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Quinn Johnson passed away on August 23, 2018, at the age of 73 years, after an eight year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Quinn was long-time resident of Mesa, the Arizona having moved from Blackfoot, Idaho in the 8th grade. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1963 before serving a 30-month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Buenos Aires Argentina.  Quinn attended Arizona State University and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1970.

While attending ASU, he met, fell in love with and married Margaret Moody. They were sealed together in the Mesa, Arizona Temple in 1968.

The early part of his career was as an engineer for the US Forest Service. After which he started and ran many businesses throughout his career in the engineering and construction industry.

He served faithfully throughout his life in various capacities in the church: Including: Elder’s Quorum President, High Counselor, Young Men’s President, and Bishopric Counselor. He and his wife also served in the Mesa, AZ Temple and at the Bishop’s Storehouse for several years.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margo, his daughter Traci (John Payne) and sons Ryan (April) and Cody (Richelle) and 16 grandchildren.

Funeral: Saturday, September 1, 2018 10:00 am The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 2835 E. Des Moines  Mesa, AZ 85213

Viewings: Friday, August 31st from 6:00-8:00 pm Bunker’s University Chapel. 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213.  Saturday, 9:00 am, prior to funeral.

Earlene Annette Tolman, 77, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Friday, August 24, 2018. She was born on September 30, 1940 in San Bernardino, California to Earl and Theo Fogg. She was the second of three children.

A life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Earlene was married to her eternal companion, Wayne Allen Tolman in the Los Angeles Temple on December 7, 1961. She served in various callings in Relief Society, Primary, and Sunday School, and was also a Seminary Teacher. In her later years, Earlene was called to serve in the Los Angeles, Columbus, and Mesa LDS Temples. She also served a proselyting mission in San Juan, Puerto Rico and another work/service mission in Anchorage, Alaska, where she worked diligently with her husband, LCSW side-by-side with victims of abuse. Earlene truly loved to give service whenever she was able to.

Earlene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who had the opportunity to know her. She always had a smile that lit up the room (which is what attracted Wayne to her) and she loved to laugh and visit whenever she had the chance. She was an avid reader, movie watcher, music listener, and part-time comedian. Whether she was playing April fools jokes on her kids, or starting water fights in the house, she was always up for a fun time.

Earlene is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Allen Tolman; parents, Earl and Theo Fogg; and brother, Gail Fogg. She is survived by her children, Beth Jensen (Larry), Todd, Andy, David (Tina), Kimberly Ririe (Mark), and Sean; brother, David Fogg; 17 grandchildren, Amanda, Jason (Alyson), Darren (Kristen), JaQue (Patrick), Lauren (Anthony), Teddy, Addison, Jessie, Erin, Cameron, Kori, Hattie (Andrew), Soraya, Canyon (Alex), Tiernan, Logan, and Stella; and 12 great-grandchildren, Michael, Sydaley, EmmaLey, Landen, Payton, Riley, Haley, Paxton, Penelope, Jaxon, Lucienne, Gracie, and Beckett.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 11:00am, with an opportunity for visitation at 10:00am, at the LDS Mesa North Stake Center, 933 E Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ. Burial will be at the Annabella City Cemetery, Annabella, Utah.

Mrs. Marguerite E. Sligo, 90, of Gilbert AZ passed away August 16, 2018 at the Hospice of the Valley Dobson House in Chandler, AZ. She was born October 14, 1927 in Somerset, Ohio to Robert and Ellen Curl. She graduated from Somerset High School in 1945.

She met her future husband, Joseph R. Sligo of Bellaire OH when he taught mathematics at Somerset High School during the period 1949-1951; they were married in 1950 and remained devoted to each other until his death in 2016. Marguerite also lived in Iowa City, IA and Reno, NV, returning to Athens Ohio in 1956.

She raised her children and served as an Optometric Assistant in Athens OH, and was awarded the Optometric Assistant of the Year for Ohio in 1980. She served with great energy and devotion until retirement in 1993. She was a devoted Ohio University Bobcats and Arizona Diamondbacks fan. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Eastern Star, and most of all, she was devoted to her family and loved to listen to music.

Mrs. Sligo is survived by a son Joseph C. Sligo and his wife Karol, of Chandler AZ, a daughter Susan K. Karageorge and her husband George, of Worthington, OH, and a granddaughter Sophia Karageorge of Athens OH. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph R. Sligo of Bellaire, OH and an infant son, Alan Paul, of Athens OH and parents, Robert and Ellen Curl of Somerset, OH, a brother Robert Jr. of Seattle WA, and her grandson Kostadinos Alexander Karageorge of Worthington, OH.

