August 24, 1943 - December 27, 2022
On December 27th, 2022, at Sechelt Hospital, Dr. Dorothy Ellen Chunn, emeritus professor of sociology at Simon Fraser University, peacefully left this life in her 80th year, with her loving partner of more than four decades, Dr. Robert (Bob) Menzies, by her side. In the end it was pneumonia that mercifully delivered Dorothy from the protracted cruelties of Parkinson's disease and dementia.
Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Allan and Margaret (Bain) Chunn, and by her beloved lab-ridgeback cross Leo. She is survived by Bob; by her siblings Lorna Tyler (Dave) and Russell Chunn (Maggie); and by a legion of dear kinfolk and friends, collaborators, colleagues, and former students across Canada and around the globe.
Born in Winnipeg, MB, Dorothy came of age in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver. Following her graduation from UBC, she taught history and English at secondary schools in Prince George and Gold River before relocating to Toronto, earning her doctorate from the U of T, and embarking on a long and distinguished academic career that eventuated in a tenured position at SFU where Dorothy taught Criminology and Sociology for a quarter-century, fast rising through the ranks to attain Full Professorship.
Dorothy was a prolific socio-legal scholar, a dedicated feminist, an inspiring teacher, a poised public speaker, a devoted daughter and sister, a steadfast friend and colleague, an adventurous world traveller, a lover of literature and film, and a joyful, tender, and tolerant life partner. Dorothy's exceptional intellect was leavened by her abiding modesty, grace, humanity, and sense of fun.
We owe an incalculable debt to the many caregivers and practitioners who did so much to ease Dorothy's long journey through chronic disability and terminal illness. Donations in Dr. Chunn's memory may be directed to one (or more) of the following organizations: Downtown Eastside Women's Centre, Parkinson's Society of BC, Sechelt Hospital Foundation, BC SPCA (Sunshine Coast). Plans for a celebration of life will follow in due course.
