Donald D. Dubuque
After seven courageous and inspirational years with cancer, Donald D. Dubuque, of Polson, MT, passed away on Monday, April 12, 2010. He was 69 years old. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Ernie and Frances Dubuque and is survived by his loving wife, Ginny and their four children: David (Katie), Chris (Caroline), Danielle (David), Nicole (Clint); and his seven grandchildren: Tatum, Kendal, Reid, Aria, Braunson, Brock, and Josie Claire
Faith, Relationship, Community; these are the words that Don built his life upon. His never-ending kindness touched the hearts of so many. His gifts of conversation and compassion were shared with anyone who came into his life. Don truly encompassed the gifts of hospitality and unconditional love. Sharing his love with others or the produce of his bountiful garden gave Don joy beyond measure. Ever the teacher, Don taught us how to face adversity with courage and joy.
Don was born June 16, 1940, in Grand Forks, ND. His family lived in Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio before moving in 1954 to Billings, MT, where he graduated from Billings Central High School in 1958. Next were two years at St. Edward’s Seminary in Kenmore, WA, then three years at Catholic University in Washington, DC where he received a B.A. in 1962 and an M.A. in Philosophy in 1963. Next, he went to Gregorian University in Rome from 1963-65 for further studies in theology. Don moved to Lugano, Switzerland, where he lived for several months, then to Dublin where he received an HDIP in Ed. From Trinity College in 1968. Returning to the US, he met the love of his life, Ginny, in California and they married in 1969. In 1971, he received a horticulture degree from Foothill College in Los Altos, CA, then a Special Education degree at San Jose State. He taught English at St. Joseph High School in Los Altos for 11 years and also had a landscaping business. In 1980, he and Ginny moved with their four children to Polson, MT, where he taught Special Education and Horticulture at Polson High School. He also coached tennis and volleyball during his teaching career. During his last year of teaching in 2002, he was named Montana Special Education Teacher of the Year. After his retirement, he worked for the Rural Institute at the University of Montana, helping special needs students transition from school to work. On one of his trips to Peru, he discovered the need for quality/specialized wheelchairs for disabled children. He was instrumental in the creation of “Eleanore’s Project” and obtained funding through the Polson Rotary Club to address this need. He was very dedicated to this project, which continues to provide specialized wheelchairs to children in Peru.
The following are Don’s recent reflections upon his life, “I have so much gratitude for the depth and richness of my life and the relationships that have endured, especially the following communities that shaped my life. First of all, my loving family: the 40 years of married life with my beautiful wife, Ginny, our four wonderful children, their spouses, and my seven grandchildren; the oncology community, including Cheerful Heart…how very important all the volunteers, nurses, and patients were in these last few years; the special needs community: my students were the best teachers, and I had the utmost respect for my aides in the classroom who shared their lives, goodness, and wisdom; the Christ-centered church community at Immaculate Conception: the Eucharist, liturgy, music, and teaching years there; the Polson community at large: the store owners, police chief, and friends, with whom I always shared a good visit; the caretakers and nurses of the Hospice community.”
Don enjoyed his garden, Christmas tree farm, tennis, hiking, and travels to Ireland, Italy, and Peru, but his greatest enjoyment was the relationships shared with others. Don’s final days and weeks were enriched by the words and presence of so many who loved him. He treasured each day and even at the end was able to say, “I’m in love with these days. I am richly blessed.”
Visitation for Don’s friends and family will begin on Friday, April 16, 2010, at noon at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Polson. A vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM on Friday. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 17, 10:30 AM at the church. Donations in Don’s memory can be made to either Cheerful Heart, P.O. Box 688, Polson, MT 59860 or to “Eleanore’s Project”, 501 E. Central Avenue, Missoula, MT 59801 or by visiting www.eleanoresproject.org. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Dubuque’s family.
Ginny & Family,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful husband and father with us. I am sure he touched every person in this community in one way or another. I know that he touched everyone in our family and are grateful for having known him. He was a blessing to us and our community.
We are thinking of you during this time. Don was such an amazing man. He touched my life. I could always count on his kindness in his eyes, smile, and actions. He infected me with his passion for caring for special people. Through Don I received the rewards of helping and caring for these people by taking his assistant courses. I have in turn passed these lessons learned to my kids so they may be kind and caring, especially to these most unique and special folks. Don’s kindnesses will certainly live on in many lives and hearts that he touched and helped.
