Man who died in Dartmouth fire remembered for his kindness

A man who died from injuries sustained in a Dartmouth, N.S., house fire is being remembered for the kindness he showed to children in his career as a social worker.

Ronald (Ron) Dunphy, 83, was a retired social worker in Dartmouth who had worked with youth in the school system, said his brother, Reg Dunphy.

"He would intervene with the family if there [were] issues that the school couldn't handle, that needed a more extensive investigation," Dunphy said.

"[During] Christmas, for those children on his caseload who are impoverished, he was like Santa Claus. He would bring gifts to all the children and [would spend] time delivering nice little wrapped up Christmas presents."

Dunphy said he's received many calls from extended family about how helpful his brother was to them, especially if they had experienced some troubles in life.

His brother was also well known in the gay community in the city, Dunphy added, and he had been particularly affected in the 1980s, when he lost several friends to the AIDS epidemic.

Dunphy was also a source of inspiration for other young gay men and for Reg, he said.

Reg Dunphy said that when he came out in his 40s, he was unsure how other family members would react.

"[Ron] gave me that confidence to express myself," he said.

The fire started around noon AT Friday and spread quickly through the home.

Dunphy said his brother was pulled from the fire by his partner, Francis Anopuechi, who suffered severe burns on his arms and is now in intensive care.

Dunphy said he was able to spend time with his brother at the hospital before he died.

"I was able to tell him that I loved him and that he had lived a wonderful life and helped so many people," said Dunphy.