James Donald Dobbie

Victoria's Biggest Sports Fan, My Town, My Team, Buddy Ryan, Donny Brooks, Dobs, Dobbie, Don, Donald, Mr. Dobbie, Papa, Dad, and Pops are just a few of his names.
Donald was born in Calgary Alberta, as the only child of James and Lillian (Burrell) Dobbie and raised in both Pincher Creek and Turner Valley, AB. He was known as the keeper of the family secrets because of the endless hours he spent researching and updating genealogy records & took pride in calling relatives on their birthdays and anniversaries which he confirmed daily on his everlasting palm pilot.
In 1951 he started being referred to as Dobbie by the men and women he served with in the Royal Canadian Airforce. He was not a pilot, but he was the financial guru that kept Air Command balanced to the penny and ensured everyone was paid. He enlisted as an Aircraftsman 2nd Class, served in Paris, & Metz, France, El Arish, Egypt (UNEF), Dayton, Ohio, as well as several cities in Canada before retiring at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria as a Master Warrant Officer in 1981.
After the military he worked for the Feds in Victoria but was soon transferred to Vancouver. This was difficult for Don as 'family is always #1" and his kids remained on the island. This is why, when Don retired for good and his first grandchild, Madison ("The first born of my first born") was born he moved back to the island.
Dobs was a natural athlete playing hockey, baseball, curling, volleyball, and golf all of which he continued playing while enlisted in the military. He played on championship teams overseas and home, so it was natural for him to morph into "Victoria's Biggest Sports Fan".
A regular spectator of sports at UVic would recognize Mr. Dobbie. He could be found courtside watching basketball, in the stands watching rugby, & in the bleachers at the stadium in his UVic hoodie watching soccer (especially when Cousin Erin was playing). In 2012, he created "The Dobbie Family Athletic Award" which is awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student who plays on a varsity team.
A season ticket holder for years with the Victoria Salsa, Salmon Kings, and the Royals he knew players stats, hometowns and always wished the players a good game. He was such a beloved fan of the Salmon Kings that he starred in a commercial for their "My Town, My Team" campaign which earned him that name.
He had a favourite seat in every arena and that was no different for the Victoria Shamrocks lacrosse games he attended with Cher. He sat in the same seat he did for the Seniors that he did when his grandson Brayden played for the Intermediate Shamrocks and then the Jr's.
He supported Cher in theatre, all her fundraising and community events and even watched intently as she graduated from Charm School (she is still traumatized). As a regular at all of Brent's hockey, baseball, and basketball games he was well known by all involved and was highly regarded by all his kids' friends. He often joined Brent after an event, and they were able to share special moments with the Stanley and Mann Cups and the Super Bowl Trophy
Papa was a spectator at his grandkid's activities. He watched PACE productions, Christmas concerts, sporting events and graduations. Madison, Brayden, Mackenzie, and Dawson knew he was a big fan of theirs. He shuttled kids when a hand was needed and was known affectionately as "Papa" to all his grandkids' friends.
The last few weeks have been very difficult. Dad always bounced back from illness, but this time felt different, and we prepared to say goodbye. Brayden travelled home from the U.S. because Papa wanted to see him and meet his girlfriend Rachael "in person and together", Madison, Mackenzie, and Dawson, were able to spend some quality time with him & left no words unsaid.
At 12:30 am on March 27th Pops left this world the way he wanted to; with Cher curled up with him and Brent beside him & each holding one of his hands.
Thank you to staff at Alexander Mackie, on 6N at VGH (HCA Jen), Tom & Leslie Redhead and Tom & Sue Glendinning for visiting dad. Special mention to Al Tabor who has been a best friend to Dad from the time they enlisted (same day) one person apart to the very last day of his life.
A memorial /family day barbecue will be held this summer but, in the meantime, raise a Coors Light or a root beer in his honour. In lieu of flowers, if you so wish; please direct donations in Dad's name to the Dobbie Family Athletic Award, University of Victoria Development Office, PO Box 1700, STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8YW 2Y2 or the Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island @ 345 Wale Road, Victoria, BC V9B6X2
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