Dear Jinny, David, Chris, Danielle, Nicole, and family,
With a heavy heart, I write this note of condolence. I shall always remember Don as one special guy, unique in so many ways – a gentle soul of uncommon goodness and kindness. I was fortunate to observe his good works during our years together at Polson High School. He touched the lives of so many individuals and we are all better for knowing and loving him. May there be some comfort in realizing that his legacy lives on in you and those who had the good fortune of knowing him.
With deepest sympathy,
Sherry Jones and Jim Rogers
The memories I have of being coached by Don during my high school years are some of the best. He was a teacher on and off the court. I have never forgotten his gentle, kind, and loving spirit! Our prayers are with his entire family!
Dear Ginny and family,
I will always treasure the memory of Don’s warmth and kindness. His and Ginny’s lovely personalities are what make Polson such a welcoming community to people settling there, and remain a reflection of their deep love and faith in God.
Thank you for all these things, Don!
Sincerely,
Dianne (Goosey) Courage
Mr. Dubuque taught lessons in a way that made you realize later that he had done so. My whole life has been affected by the lessons he taught me while aiding him in the classroom. My favorite lesson was to be kind; he taught this lesson most effectively through his actions.
My condolences to the family, including the exchange students that had the great fortune to be a part of your lives.
“Well done good and faithfull servant”. This world has lost a warrior for good but the good fruit of your life lives on forever. I was blessed being in your presence and rejoice that one day we will meet again. Your brother in Christ….Frank
It is so apparent that Don had so many wonderful accomplishments in his years of life. It must have been a pleasure to have studied under him or shared a part of his life. My thoughts & prayers are with Ginny & family.
Dear Ginny and Don’s Family – I was deeply saddened to hear of Don’s passing. I was with Don in the seminary both at Theological College/Catholic University and the North American College/Gregorian University for a period of five years. Don was one of the most inspirational people I have ever known. He was a good friend and confidant to whom I could always turn if I was in need. I met you on a couple of occasions,
Ginny, and knew that Don was indeed much blessed by having found you as a life-partner. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of loss. I know that Don has crossed the finish line and now knows the fullness of life for all the many blessings he shared with those of us while he was here. May you be comforted in this knowledge. Dan Smith
We were so sorry to hear the news of Don’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May God bless you and your family during this loss…Don was one of the most loving and kind man i ever met. His smile lit up the room and always made me feel comfortable…Thank you Don—thank you to the family for sharing him with us.
I am sorry to learn about the death of Donald D. Dubuque. This must have been a difficult time for all. Therefore, I am forwarding scripture to bring solace. Please, read the following scriptures: Psalm 90:10, Genesis 5:3-32 and Hebrews 9:27.
Dear Ginny and family,
I did not learn of Don’s passing until Sunday late morning. I wish I could have been at the services for him. You have my most sincere condolences and prayers. Don was a unique person – he never met a stranger and his love for Christ shown through him always. If there is anything I can do to help make your loss just a little easier please let me know. For Ginny, you know I have been a widow for many many years and I know what you are going through at the present. Advice – keep busy, and remember the good times with Don. God Bless – Pat
Ginny,
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Don very well but I knew you and only had to guess that since you are such a wonderful woman that you would marry an equally wonderful man. No words can take your pain away but you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dawn M McClure
As someone who worked with Don in the Migrant Education Program in Polson, I must say we never had a more dedicated advocate for the needs of the children and their families. Don’s ability to communicate with families in Spanish made him a special contact for them and a conveyor of important educational and health information. He has been sorely missed in the program ,as he is in the social justice community world wide.
My condolences are with his family…he was a unique and caring person who will always be remembered.
