April 15, 2003
The University of California rugby team was stunned to learn today that former Rose Bowl hero Don Bunce, father of the Golden Bears' standout wing Cameron Bunce, had died of an apparent heart attack. He was 54.
Bunce, a long-time orthopedic surgeon in Palo Alto, was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1972 Rose Bowl when he quarterbacked Stanford to a 13-12 victory over Michigan in Pasadena. Also a star rugby player during his Stanford days, Bunce recently had volunteered his services as team physician for the USA National Rugby Team.
"We are shocked and saddened by the news of Don's sudden death, and we are obviously concerned for Cam," said Jack Clark, head coach of the Cal rugby team. "Don was a class act through and through. As a father, he was highly supportive and involved in Cameron's life and rugby career. The entire Cal rugby organization sends their hearts out to Cameron and his family during this difficult time."
Besides Cameron, Bunce is survived by his younger brother, Gary Bunce, who also played rugby at Cal in the late 1970's.