A Celebration of Life was held at Sunrise of Gilbert, with a focus on the music she loved her entire life. Arrangements were made by Bunker Mortuary of Mesa. The family would like to thank the staff of Sunrise of Gilbert, Chandler Regional Medical Center, Barrow Brain and Spine, and the Hospice of the Valley for their loving care and outstanding support. She was always a giving person, and donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, or the Hospice of the Valley.

Dorothy “Dot” Acuff, 84, was called home Thursday, August 23, 2018 in Mesa, AZ.  She was born to Lawrence and Laura Jones in Washburn, TN in 1934, the last of their 8 children.  She was a beautiful, caring woman who put others above herself.  She adored her family and had many, many friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Austin B “Roy” Acuff, Jr.  She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Acuff, Jerrie Majors, step daughter Tammy Taylor, her husband Billy and grandson, BJ Bennett, his wife Ashley all of whom she loved as her own.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  Visitation will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213, Tuesday, August 28, 2018 from 6 pm to 8pm.  Funeral services will be held at Bunker’s on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 9am, followed by a graveside service at 11 am at her final resting place at Resthaven Park Cemetery, 4310 E. Southern Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042.

Charles Raymond Veillette, age 81, passed away on Thursday August 23, 2018 at Legacy Retirement Home. Services will be held at a later date. Bunker Family Funerals & Cremations is handling the arrangements

Claudia Lynne Randall, 76, of Gilbert, Arizona; passed away on August 9, 2018. A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, August 24^th with services at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 25^th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1005 N. Voyager Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85234.

 

Jennifer Lynn Sherwood, 61, of Gilbert, Arizona; passed away on August 21, 2018.  A visitation will be held at 9:00 AM, with services at 9:30 AM, Saturday, 25, 2018 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 234 N. Greenfield Road in Gilbert.

He is survived by his wife Sabina O’Hara, his mother Joyce McAtee-Munk, his siblings Deanna Wayne, Patrick O’Hara, Joy Woodbury, his children Kirk O’Hara, Heather O’Hara, Ryan O’Hara, Darren O’Hara, Amber Jolley, Amity Faught, Shanley Vea Kaufusi, and his 9 grand children. He was a wonderful man, was a member of the LDS church and held various high callings. He taught and counseled many people in need, was truly loved and will be dearly missed.

Harold Phillip Kopp passed away peacefully on the afternoon of August 16, 2018 being comforted by his family members.  Born in Buffalo NY on May 31, 1941 and a graduate of Hutchinson Technical High School, Harold enjoyed a full life filled with the joy of having friends and family and reveled in his uncanny ability to problem-solve.  He was a proud Navy Veteran and became the youngest licensed U.S. Amateur Radio (HAM) Operator at the age of 9 who today is known by his call sign K7YZ0 all around the world.  Harold was a world renowned electronics engineer known for many of his inventions, registered trademarks and patents including the first electronics surge suppressor (Zap Trap®), voltage line circuit testing devices (SureTest®) and assembly line power reduction intelligence (Motor Miser®).  Though blind for the past 25 years due to cancer surgery, Harold kept busy creating the Tuff Block paving block lighting system and enjoying philanthropy along with participation in his Ham Radio Clubs.   Through his career, Harold was a mentor to many startup business owners and shared his stories of success with others.

Harold is survived by his Daughters Sarah (Sally) LaPorte (Mark), Rosemary Kopp (Job), and Step-Children Theresa Pfaff, Denise Coakley (Dan), Ross Pfaff Jr. (Teresa), Ronald Pfaff Sr. (Tammy), William Jordan Pfaff as well as Grandchildren Cailee Duane, Raymond Duane (Gina), Shelby Platten, Noah Albert and an additional 10 Grandchildren and 17 Great-Grandchildren

Visitation will be Sunday, August 19, 2018 at 12:00 P.M. with a service at 1:00 P.M. at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Disables American Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) are suggested.

            Gary Lee Gray was born November 18, 1952 in Artesia, California. He was the second child of Donald and Selma Gray. He has two sisters, Lynn Ann and Sandra. He was raised in Lompoc, California. He remembers, as a youngster, waiting eagerly for the mailman each morning. When he saw him approaching, a four-year-old Gary would start dancing – sure that the mailman would think he was so cool, and such a good dancer!

