Obituary of Paul Dunbar

Paul Brian Dunbar, 53, of Cambridge, died unexpectedly on February 4, 2009, of a heart attack. Paul was born March 9, 1955 in Minneapolis to Phillip and Mary (Sundberg) Dunbar. He was baptized and confirmed at Cambridge Lutheran Church. His family lived in various places throughout his early years, primarily in Silver Springs, MD. They moved to Cambridge in 1968. Paul graduated from Cambridge High School in 1973 and attended college at the University of Minnesota, Duluth where he majored in Business. Paul was self-employed for most of his adult life. He worked as a painter, decorator, tree farmer, real estate agent, and rental property owner. He also worked as plant operations manager for the Cambridge Nursing Care Center from 1988 to 1993. In building his own house and remodeling his rental properties, Paul worked as designer, builder, electrician, plumber, painter, etc. He was a true craftsman and took great pleasure and satisfaction in turning the plain and ordinary into something special. He was an artist at heart and created many beautiful things throughout his life. Paul loved nature and enjoyed sharing it with his wife and children. He knew every tree, flower, and bird. Paul loved astronomy and took every class offered in college. He marveled at the awesome universe that God created. Paul was quite a character. His gift of humor was exceeded only by his compassionate heart. He loved people and made many friends throughout his life. He leaves a deep void. Our solace comes in knowing that because Paul gave his heart to Jesus, he is now in heaven. He has no more aches, and no more cares. We're certain that he is golfing his best games on the most beautiful courses imaginable. Paul is survived by his wife Nancy (Poepping), and their sons Aaron and Evan whom he was so proud of and loved so much; parents Phil and Mary Dunbar of Cambridge; sister Keri (Tom) Sahlmen of Cambridge; brother Jon (Deanna) Dunbar of Cambridge; step-grandmother Ethel Sundberg of Cambridge; great aunt Eunice Hupfer of Cambridge; Mother and Father-in-law Al and June Poepping of St. Cloud; brothers and sisters in-law: Don and Linda Rassier of St. Cloud, Ray and Peggy Cordie of St. Joseph, Doug and Sue Ross of Sauk Rapids, Scott and Becky Poepping of Rice; nieces: Alyssa, Britne, Kate, Emily, Andrea, Paige, Lauren; nephews: Mitch, Joe, Pete, Jake, Ben, Jared, Luke, Logan, Eli, Cole; and many wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins and other extended family. Paul, we love you and miss you and know that you will be first in line to welcome us when we join you someday.