DAVID “DAVE” JOHN DOBSON

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Dobson suddenly at his home on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Dave was predeceased by his parents Cecil Dobson and Ida nee Buttle and his brother Jim Dobson in 2018.  Survived by his sister-in-law, Beth Dobson, nephew Jayson Dobson and niece Jayme Montero. Dave will be fondly remembered by his countless friends and athletes. Born and raised on a dairy farm just outside of Cobden, Dave is a graduate of Opeongo High School who spent most of his life committed to teaching and coaching. Dave received his Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. Shortly after graduation, Dave moved to the Oshawa area where he worked for 28 years as a high school teacher and volleyball coach at the Durham Board of Education and the Pine Ridge Kawartha Board of Education.   Dave devoted a lot of his time while in Oshawa as a volunteer for the Big Brothers and Sisters Club in Oshawa.  Dave ran many summer camps for the organization over the years.  Dave loved mentoring young kids.  One of his greatest achievements.   Dobson was the founder of the Durham College men’s Volleyball program in 1977.  Over a decade of coaching with the Lords, Dobson brought home a gold Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) victory, and multiple OCAA silver and bronze medals. Dobson was honoured with the prestigious Coach of the Year Award in the OCAA four times. Durham College recognized Dobson as one of their 50 greatest Achievements in Durham College history in 2017.  Dave Dobson received the highest honour at Durham College and was inducted into the Durham College Sports Hall of Fame 2003.  The annual rookie of the year for the men’s volleyball team program is named after Dave Dobson for his Contributions to Durham Athletics. Through his time working in public education, Dave has been the twice recipient of the 3M Award for Coaching Excellence in Canada; was a nominee for the Governor General Award for Teaching Excellence in Canada. Dave was also a coach for the Canadian Olympic Men’s Volleyball team during their exhibition game against Russia. After retirement Dave moved back to the Cobden area.  Dave committed his time to coaching volleyball teams at Opeongo High School, volunteering for local community service organizations, and was a local bus driver. Dobson continued his coaching once in Cobden and was the Club Founder and former President of the Ottawa Valley Vikings. Dobson started this club over 10 years ago with 1 team and the club is now a thriving with 13 teams and 146 athletes. Dave continuously fund raised to help the organization get started, and to continue to fund raise for the success of the club. Dobson has left his mark with this club for his dedication and love for volleyball. Dave became a trustee with the Renfrew County School Board in 2022 until his death.  Throughout his time as a trustee, he provided unwavering support to his fellow trustees, executive council, and the RCDSB staff, always with the student’s best interest at heart.  In honour of Dave, all flags at RCDSB schools and administrative buildings are being flown at half-mast to honour this incredible man. Visitation will be held at the Fraser-Morris & Heubner Funeral Home Cobden, on Saturday March 1, 2025 from 11am until 2pm.  Funeral service to follow at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 29 Crawford Street, Cobden. Luncheon to follow at The Christian Education Centre behind Grace United Church at 27 Main Street, Cobden. A Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held in Oshawa at 2200 North Bar & Grill, 2200 Simcoe Street North, on March 29th from 1 until 4pm.  Located at the Durham College Ice Centre. For those who can’t attend in person for the Funeral service please join us live to remember Dave on Facebook at 2PM.

https://fb.me/1LtbtUG6PPxpKjw

Spring interment St. Patrick’s Anglican Cemetery Lower Stafford.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Vikings Volleyball Club, Dave Dobson Award, or to the local Food Bank would be appreciated.