The passing of an amazing person -

                              

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 Robb DUNFIELD

May 17, 1959 - June 19, 2023

Robbwas remarkable his whole life. He was the fourth in a family of five siblings(Kim, Barbara, Liz and Peter) and from the day he was born on May 17, 1959, hestarted to make his mark on the world, little knowing, that in his lifetime hewould become 'the first in the world' on many stages.

In his youth, Robb excelled in all sports through his singular focus. As afreestyle skier, performing aerial flips, he always challenged himself to gohigher and further. Robb loved soccer and golf but, also taught himself toembroider, embellishing a jacket with a colourful giant he'd drawn himself. Heproudly wore it until he framed it as the piece of art is was.

After his accident, from which he emerged as the 'first in the world', tosurvive a C2 spinal cord injury, ventilator dependent. Robb began his journeyto become the world's most positive minded man with the ability to look at lifethrough a lens, that made him truly believe, if he just put his mind to it, hecould find a way to make the impossible, possible and, he did just that.

Robb yearned to leave hospital, have his own room with a door and music. So,again he put his mind to creating the world's first independent living spacefor high-level quadriplegics. Everyone said it couldn't be done but, he did itand, that's where he met and fell in love with Sarah. They married and had twingirls Emma and Sophia, who have grown into very accomplished young women. Overthe years raising a family, Robb became a proficient painter with his paintingswidely collected both in Canada and internationally. Some of his paintingsbecame part of a book titled "If Sarah Will Take Me" and accompany apoem by Dave Bouchard. Robb's paintings were made into prints that Variety Clubauctioned for its annual charity fund raisers.

Robb was awarded the prestigious National Achievement Award by the Mother'sMarch of Dimes and Easter Seals and honoured on centre ice at a Canuck's gamewhen he donated his painting of 'The Canuck House'. Calona Wines produced theDunfield-Soon wine series with Robb's paintings featured on the wine labels.The last big project Robb undertook was a large mural for the lobby of theBlusson Spinal Cord Research Centre at Vancouver General Hospital.

Robb's life was full of love and respect and all who met him were enchanted byhis gentle manner and bright smile. In the early days after his accident, hetravelled all through North America educating the public on the importance ofindependent living for the disabled. As part of his Above and Beyond program hetoured public schools in the lower Mainland and captivated the attention of thechildren with his motivational speeches. Robb, an intelligent, kind and caringman spoke at medical conferences and was honoured with the Courage to Come BackAward. He created the Ambassador program for the Rick Hansen Foundation inwhich, he played a meaningful role as Ambassador for many years.

Above all, Robb loved his family and his home and was happiest spending timewith them in the garden or working on a project. His ideas were big and boldwhether for education, renovations, landscaping or a vacation. We will all misstime spent with Robb, the best listener, always wanting to hear what we weredoing, encouraging our hopes and dreams.

Robb is indelibly etched on our hearts and we will never forget his unbreakablespirit. He defied all odds and left an awe-inspiring legacy of perseverance inhis mighty will to live.
There will be a celebration of life in August.