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David Gunn Obituary

David Gene Gunn "Devoted Racing Fan" Dave passed away February 9, 2008. He was born August 24, 1962 in Phoenix, Arizona to Gene and Joanne Gunn. Dave married his first blind date, Teresa Giles, June 2, 1982, 25 years ago. Survived by his wife; daughter, Tori; brother, Richard (Linda); and sisters, Debbie (Elden) Letner and Jana. Dave is also survived by his in-law family and his "Racing Family." Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 13th, 11:00 a.m. at Redwood Memorial Mortuary, 6500 S. Redwood Rd. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary and one hour prior to services.

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Published by Deseret News on Feb. 10, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for David Gunn

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Trudy Pullin

February 13, 2008

Those we love don't go away
They walk beside us everyday
Unseen, unheard, but always there
Still missed, still loved and very dear.

Our thoughts and love are with you Teresa and Tori. We will truly miss Dave and cherish all of the wonderful memories that we have of him.
Love, Shawn, Trudy, Cassidy & Nicholas Pullin

ROBERT CROWTHER

February 13, 2008

IT WAS A PLEASURE TO FINALLY GET TO KNOW DAVE A LITTLE LAST YEAR, WE HAVE ALWAYS REALLY ADMIRED DAVE HE WAS A GREAT SUPPORTER OF RACING HERE IN SALT LAKE, IT WAS A PLEASURE TO TALK WITH DAVE ABOUT HIS FATHER AND RACING IN AZ AND HIS BACKGROUND, I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THROUGH THE YEARS RACING IF WE OR ANYONE NEEDED SOMETHING HE WAS ALWAYS WILING TO HELP AND HELP OTHERS WITH ANYTHING HE COULD. THE GUNN FAMILY AND THE S.L.V.R.A. HAVE SUFFERED A GREAT LOSS. ROBERT, ANGIE, DESTINY, ROBERT JR., ALICE, BRIANNA, CALEB AND MADISON CROWTHER.

Jeff Bergener

February 13, 2008

For the past 7 years I’ve had the opportunity to drive Dave’s sprint car. But even more importantly for the past 7 years I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of the Gunn family and to have the Gunn’s as part of my family.

Most of you know me as a pretty unemotional person. I’m not someone who likes to share my emotions or talk about my feelings. The fact is that this hurts. It hurts more than I can even describe. I remember when my dad died a few years ago. I tried to be strong for everyone. I tried not to cry. I tried hard not to let anyone see that side of me. I failed at it then and I know I’m going to fail at being unemotional today. This hurts just like when my dad died.

Dave was my friend, he was my advisor, he was my confidant, he was my partner. 7 years ago he gave me the opportunity to do something I’ve always loved which was to drive race cars, For the first time I had the very best of equipment and for the first time I had a best friend in racing. The past 7 years have been some of the very best of my life. I know that Dave felt the same way and I feel so fortunate and so lucky that I had the chance to share this time with my friend. I hope he had as much fun as I did.

When Dave died Saturday morning part of me died with him. When his heart failed, a part of my heart failed. And while I would give anything to change what happened last weekend, I feel so privileged to have been there with Dave at the end. We shared a final meal together as friends and family, we shared those final moments together, and at the very end we were actually laughing together at Bob when his heart failed. When it’s all said and done, I wouldn’t have it any other way and I wouldn’t have been anywhere else.

Teresa and Tori, I wish there was something, anything, that I could do so that we wouldn’t have to be here today, but I want you to know how much I love both of you and how much I loved Dave……

Fred Law

February 12, 2008

I was shocked to here of the passing of Dave. As a family friend, it just shows you that we need to stay in better touch always. My heart goes out to Teresa, and Tori. My love goes out to you and the entire family.

Danica Stewart

February 12, 2008

Teresa & Tori,
We are so sorry to hear about Dave. He was a great man and will be missed tremendously. My apologies on not being able to make it out but please let me know if you need anything.
Love,
Danica & Curt Stewart

Joan Southwick

February 12, 2008

Teresa, Not much to say about this, the sadness is too big, but I wanted you to know that Tony and I are thinking about you, and wishing you peace. We're here when you need us..
Dave, my friend, God speed, and God bless.

Gordon Tyler

February 12, 2008

Dear Teresa and Tori,
Jacque and I want you to know that our thoughts are with you and Tori at this grevious time. Dave's friendship meant a lot to us and to many of the racers who he has helped on many ocasions. Although we will miss him at the race track this year we feel confident that he will be with us in spirit. Hopfully both you and Tori will continue to be involved at Rocky Mountain Raceway. We feel very priveldged to have been considered friends of you and Dave and your family. Please remember that we are here to help in any way we can. Please keep in touch.
Respectfully,
Gordon and Jacque Tyler
USAC

TOMMY HUNT

February 12, 2008

THE UNEXPECTED PASSING OF DAVE GUNN DEEPLY SADDENS ME. I AM HONORED AND APPRECIATIVE THAT I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO KNOW HIM AND SHARE THE COMMON BOND OF RACING WITH HIM. DAVE WILL BE MISSED BY THE USAC RACING FAMILY AND MANY OTHERS WHO HE BLESSED WITH HIS PRESENCE.

