[BCMA] [Fwd: CMA Clip Serv: Delta loses Edgar Dunning]

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

*Delta loses a great man with Edgar Dunning's*
*passing*
Delta Optimist, Sunday, October 24, 2010

Delta lost a true gentleman with the sudden passing of Edgar Clesson 
Dunning Saturday.

Born in Elbow, Saskatchewan on Jan. 7, 1910, Dunning had celebrated his 
100th birthday earlier this year.

Dunning had been a fixture in Delta for decades after his family moved 
from Alberta in 1922, when he was just 12, to start The Weekly Optimist. 
He held pretty much every position at the Optimist over the years, 
including reporter, editor and publisher.

He continued his affiliation with the newspaper throughout his 
retirement by writing his weekly Rambling column that brought the 
history of the municipality to life every Saturday. His last column was 
published on the day he passed away.

Dunning was a vibrant presence in the community even as a centenarian, 
and could be found at many community events. He was a noted historian 
who loved to share the history of Delta with others.

He earned great respect from all corners for his thoughtful approach and 
classy ways. It was often said that Dunning never had a bad word to say 
about anyone.

His humour, sincerity and charm made him an endearing figure woven into 
the historical fabric of the community in which he was also its most 
trusted storyteller.

Dunning was a founding member and first president of the Delta 
Historical and Museum Society and a former president of the Delta Board 
of Trade (now the Delta Chamber of Commerce).

He was involved with many groups, including the Kinsmen Club of Ladner, 
the first service club in Delta, which he helped form in 1935. He became 
its president four years later and just last year received Kin Canada's 
highest honour by becoming a Hal Rogers Fellow.

A music lover, Dunning, who played drums in his youth, was one of the 
founders of the Delta Community Band Society, the sponsoring 
organization for the Delta Community Band.

He received numerous awards, including the first Freedom of the 
Municipality in 2004 as part of Delta's 125th anniversary celebration. 
Other recognition included Citizen of the Year and a lifetime 
achievement award from the Delta Chamber of Commerce.

The new municipal-community archives will include a reading room that 
bears his name.

Dunning married Elsie Maria Bowing (1916-1998) in 1942 and they had two 
children, Susan and Gene. He had three grandkids and one great grandchild.

---   30   ---
_______________________________
Jim Harding, ED
BC Museums Association
(250) 356-5694
 
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