Maggie Dunbar was an excellent mother and household manager. She found time to become active in the Red Cross and church activities at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church. Charles Dunbar's life revolved around his work, his family, the regiment and the pipe band. He had high standards and was an excellent teacher although it is reported that many of his piping students had a difficult time meeting his exacting standards. Sydney Featherstone and John Knox Cairns were two of his students who did excel, and they went on to succeed him.