To Ginny, Nicole and family,
What a special man. I feel so blessed to have known and worked with him. I know he fought a hard battle, but always had a smile and an upbeat attitude. I will never forget when he spoke a Geoff Gardner’s memorial. It was perfect. I will so miss him and want you all to know I’ll never forget his spirit. Love to you all and know my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Nancy Gordon
I met Don while he was working in the Polson Migrant Program. Although I only knew Don for a short time, he made a lasting impression on me. I will always remember Don for gentle way and compassion for people. He always had time to listen. He will be missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dear Ginny, My heart just sunk when I read that your
husband had died. Upon reading the obituary I see
what a wonderful person he was. Anyone that helps the
special needs kids is an automatic angel. I think about you often and how nice you were to me during my brief
career at the hospital. Call me this summer and we will go have lunch (883 3170). My sincere sympathy to you
and your children and all that loved him. Love Loreli
With a sadness I cannot find words to express, I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to you as you face the loss of such a loving and inspirational man. From the very moment I met Don, he touched my life. His unconditional love and acceptance of others was a such a remarkable attribute of his. I have so many special memories of Don – they continue to influence and inspire me in my daily life today. We are all so fortunate for having the opportunity to know and love someone of his caliber. I hope you find comfort in knowing and celebrating the number of people touched by Don’s life. I truly feel blessed for knowing him and will continue to be influenced by his sincere heart and passion for life as each day passes. My prayers are with you!
Ginny & Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Although we know he fought a long and courageous battle with his cancer. God bless him and all of you who helped to support him during this time. We apologize for being so late with thses condolences, but we did not here about his death until last week. Don, what can we say, we knew you as a remarkable, loveable, admirable, and holy man. We know we now have you to pray to in heaven to help us through our struggles here on earth.
With all of you in our thoughts and prayers…..God bless.
Ed & Sharon Longin
( Please translate)
Mi gran amigo, maestro…………..
Nos encontramos en el camino de la vida por casualidad, tu, con una bola de tenis en la mano dispuesto a iniciar un partido de tenis , el cual continua hasta hoy en mi vida.
En mi vida aseguro que hay angeles enviados y estos llegan en los momentos precisos.Me orientaste, hiciste descubrir en mi el valor de ayudar desinteresadamente a los que mas necesitan , sin pedir nada a cambio, de amar a Dios, de ser fraterno…. Procuro seguir tu ejemplo, a donde yo voy.
Tocaste el corazón de muchos, entre ellos a mi.
Inolvidable amigo y maestro del espiritu.
No es un cliché ni frases escojidas para la ocasión.
Puede parecer infantil mas cuando Juan Pablo II falleció deseé mucho que el nuevo Papa fuera muy parecido a ti Don…… hubiera podido ser mas lindo con tu sonrisa y tu carísma.
Si alguna véz conocí a un hombre camino a la santidad ese eres tu Donald .
Mereces más que estas humildes lagrimas que derramo hoy por ti ,aqui muy lejos en el Brasil, aunque se que que de todas formas estaras en espiritu cerca de mi .
El sabado prometo seguir correctamente tus instrucciones de tenis y te dedicaré el match …pero hoy…preparé para ti amigo, el plato de espaguetti de mi estilo ,que tanto te gustaba, y…..gracias, gracias, gracias ………….. por el privilegio de haberte conocido.
Tito Livio
I went to school with Don at Cardinal Pacelli elementary school in Mt. Lookout, Cincinnati, OH until his family moved to Billings, MT. We were good grade school buddies and hung out together most of the time. I’ve often wondered what happened to Don and found this notice today. I’m very happy he was able to live such a fulfilling and meaningful life, and that he had a wonderful family as well. He was always such a nice guy and a good pal.
Hello To Don’s Family:
I just learned of Don’s passing today.
I was one of his students at St. Joseph’s High School Seminary from 1969-1973.
He was a great guy and teacher
and I’m sure a wonderful father and husband.
I give my condolences to the entire family.
Huggs from Pennsylvania,
Howard L. Taormino
dear family of don,
he was a guide and inspiration to me when i worked as a paraprofessional in his special education class at polson high school, specifically with maclaen burningham, carley lefthand, and alicia ruggles.
his sincere and wise heart will not be forgotten.
nanette lockwood
Don and family,
I just heard of your passing, and I am deeply saddened that we have lost such an amazing individual.
I have such wonderful memories of spending summers with you and your family at the beach. I was my great pleasure to care for your children and to fell like a part of your family for a short time.
You and your family had a great impact on me and my life, and I wanted you to know how much I treasure those days with you and your family.
God Bless you.
Helen