Abercrombie - Norman Robert “Toby” Dunbar, age 78, died at home on March 26, 2016 with his family by his side.
Norman was born June 1, 1937 in New Glasgow, NS, to parents Eileen (Young) and Bernard “Bun” Dunbar.
Toby moved to New York City, NY in 1955 to work for the Eaton’s Company. In 1957 he returned to New Glasgow and married his wife Edna on October 14, 1958. Norman and Edna relocated to Hamilton, Ont in 1959 where he worked for the Lifesavers Candy Company and then Stelco Steel for 12 years. In 1970 he returned to Abercrombie, NS to raise his family. Over the years Toby worked for Inter-Supply Ltd., Michelin and Hawker Siddeley. In 1982 he went to work at the John Brother MacDonald Stadium where he stayed until retirement on his 65th birthday in 2002.
Toby was President of the Abercrombie Community Centre for many years as a dedicated volunteer spending endless hours with community events. Toby loved gardening and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labour with friends and neighbors. Well known for his humour and passion for life, Toby enjoyed spending time with his “trusted confidants” at the local A&W and was always surrounded by friends. Toby was a long-time member of the Abercrombie Cemetery Committee.
Norman is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Edna (Hayes) Dunbar; his four children: Howie (Cindy) Dunbar, Mike Dunbar, Tom (Cindy) Dunbar, Norine (Darren) Martin, and his seven grandchildren; Carli (Philip) Reid, Richard (Charlena) Dunbar, TJ (Shannon) Dunbar, Michael (Janine) Martin, Samantha (Joshua) Dunbar, Kelsie Martin, Lauren Martin and many, many friends as well as Pumpkin his cat.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother, Franklin Dunbar, sister-in-law: Ruth Dunbar; sister-in-law, Margaret Dooley and best friend Murdock MacLean.
Visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 pm Monday, April 4, at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. The funeral will take place at the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, April 5 at 2 pm. Reception to follow at the Abercrombie Community Centre.
Donations can be made to the Abercrombie Community Centre for maintenance and upkeep or paid forward as an act of kindness to someone in need.
Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca