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.