Dunbebin, a Progressive who served on the Burlington City Council from 2001 to 2003, was passionate politically, earnest about everything he did and full of life.
Friends and colleagues were shocked and saddened by Dunbebin’s death Friday of a sudden, undisclosed illness at age 53. He is survived by his wife, Trina Magi.
“It was totally unexpected,” said Scott Campitelli, executive director of RETN, the Burlington-based education television network where Dunbebin had worked since 2007. He said Dunbebin’s family had requested privacy and that funeral arrangements were pending.
Campitelli described Dunbebin as an outgoing, energetic colleague who biked to work 12 months of the year, loved to organize softball, bowling or golf games, and was always teaching others whatever he could.
“He had just a reservoir of patience that was amazing,” Campitelli said. “He liked people.”
Dunbebin was also passionate about politics and political causes. “Doug would often have a whole strategy of what candidates should be doing,” Campitelli said.
A former graphic artist, Dunbebin created a design and slogan that took off for Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign. It showed Clinton playing the saxophone with the phrase, “The Cure for the Blues.”
Dunbebin went on to protest the Iraq War, raise questions about the origins of the September 11, 2001, attacks and fight the Vermont National Guard’s plans to host F-35 fighter jets here.
At a 2013 Burlington City Council public hearing on the F-35s, Dunbebin spoke against the jets, then remained seated before the microphone to play a recording of the jet’s noise for the audience. Both cheers and boos emerged from the crowd. As then-council president Joan Shannon tried to gavel him into silence after his allotted time was up, Dunbebin sat placid-faced and unmoved.
“I understand your anger,” he said, without raising his voice. “This is what people will feel every time they hear the planes take off.”
In a statement posted on the RETN’s website, the organization said, “Doug was a friend to many, a support to all, and a powerful force in helping people find their voice and speak their minds in our community. He will be deeply missed.”
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!
I knew (and worked with) Doug. He will be missed. My heart goes out to his family.
It was too soon for Doug to be taken from us. He was a complex person: Very outgoing, friendly, and held the calmest demeanor even in the most intense of political discussions. Yet fiercely private which made it difficult to get to know him entirely. Most certainly my loss to not know him better.
He was the kind of guy who “got it”. He had a healthy big picture view that was so refreshing. An eternal optimist too. His advocacy for RETN held unending energy.
My condolences to Trina, Doug’s friends and family. Many of us in the community share a broken heart over this loss.
I find myself thinking of Doug (and Trina) tonight, some 4 months and several days since his passing. It is still unfathomable to me that he left us as he did, His lifestyle, his vigor and his energy, did not remotely suggest that one day his heart would simply stop beating…as he arrived at work on his bike, no less. I have not known a more kind, generous, compassionate, empathetic and genuine human being in my 60+ years. Doug spoke his mind, but always softly and compassionately. He listened to others, and he heard them. He left us far too soon, without warning, and we are heartbroken.