David Lawrence “Larry” Dunn passed away July 22 in Pagosa Springs. He was 84 years old.Larry was born Oct. 16, 1931, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Roy Lawrence and Rachel Louise Dunn. He grew up in Lacrosse, Wis., and later moved to Davenport, Iowa, in his early teens. He graduated from Davenport High School and went on to further his education at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., where he received his bachelor’s degree in geology. He also received his master’s degree from the University of Iowa, then finished his doctorate degree at the University of Wisconsin.
Larry married Joan Dunlop Dunn on Feb. 7, 1958, and remained married until her death in October 1989. He served in the Marine Corps from 1953-1961. He served four years of active duty and four years of reserve before retiring in 1961 with the rank of captain. He was stationed in California, Hawaii and Japan.
Larry worked for several oil companies, including Tenneco and Gulf. He eventually formed his own company, Paleo Services, in 1979. He continued to consult as a paleontologist for the next 30 years of his career.
Larry was also an extremely talented artist. He loved living in Pagosa Springs and painted beautiful landscapes that depicted the beauty of Pagosa Springs and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. He was active and enjoyed snow skiing up until he was 80 years old. Larry loved his dogs and enjoyed taking them hiking and jeeping with him. He loved life, people and his family most of all. He had many close friends and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his three children: Mike and his spouse, Tracy Dunn, of Anchorage, Alaska; Judith Walker, of Houston, Texas; and Sarah Rodgers, of Galveston, Texas; a brother, Stephen, and his spouse, Jan Dunn, of Portland, Ore.; three beautiful grandchildren: Rachel and her spouse, Paul Mefford, of Kingwood, Texas; Avery Dunn and Tyler Dunn, both of Anchorage, Alaska.
In honor of Father’s Day, his family would like to share two quotes: First from his son, Mike: “Dad was an honest, gentle, hardworking role model, who was a good provider, father and friend. We miss him.” And last, from his daughter, Sarah: “Dad was the kindest person I ever knew. He taught me many life lessons. He was always there when I needed him. I will be forever grateful. I miss you.”