            Gary started kindergarten two months before he turned five. When he was in middle school he skipped a grade. One summer school teacher had a grading strategy that left a life-long impression on Gary. The teacher gave everyone 100 points – an A – at the beginning of the term. He said, “This A is for you to keep or lose; it’s up to you. Gary “kept” his A. In high school, Gary was in all Advanced Placement classes – although his mom remembers many late nights typing Gary’s paper for him that was due the next morning. (Thanks Mom!) During high school, he also participated in plays. He played the role of Vinnie in “The Odd Couple”. During one performance, someone tripped the power switch and the auditorium went dark. Gary saved the show, improvising in character about the situation. He also sang 1^st Tenor in Madrigals and was on the Water Polo team.

            After graduation, Gary attended the smallest of the 5 Federal Academies; The United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. He won the honor of receiving more demerits faster than anyone in many years, and it was agreed that he wasn’t cut out for Academy life. So, after only a few months away, he was headed back home to Lompoc.

            While at home, he met a good LDS girl and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He decided he wanted to try the Academy again, so he contacted his Congressman for an endorsement. With renewed commitment, he headed back to Long Island to start the following school year. He always blamed his first go-around at the Academy on his youthful immaturity. The girl who introduced the Church to Gary headed to Ricks’ College, now BYU-Idaho and very quickly found the love of her life.

            Fast forward a year and a half, Gary met Christianne Wendt (a Young Adults’ success story!). Since she was heading to BYU in a matter of weeks, he wanted a ring on her finger. On December 30, 1973, he called from California (while on Christmas break) and proposed over the phone. She said yes, then went to BYU for the semester, and Gary went to sea.

            He loved sailing – at the time, midshipmen were not allowed to be married so their engagement was a year and a half! Gary graduated in June of 1975 with a degree in Marine Transportation, on a Monday and he and Christianne were married in the Washington, D.C. Temple that following Friday on the 27^th.

            Almost immediately after graduating from the Academy, Gary and his bride moved back to his home state of California and took a job as manager of a McDonald’s, then moved onto Arby’s and Wendy’s as two precious girls, Shannon and Brianne joined the family in February of 1977 and then July of 1979. After Wendy’s he got a job at Martin-Marietta at Vandenberg AFB working on breathing air system for the first space shuttle. While working at Martin-Marietta he would hang out in the large computer room during downtime which fueled his interest in computers. Wanting to jump into the computer industry, Gary found a job with McDonnell- Douglas (McAuto) which relocated them to New Jersey; a huge plus since they would be closer to Christianne’s parents John and Claire Wendt on Long Island. While in New Jersey, they welcomed their first and only son, Casey in July of 1981. Gary was thriving in his new vocation and while at a computer show was offered a position at Digital Equipment Corp which moved them to Massachusetts and in May of 1984, Whitney came along. Another move back to California, this time with four kids in tow, in January of 1985 where he took a job as Director of Operations of a McDonald’s. Tess arrived in June of 1987 and not long after Caitlin made her debut in April of 1989. After McDonald’s, Gary got back into the computer field at a company in San Luis Obispo called Computer Land. He enjoyed being a shopkeeper so much that he gave it a go at owning and operating his own store which he named Software Source. And last but not least, Hannah was the last bundle of joy to arrive in March of 1992.

            While residing in California, he was active in his church membership holding multiple callings throughout the years. In Santa Maria, he was a counselor serving with Bishop John Rosenlof and later with Bishop Ed Teeples and worked as a Stake Executive Secretary for Clark McCune. He also served as a High Councilor under Stake Presidents, Nolan Phillips and Wyn R. Dewsnup. One of his favorite callings was teaching Gospel Doctrine. He was also called to be a Seminary teacher for four years allowing him to teach each course.

            After twelve years in California, Gary and his family of nine, moved to Gilbert, Arizona. Shortly after moving in, Gary worked in the IT department at Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Management. He then moved on to Novell and then Altiris as a networking consultant. While on the road, working for Altiris in Delaware, Gary suffered a heart-attack, pushing him into early retirement. After his recovery, he was just as interested in computers and gadgets as ever before and now he had the time to tinker and create.

The family grew as children were married and grandchildren were born. He was a doting Papa to his twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Family always came first. He loved his sweetheart Christianne and his children. Five weeks after being diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer Gary Gray passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, August 12, 2018.

Here are some of Gary’s favorite quotes:

“Everyone carries within themselves the world in which they must live.”

“When afraid or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.”

“If you wake up and find yourself dancing with a bear; DON’T STOP!”- Russian Proverb

“There is always hope.”

 

The Still Small Voice

            One evening, the young Gray family was having a discussion about the still small voice.

            Five-year-old Brianne reported very intuitively, “I know why it’s a still small voice…because Heavenly Father is so far away!”

