Remembering Don Dubuque

Among other things

The community lost another outstanding individual during last week when Don Dubuque died after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Don taught special education classes for several years in the Polson school system. In 2002, his last year of teaching, 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 to transition from school to work.

An avid tennis player, he was also coach of the Polson High School tennis teams for several years. Three of my kids were on Dubuque-coached tennis teams. He had also coached volleyball during his teaching career. As a coach, he taught much more than competitive sports and good sportsmanship; lessons imparted included consideration, kindness, thoughtfulness, encouragement, and more.

Don's influence touched the community through his church, music, his participation in Cursillo groups and various other projects. Among the latter, he helped to create and promote the Missoula-based "Eleanore's Project," which provides free or refurbished wheelchairs and strollers to disabled children in Peru and Jordan. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer, Don was active in several Montana organizations donating to the wheelchair project. With assistance from the Polson Rotary Club, he went to Peru to distribute wheelchairs to children there.

Don Dubuque: What a special, wonderful person. He's gone but the memories of his inspiration, example, and influence on the community and all who knew him will live on.