A FORMER Fenland hotelier and Second World War veteran, who emigrated to Canada almost 30 years ago, has died.

Donald ‘Sam’ Dunkling, who was 86, died in Penticton, British Colombia, on August 1.

Born in Sutton in 1925, Mr Dunkling grew up in the village with sisters Maria, Daphne and Hazel before joining the Army aged 18 in 1943. He served during the Second World War in Burma and India before leaving the Army in 1947.

Mr Dunkling took over the Angel Hotel in Wisbech in 1963 and ran it until 1969. During his time there he won one Landlord of the Month competition from Elgood’s Brewery, which owns the hotel.

After leaving the Angel, Mr Dunkling bought an agricultural engineering business based at Lotts Bridge, Three Holes. He traded under the name DA Dunkling and retired in 1983.

Mr Dunkling met Claire in 1970 during a visit to Montreal. Claire soon moved to the UK and they married in 1977. After retiring the couple moved to the USA before moving to Canada several years later.

Together they had one son, Donald. Mr Dunkling also leaves four granddaughters, Jodie, Felicity, Elizabeth and Sammy, and one great grandson, Joshua.

In his spare time Mr Dunkling enjoyed fishing, playing cards and spending time with friends both in Canada and in Fitusville, Florida, where he and his wife would spend winter to get away from the harsh Canadian weather.

Mrs Dunkling said: “He will always be remembered for his kind soul.”

A creamtion took place at Providence Crematorium, Penticton.