            With that, Gary took Brianne’s sweet face in his hands – and whispered in her ear. “No sweetheart – Heavenly Father uses a still small voice because he is so CLOSE, He’d hurt our ears if He spoke any louder.”

 

You Didn’t Use ALL Your Strength

A father took his young son camping. As dad was pitching the tent, he sent his son to collect firewood.

            Nine-year-old Tommy went out bravely to complete his assigned task. He found some logs not far off, but they were too heavy for him to lift. Frustrated, he went to his dad and reported that the logs were too heavy. He couldn’t move them. Dad said, “Did you use ALL your strength?”

            Tommy went back, with new resolve, eager to please his dad. He pulled, grunted, tugged and pushed – all to no avail. He couldn’t move the log.

            Back to dad he went. Dad said, “I don’t think you used ALL your strength.” Tommy, not wanting to let down his dad went back again, but even after getting scrapes and scratches, he couldn’t get the log to budge. He was so tired and so sad at the fact he had failed his dad, and a bit angry because his dad had required such a difficult task of him. He reported back to dad that he had used all his strength but couldn’t do it.

            Dad put his arm around his boy and said, “Tommy, you didn’t use ALL your strength: you didn’t ask ME.”

            How often does our Father require seemingly impossible tasks of us – we need to use ALL our strength. We need to ask HIM for His help.

 

The Voyage

I am a sailor, you’re my first mate

We signed on together, we coupled our fate

We hauled up our anchor, determined not to fail

For the hearts treasure, together we set sail.

With no maps to guide us we steered our own course

We rode out the storms when the winds were gale force

We sat out the doldrums in patience, and hope

Working together, we learned how to cope.

Life is an ocean, love is a boat

In troubled waters, it keeps us afloat

When we started the voyage, there was just me and you

Now gathered round us, we have our own crew.

Together we’re in this relationship

We built it with care, to last the whole trip

Our true destinations not marked on any charts

We’re navigating for the shores of the heart.

Life is an ocean and love is a boat

In troubled waters, it keeps us afloat

When we started the voyage, there was just me and you

Now gathered round us, we have our own crew.

 

 

Edna Florence Bollinger, 94, of Tucson, Arizona; passed away on August 13, 2018.  A Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM with a Funeral Service at 12 Noon, Monday, August 20^th at Bunker’s University Chapel 3529 E. University Chapel in Mesa.

Dr. Richard Vernon Lee passed away peacefully at home in Mesa, Arizona on August 13, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Until the end, his friendliness, intellect and humor endeared him to everyone who knew him.

Dr. Lee was born on October 25, 1927 at his parents’ home in West Frankfort, Illinois. His father, Vernon Ralph Lee, and mother Margaret (nee Eubanks), raised him to be a hard worker who cherished music, adventure and the outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Fada Ruth Titterton. He is survived by his loving wife Ruth (nee Burris), and three children, Nancy Lee, Rebecca Nosker, and Richard Lee. He has five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

From his boyhood paper route to his position advising Southern Illinois University on its new medical school, Dr. Lee met all challenges with discipline, resolve and optimism while treating every person he met with equal esteem. He worked hard and played hard. He hunted, fished and boated avidly. He took great pleasure in co-owning and flying an airplane. While practicing medicine in Illinois, Indiana, and Arizona as a Director of University Health Services and emergency room and sports medicine doctor, he also took sabbaticals to work as a medical missionary in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, and Niger.

If you were around Richard Lee for long, you knew him to be a great storyteller. From his hunting misadventures, to his harrowing voyage in an Army troop ship on the way to Okinawa in 1946, to flying strange and dangerous cargo with a friend, he could keep you laughing while on the edge of your seat. His loyal wife Ruth stuck with him through it all.

A visitation will be held at 9:00am with services at 9:45am on Monday, August 20, 2018 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Interment will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in honor of Dr. Richard Lee to Banner Hospice at https://tinyurl.com/y84o53q5 or by mail to Banner Hospice, Banner Health Foundation, 2901 N. Central Avenue, Suite 160, Phoenix, AZ 85012. For more information, please see https://www.bannerhealthfoundation.org/ways-to-give/memorial-gifts. 

Darwin Brent Gunnell was a man among men, and when he passed on August 13, 2018, he was at home, surrounded by his children and grandchildren and his beloved wife, Laura. Brent was born in Tremonton, Utah, on September 9, 1940, to Jonathan Darwin Gunnell and Olive Christopherson. In January 1942, the Gunnell family moved to Mesa, Arizona, where Brent grew up with his younger brothers Lamoine, Steve, Doug, and Scott, and his sister, Kay. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1958 and attended Arizona State University where he participated in ROTC, before moving into the Gunnell family tire business to work full-time with his father and brothers.

