Former Head Coach of Durham College Men’s Volleyball, Dave Dobson passed away on February 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to students.
He is survived by his family, who have been heartbroken by the news of his passing and deeply mourning his loss.
Highlights
- The Renfrew County District School Board announced the passing of Dave Dobson on February 18, 2025.
- Dave was inducted into the Durham College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003 for his dedication to the success of the volleyball team.
- He attended Opeongo High School and later continued his studies at Carleton University and the University of Toronto.
Dave was a former head coach of the Durham College’s volley team who was known for his dedication to sports and the student-athletes.
He was even inducted into the Durham College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003 for his contributions to the program.
His coaching and leadership skills left a lasting impact on the Durham Lords volleyball team.
Further, he was a great coach and teacher to his students both in and out of the volleyball court.
With his passing, the Durham College Lords Varsity Alumni group have shared their condolences to his family on social media.
Dave Dobson Was A Dedicated Educator And Trustee Of The Renfrew County District School Board
Dave Dobson was a trustee of the Renfrew County District School Board and an educator and coach for public education until his passing.
The RCDSB announced his passing on February 18, 2025, in an official statement.
In the released statement, Leo Boland, the chairperson of the school board, expressed Dave’s dedication as an educator:
Dave was a tireless advocate for school staff and students, always championing their success and well-being, He believed deeply in mentoring students and fostering leadership programs that would help them succeed in life.
Leo Boland
Dave became a trustee of the board in November 2022 and excelled in his role throughout his tenure.
His jurisdiction included Whitewater Region and Admaston Bromley, as well as schools such as Cobden P.S., Beachburg P.S., Admaston P.S., Fellowes H.S., and Opeongo H.S.
He was a beloved mentor among students and colleagues, known for his positive attitude and commitment to keeping students’ best interests at heart.
The school committee shared their condolences to his grieving family on their social media accounts.
In his honor, all flags at the school and administrative buildings were flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.
Additionally, they announced that service arrangements would be shared on the Fraser-Morris and Heubner Funeral Home website later in the week.
Dave Had A Passion For Sports Since A Young Age And Became A Coach After A Brief Playing Career During A University
Dave Dobson was born and raised on a dairy farm near Cobden, where he developed a strong passion for sports from a young age.
Later, Dobson attended Opeongo High School, where he began playing volleyball.
He then studied at Carleton University and the University of Toronto, where he continued to nurture his passion for the sport.
The Durham College Athletic Department is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of former men's volleyball head coach Dave Dobson.https://t.co/8ricC80NMD
— Durham College Lords (@DurhamLords) February 17, 2025
Although his playing career was short and modest, Dave achieved remarkable success as a coach.
Following his university years, he transitioned from playing to coaching. Despite facing challenges in the early years of his coaching career, he eventually achieved great success.
He taught for 28 years in Oshawa, where he built a notable career both in the classroom and on the volleyball court.
Dave’s dedication to athletics earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious 3M Award for Coaching Excellence in Canada, and a nomination for the Governor General Award for Teaching Excellence.
Additional Information
- Dave was involved in a non-profit organization, The Grind Pembroke, where he sponsored and served Sunday dinners to helpless people.
- Over a decade ago, Dave Dobson founded the Ottawa Valley Vikings with just a single team.
- Today, the Ottawa Valley Vikings has evolved into a successful organization with multiple teams and athletes.
