On behalf of the KRRA board I’m deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of one of our own, Kevin Dunbar.
Kevin has been a part of the Kingston running community for almost 20 years and has always been a big supporter of the KRRA. As recently as this past Saturday, Kevin was volunteering his time to the club by certifying the race course for the Limestone Mile. Proud to wear the KRRA singlet, Kevin was a fierce competitor, an amazing athlete, and a friend to all.
Kevin will be fondly remembered by the KRRA as a truly humble person, devoted father and husband, and an encouraging friend to so many of us. Kevin will be deeply missed by all of his KRRA family.
Our condolences go out to Kevin’s loving and supportive wife Liz, his two beautiful daughters Ciara and Maggie and his wonderful parents Tony and Eithne.
Kevin, you’re truly a remarkable human being who touched so many and will never be forgotten. You’ll always be KRRA family.
– Lana Saunders,
KRRA President
The KRRA Board of Directors, in cooperation with the Race Directors of the Canada Day Limestone Mile, has earmarked 50% of the 2022 proceeds from the Mile Event (the other 50% to the Kingston Interval House), which will be committed to Youth Diversion, a cause requested by the Dunbar Family. The KRRA will be honouring Kevin, in conjunction with the family, at a later date.
Friends who knew Kevin say…
“My heart is heavy. Yesterday our group, and our community at large, lost a beautiful soul. Kevin was one of the kindest, most selfless people I know. I feel truly blessed to have shared so many miles with him – from long runs on Middle Road and Tremblant training camp to racing our first Boston marathon together. We’re all better people for having known Kevin and our group won’t be the same without him.” — Elaina Raponi
“Kevin was one of my original Strava follows. It meant a lot to meet him and start running with him. What a wonderful person. I think back to Glen Tay when Kevin and family took it upon themselves to solve our water station shortage issue.” — Robert Almas
“We spent part of yesterday (the day before Kevin’s passing) together enjoying a coffee, working on the MILE course, and I began my soft-sell with him maybe taking over the RACE DIRECTOR position for the Limestone Mile running event, for 2023. Kevin was such a terrific guy in every way. The Kingston running community is heartbroken.” — Robby Breadner
“I had the honor of training and becoming friends with Kevin the past year. We ran, cycled and XC skied. Kevin had a kindness about him that is unmatched by most. His sincerity was infectious and he was always encouraging and supportive. Truly a one of a kind person. My sincerest condolences go out to his wife and 2 daughters.” — Kyle Harding
“I met him when he started coaching the XC/Track team at Queen’s in my first year. He made running fun, and he was a genuine friend as well as our coach. He had a significant impact on my athletic development, and more importantly with my relationship to the sport of Athletics. Although he only coached at the school for 18 months, there is a reason that he’s remembered fondly by those of us who were there during that time. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I’ll miss seeing him around Kingston on my future visits. Fortunately, I still have this t-shirt featuring him that was made years ago by Michael Bentley. I wanted to take this opportunity to share it as a reminder of the good times spent in his company.” — Jeff Mountjoy-Stringham
“We often joked about “KDE” aka Kevin Dunbar energy. An energy that Kevin brought to any interaction through his selfless acts of kindness, calmness and knowledge. His acts of kindness and patience was something I always looked up to and will continue to strive for in my daily actions. For anybody who didn’t know Kevin, he was the definition of “superhero” energy. Kevin Dunbar will continue to live in my heart and memory as a wonderful friend, training partner, father to his 2 daughters and inspiration to us all to give acts of kindness in each day. I challenge you to channel your inner “KDE” through a random act of kindness today- from giving a compliment to somebody at the grocery store to giving your time through volunteering or helping a colleague or friend with a task.” — Kim Krezonoski
“So many miles shared with my friend Kevin Dunbar.I will always remember those long runs together in the winter if 2018. Kevin and I didn’t miss a Sunday long run all winter despite frigid temps and blizzards. I would wait for him to text me to cancel so I didn’t have to go but he never did. I learned so much about endurance sport and life from DBar. He was very humble and giving to everyone around him. When we came up with the crazy idea to ride to Ottawa and back as a fundraiser last summer, Kevin and his wife drove in their vehicle for support ….all day. He leaves behind a community of close friends who will miss him dearly. Our thoughts go out to his wife (Liz) and 2 girls (Maggie and Ciara).” — Nick Cosman
“I remember seeing Kevin, when I lived in Kingston in the Kingston Court House when I was a military attending officer, he would wave hi, every time running by him you could hear him saying, “Go Lancers Go” (no matter how slow I was running) and him with his family pre-COVID at the Fort Henry Race with his family supporting my KRRA event. I’m indebted to him and to the Lancers community for keeping me running. I’ll always miss the Go Lancers Go from Kevin. RIP Kevin.” — Luis Paico Avilez
Kevin Dunbar Saturday June 4th, at Kingston Memorial Centre. Kevin is shown while volunteering his time to measure and certify the Canada Day Limestone Mile.
Top photo credit: Peter Stokes.