Brent married the love of his life, Laura Haws Gilliland, on June 2, 1971, and together, they raised ten amazing children. They started their life together in a small house in southwest Mesa, at which time Brent was working at the Gunnell’s tire store on Main Street, and then managing a tire warehouse. In 1977, Brent and Laura built their dream house in what was then east Mesa, and that same house has become home not just to generations of the Gunnell family, but also to countless others in need of support and care. Brent and Laura opened their home and hearts to anyone who needed them, and from their example, their children learned great life lessons in compassion and service.

In 1978, Brent took a job as the Arizona Area Director for a tire chain and traveled all over the state setting up tire stores and assisting their owners and managers until 1988, when he began running his own two tire stores on Glendale and on Alma School. Brent was a savvy businessman, and in successfully managing his stores, employed hundreds of people in Mesa and interacted with countless business owners and community leaders. It was important to Brent that his children learn how to do honest and hard work, so from the time they were able, they worked at the tire stores busting tires, doing retail sales, learning mechanical skills, keeping books, and cleaning the store. They watched their dad deal with customer and employee conflicts and property ownership issues, handling himself honestly, with both power and grace, teaching by example the importance of integrity and dignity.

Brent’s best times were those he spent with Laura and the kids. He attended myriad gymnastics and track meets, cheerleading competitions, and baseball games, and every chance he could, he stole Laura away for some rest and relaxation…. and fun! He and Laura truly had the greatest love story ever told, putting each other first and loving each other fiercely. Brent put every extra bit of time and money into making memories for his family, as it was no small feat providing for and entertaining ten children. At one point, the family was cramming into a 1969 Hurst Oldsmobile 455, and it was quite the sight watching ten kids peeling out of that or any vehicle! However big or small the adventure, the Gunnell family came away closer and stronger, and they have remained so over the years as their numbers have grown. Brent and Laura’s ten children have all married, and they have 61 grandchildren. In the last ten years, 48 great-grandchildren have joined the clan.

Brent and Laura have spent most of their time in “retirement” enjoying yet more baseball games, track meets, choir and band concerts, and recitals. They have loved traveling to see their kids and grandkids who live outside of Mesa, and every grandchild and great-grandchild looks forward to their visits, knowing that for those few hours or days, their grandpa and grandma are all theirs. Brent knew all of their names, and they knew him as Grandpa or Papa, with one family of little great-grands calling Brent and Laura “Sweet Gramma and Sweet Grandpa,” for indeed, Brent was the most gentle and kindest of grandpas. His family and all who knew him remember him for his easy-going temperament, his wisdom, and his humor. He could be called on at any hour and for any reason, and he would do anything he could to help. In his last few days, he was surrounded by family and friends, and though he was very ill and tired, he remained alert as he happily entertained visitors. Brent made everyone feel welcomed and loved, as was his way until he went to sleep for the last time after talking to and laughing with a grandson serving a mission in Africa.

Brent was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a great love of Christ and the Gospel. He happily served in many positions in the church, with his favorite being a temple-worker with Laura. In life, Brent asked for no more than what he himself gave and exemplified, and in the wake of his passing, those of his family who remain know that they will strive to be kind, honest, and loving, as he was.

Brent is survived by his wife, Laura Haws Gunnell; children Michelle (Brian) Solomon, Jim (Jennifer) Gilliland, Brent (JeNeale) Gunnell, Beverly (James) Bluth, Corey (Amelia) Gilliland, Kimberly (Todd) Connolly, Alison (Bob) Saltzmann, Julie (Denis) Asay, Penny (Brian) Blue-Case, and Anna (Doug) Bradford; siblings Lamoine (Susan) Gunnell, Steve (Rhonda) Gunnell, Doug (Ellen) Gunnell, Kay (Mark) Bradshaw, and Scott (Racheal) Gunnell; 60 grandchildren with 17 spouses; 48 great-grandchildren. Brent was preceded in death by his parents, Darwin and Olive; grandson Harris Gilliland; grandson-in-law Jay Hardwick; great-granddaughter Brooklyn Mansfield; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Services for Brent will be held at 10:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 933 E. Brown Rd., Mesa. There will be a viewing on Friday, August 17th from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa. There will also be a viewing from 9:00-9:45 AM on Saturday, August 18th at the Brown Rd. church prior to the funeral service which begins at 10:00 AM. Interment at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 Center St., will be immediately following the service.