Donald Gordon Dewar

Don was a devoted husband to his wife Sharon of 35 years and leaves behind 3 daughters from his previous marriage Deborah Tolman (David), Suzanne Redmond, Shannon Riley (Anthony) and two grandchildren Stephanie and Liam as well as brother-in-law Robert Kerr (Mary), and nephews Blair Kerr, and Graham Kerr (Lorraine) as well sister-in-law Sharlene Sulcs (Maris) and nieces Kelly and Susie and grand-niece Abby.

Raised in Kerrisdale, Don had an amazing childhood of sports and fishing. His early years were at Maple Grove School, Point Grey, and he graduated from Magee. His coaches recognized his athletic ability and was soon encouraged to join many teams in high school including football, baseball and soccer where he excelled. At UBC Don made the Thunderbird Rowing Team and enjoyed international travel and competition including a gold medal at the 1963 Pan American games in Sao Paulo Brazil in the men’s eights. He always enjoyed reminiscing about these years. After competing, he enjoyed many years as a supporter and volunteer for UBC Rowing, and the Vancouver Rowing Club.

Don’s career in Real Estate started in residential sales in Vancouver in the 1960’s and moved on to commercial in the 70’s and 80’s. Together Don and Sharon built their property management company Vancap Realty and managed a large portfolio of buildings and condominiums in the greater Vancouver area. Their love of renovating and building included a custom home in Arizona, which they enjoyed with friends and family for many years.

Passed down from his father, his love of the water was a huge part of his life. Early years fishing and building boats in their basement, Don was always at home around the water. As a teenager, summers were spent as a fishing guide at April Point, and soon after sailing Star boats. He raced for many years in English Bay on the Dolphin, as well crewing for many Swiftsure and Southern Straits regattas. Days on the water in Pacific Northwest were his perfect days, making special lifelong friends and memories along the way. Cruising Seattle to Desolation Sound, Don was always up for a challenge, his encouragement and sense of adventure where his strongest characteristics. His boating adventures also included cruising the British Virgin Islands and Tonga as well fishing with dear friends at Poett Nook.

After retirement, Don and Sharon enjoyed many years golfing at the Monterey Country Club in Palm Desert and then a variety of courses around Phoenix Arizona, South Surrey and Vancouver Island. A particular favourite being his annual trip to Bear Mountain.

Don left us too soon, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Never one to complain, Don always wanted his family and friends to enjoy life to the fullest.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Westminster House.