Eight Bells – Earl Dunn

Sept 21, 2021

Earl John Dunn, in his 83rd year, on September 14, 2021, at home with his family following a short illness. Predeceased by his parents, Harvey and Dorothy and brother, Merv. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Sharon, married 56 years; nephew John (Moira Macleod and grandnieces/nephew – Catriona, Callum and Mackenzie); sisters/brothers-in-law; Lois (Ken), Janice, Brenda (Cam), George (Joan) and their families. Earl also leaves behind his beloved pets – Jake, Fred and Bonnie. Born on a dairy farm in Trafalgar Township in 1939, Earl attended high school in Oakville. Earl enjoyed an early career in the insurance industry after his mentor, Fred Cartwright – who saw some great promise – took Earl under his wing and taught him the surety bond business. Earl and Sharon moved to Muskoka in the early 1970’s and began a contracting business focused on building island cottages. However, their greatest achievement was the operation of Walkers Point Marina for almost 40 years. Earl had a single-minded focus on customer service and with his strong will and ‘get it done’ attitude grew the marina into the oldest and largest Cobalt boat dealership in Canada. Earl’s outside interests included auto racing. He was one of the founding members of the Oakville-Trafalgar Light Car Club in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s which focused on smaller British and European car brands. In later years, he returned to vintage racing and continued to follow Formula One with a keen interest in Ferrari (Michael Schumacher). In recent years, Earl and Sharon moved to a farm in Springwater Township where he enjoyed growing corn, soybeans and wheat. At his request, the last few weeks were spent at home on the farm with a direct view of his most recent corn crop – the best in the county! Special thanks to Dr. Cochrane, Home Instead Home Care and family friend – Wendy Zimmerman – for their support over the past few months. Earl prided himself on being a great teacher to all the people – especially the younger ones who worked at the marina – with whom he came in contact over his lifetime. His most famous refrain came at a time when he barked out orders to young employees who might be asked to jump on a fork truck and move a boat or back a trailer into the water. They would often reply: ‘Mr. Dunn, I don’t know how to back up a trailer.’ To which his immediate response would be: ‘You won’t be able to say that tomorrow!’ Cremation has taken place. A private gathering will be held for immediate family only. Online condolences can be expressed at www.adamsfuneralhomes.ca  As longtime animal lovers and supporters of the OSPCA, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local chapter of the OSPCA.