Ronald C Gunn

Ronald (Ron) C Gunn of Livermore died Jan. 4. He was 80.

Gunn was born in Sacramento to Robert Lloyd Gunn and Gretchen Irene (Taylor) Gunn on April 12, 1933.

Gunn graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor of arts degree in radio-TV-film. In 1958, he started working at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He held a variety of positions at the Lab, including working at Site 300. He retired while working in Laser Programs after 40 years at LLNL.

Gunn also worked as a freelance broadcast engineer for radio station KYTE-FM (now KKIQ-FM) from 1969 to 1975.

Upon retirement from LLNL, Gunn and his wife Mary traveled regularly with American Stage Tours. Catalina Island and Yosemite National Park were among their favorite destinations.

Gunn was an active member of the community. He bowled for more than 60 years and was a member of the Livermore-Pleasanton Elks (Lodge #2117) for 37 years. He was an amateur "ham" radio operator (AG6P) and a member of Toastmasters International. Gunn served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard, both active duty and the reserves.

Gunn's pride and joy was his 1941 Chevy, which he acquired as a teenager and maintained throughout his life. His interests included NASCAR, the San Francisco Giants and the 49ers. He loved animals and was especially fond of his feline companions Dale, Gracie and Belle.

Gunn is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Gunn; children, Kim Giancaterino, Karen Gunn, Kelly Gunn and Kevin Gunn; grandchildren, LaDawnna Burdick, Loriann Gilbert, Rhiannon Follenfant, Robert Follenfant, Jodi Hansen, Joseph Gunn, Kevin Gunn and Ari Giancaterino; great-grandchildren, Katelynne Burdick, Triston Burdick, Joshua Hansen and Bentley Hansen; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Carleton Gunn of Ontario, Canada, great-grandson Antony Burdick, and grandson Robert Gunn.

In accordance with Gunn's wishes, there will be no formal service. Donations in his name can be made to the East Bay SPCA, 8323 Baldwin Street, Oakland, Calif. 94621 or Hope Hospice, 6377 Clark Ave., Suite 100, Dublin, Calif. 94568