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, his love of gardening and travel, life spanning volunteerism and 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 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.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Tom Walker
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Kim Barnard I served as a Greeter at Bill’s garden on last year’s Cowichan Family Life Garden Tour. I got to witness first hand his love of growing plants and especially his most beloved rhododendrons! This was a very treasured counterpoint to the time we butted heads in a Rotary Club Zoom presentation he was speaking at, when I stubbornly insisted that our forests are Worth More Standing. Time will tell, Bill, which one of us gets the last word! Much respect and appreciation for your huge influence throughout the years. Sincerely, Kim Barnard
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Chantal Blumel Bill had such a big influence on me and my career. His passion, engagement, interest, and human-ness was inspiring. I worked in Port McNeill as a summer student for two summers in the late 1980’s/early 1990’s, once for MB and once for WFP. As I remember, Bill was Chief Forester for WFP at the time, but was happy to share knowledge, be out doing aerobics classes in the community, and talk with any of us. He made being a Chief Forester accessible, and to a summer student, that left a big impression about what being a responsible forester and dedicated professional meant. It wasn’t being in a big fancy office, talking down to one and all. It was being out in the field, passionate about silviculture and forestry in general, always learning and growing. And not afraid to talk about the good and the bad, not afraid to be real. Sadly I didn’t stay in touch with Bill, so he never knew what impact he had on me. He truly was one of a kind, and it was an honour to have known him even a little.
Condolences to all who cared for Bill.
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George Bates I met Bill in 1982 when I moved to North Island working for the Department of Fisheries. At the time Bill was Western Forest Product’s Area Forester. His keen interest in Salmon and support of salmon enhancement led to a long friendship and many enjoyable times. Bill among numerous other awards was presented with the National Recreational Award in 1991.
He was so personable he struck up a friendship that included my family, entertaining both adults and kids. I was honored when he asked me to be his Best Man when he married Brenda. We had some great times during the days preparing for that Big Day!
I offer to Brenda and Bill’s family my condolences and best wishes and to remember Bill as one who loved the outdoors, gardening, forestry discussions, fishing and cooking the catch.
His memory will last forever with me.George
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Catharine Neill I am truly saddened by this news. I have known Bill since 1971 when he was a student in forestry, as.I worked in the forestry/ agriculture library at UBC. We became fast friends and he was a wonderful uncle to my son Jake We spent many summers on holidays together while Jake was growing up and Jake will never forget learning about forestry, slash burns, having helicopter rides, salmon fishing and camping, and mini trips that I’m sure we will never forget! Bill came down from Cobble Hill in April to celebrate my birthday, and it was so nice to have a good visit. I now am not well enough to travel and am unable to physically get around and it’s devastating, but my heart will be there! I am sure his buddy Cliff Kowalsky will be sitting back with Bill and sharing a few brews and many stories.
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Susan Stout My condolences, Brenda. It’s been many years – but lots of good memories. Hugs, Susan
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Domenico Iannidinardo Bill was an energetic mentor of mine throughout my years at university and right through my time as a Chief Forester at a nearby company, which happened after his official time in the industry. HOWEVER, he always dedicated so much of his time to the industry long after his formal affiliation as an employee in it was done, that it was hard to tell if he ever really retired. He enjoyed the freedom retirement brought for him to speak his mind – and that he did. I will miss his voice but will take his lessons in pride of the resource and the communities that rely on it. Thank you to Bill for his legacy.
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William L. Wagner I first met Bill in 1969 when he helped host the 4th International Conference on Forestry and enjoyed serious conversations with him and Bill Moore up in Winter Harbour. I followed his career when I moved to Canada in 1980 and renewed our relationship when he was working in Port McNeill. We were often on different sides of forest issues but he was always honourable and truthful in negotations. While not a friend, I both liked and respected him. Our public forests will miss his honest approach to finding solutions to forest issues here in British Columbia. He will be remembered as an outstanding professional forester.
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Bruce Stout Bill and Brenda were our neighbours in Deep Cove and I have fond memories of the Helicopter trip Bill invited me on from Vancouver Airport to Campbell River many years ago. It was my first long Helicopter ride and I sat up front with the pilot and took many pictures. They were great neighbours and I am sad to read that he has died.
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BC Forest Discovery Centre Our thoughts are with the entire Dumont family. Bill will be sadly missed by his many, many friends at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. He was an amazing big hearted man.
Staff and volunteers from the BC Forest Discovery Centre.
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Alf Carter Sincere condolences to the Dumont family. Bill was a dedicated and ardent supporter of the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre. His contributions over many years will be sorely missed. On behalf of the BCFDC Board of Directors our heartfelt sympathy.
Sincerely Alf Carter
Board President
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Karen Brandt I was so sad to hear about Bill’s passing. I engaged Bill to run a few forestry tours for customer and international visitors coming to BC to learn about our magnificent forests and management of them. Bill’s passion for our forests and the communities they sustain was apparent to everyone on the tours, and everyone left with a greater appreciation for our forests and the people who manage them. The highlight was always the dinner back at Bill’s place. I will miss Bill; though we didn’t stay in touch, I smiled every time he got on the radio or picked up his pen to defend our sector. He was a kind, fair man. He will be missed.
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Richard & Judith Marr Richard and Judith Marr witnessed all
he promoted, prepared, presented and even packed perfectly!!!!Government elections needed his help.
Watched him build his new home and it grew quickly – looked better yearly and helped so many people.
He will be remembered.
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Robin Mullett I was with the Fish and Wildlife Branch, now the Ministry of Environment when I first meet Bill in Port MacNeil in 1974-75, and many times until 1987. Bill was so gracious and invited me for a home cook meal. Bill was a great cook, storyteller, and host as I recall . RIP Bill
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Doug Baker I knew Bill 50 years ago at university and while I left the forestry profession almost that long ago, I’ve never forgotten his bigger than life presence, his leadership, and the sheer brio with which he greeted life. If Bill was involved things got done…usually with many laughs along the way. I have many friends from those days and know that Bill’s legend lives on among them.
I’m so sorry to hear that Bill passed away. I have known him for many years and admire his bigger than life approach to any task he undertook.
A most respected professional Forester.