscing at the reception that will immediately follow the service at the same location.
In lieu of sending flowers, please plant some or a tree, and think of a man who loved both. His ashes will be scattered in Haida Gwaii, a place where he spent considerable time (including guiding tours). Donations in his name would also be welcomed at the BC Forest Discovery Centre or Forests without Borders.
Service Details
Celebration of Life
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
Mellor Hall on the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds located at at 7380 Trans-Canada Hwy., Duncan, BC.