Steven Fast

February 12, 2008

Teresa & Tori,

I am truly sorry for your loss. Dave was a very passionate person who will not soon be forgotten by all those who were lucky enough to have known him. I have really enjoyed getting to know him and your family over the past six or seven years. Dave’s compassion for the sport of racing, along with his never ending drive to take the sport to the next level, will echo through the minds of all those associated with sprint car racing in the Salt Lake Valley. He will be missed, but his spirit will always carry on.

Gods Speed my Friend

Liesel Polichette

February 12, 2008

My dearest friend Dave is greatly missed. Teresa, I am here when you need me, even if it is just to be held. All my love and friendship.

Jerry Davis

February 11, 2008

Teresa,

I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was a damn good man who I respected very much. Between the two of you, you contributed so much to help the racing community thrive. Dave will never be forgotten.

Nicholas Oldham

February 11, 2008

Im sorry for you loss. I wish you the best in these hard times.

Glenn Gunn CLary

February 11, 2008

Dear Tori,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our Deepest Sympathy goes to you and your family. Uncle Glenn (Gunn) Clary and Donna

JEREMY & WHITTNEY

February 11, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)

©Copyright 1998-2008



OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO YOU IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME, BUT TAKE PEACE IN KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE A SPECIAL GUARDIAN ANGEL WATCHING OVER YOU NOW. GODSPEED...

Carole Borrego

February 11, 2008

I was so very sorry to hear about your families loss. I've known his sister, Jana, since we were 9 and I met David while visiting her quite a few years ago. Even though it was a while back, I remember is warm and friendly smile.

Please find comfort in knowing that David was met by our Father in Heaven, his parents, and brother when he went home.

I know how much he will be missed and I am so sorry for your loss.

My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time.

With love, Carole

Jennifer Carter

February 11, 2008

Rod and I are deeply sorry for the loss of Dave he was a great man, husband, and father. We knew Dave some years ago when he worked with us at Kings Row Formalwear he was a joy to have around. He will be missed.
Teresa, my mom wishes so deeply that she could be here for you. Remember that she is there for you even if she is far away. She let us know about Dave's passing. We are all so sorry. Tori your dad will always be watching over you.

Jason Giles

February 11, 2008

I was deeply saddened (and shocked)to hear of Dave's passing. I used to love babysitting Tori when she was young because I knew that Uncle Dave always had the best electronics, the latest movies and a stocked fridge. Top Gun is still one of my all-time favorites because it was the first movie I saw on a big screen with surround sound. And who could forget anxiously waiting for Tori to fall asleep so I could watch Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Dave was always a big part of the Giles family gatherings and I will miss seeing him. Teresa and Tori, know that even though we are in Iowa you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for the memories, Dave. Love Always-
Jason, Teresa, Ashley, Brigham, Alyssa and Anna Giles

Lou Parker

February 11, 2008

I have only known Dave for a few years. But I come to appreciate every thing he did for sprintcar racing in Salt Lake. I will really miss him

Mark Pittman

February 11, 2008

The management of Rocky Mountain Raceways would like to extend their heartfelt condolences on the loss of Dave Gunn. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and daughter, and his entire racing family.

Carole Borrego

February 11, 2008

I was so very sorry to hear about the loss David. He was so young and had so much to live for. His sister, Jana, called me yesterday about the news. Jana and I have been friends since 5th grade. I met David when I went to their home to visit his her. At that time, I remember David teasing with us at even such a young age.

I am truly sorry for your loss and pray that you find comfort in knowing that he was met in Heaven by his wonderful parents.

My prayers are with all of you at this time. God Bless, Carole

Kittie Holfeltz

February 11, 2008

Teresa and Tory,
I was very saddened to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Dave was a kind man, he helped me with my car when no one else would. Thank you both for your love and friendship. Kittie

Kenny Giles

February 10, 2008

Kenny Giles
Dave you were my brother and I miss you and love you. Thanks for being part of my life. I have great memories of playing basketball with you, going to Jazz games, going to races and just being around you at family functions. You were a great guy and brother. Love Ken

Tony & Barb. Miran

February 10, 2008

We only met Dave, Teresa & Tori a couple of times but we were so grateful for their relationship with our son, Mark. He called Dave his "Utah Dad". He will be greatly missed! We are so sorry and send our love & prayers to his family.

Mark Pittman

February 10, 2008

The management of Rocky Mountain Raceways would like to extend their heartfelt condolences on the loss of Dave Gunn. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and daughter, and his entire racing family.

Jana Gunn

February 10, 2008

It's hard to believe I'm writing in here about my "little" brother's passing. I'll always remember us playing together as children, and he'd agree to play house or Barbies with me, if I'd play cars with him! Although I got over playing with Barbies, David continued his love of cars. It was nice to see him follow in our father's footsteps in his love of racing. I'm so sorry Teresa and Tori for your incredible loss. Please know our family will always be here for you. We love you, and we love David, too.

Matt Compton

February 10, 2008

I never met Dave.I just finished an engine for his sprint car and was looking forward to meeting him and working with the team on the up coming race season.

Godspeed Dave !

Deja Powell

February 10, 2008

I was so shocked to hear about Dave's sudden, unexpected death. He was always such a generous, loving man who was enthusiastic about life and so proud of his wife and daughter! I still have a little card that he gave me that has a poem on it about being a "Shining Star!" Now he's a "Shining Star" himself and will shine on forever!

Tori, He loved you so much and was so proud of you. You'll always be daddy's little girl-never forget that!

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Much Love,

Deja

Kathy Larsen

February 10, 2008

Dave you will always have a special place in our heart. You were the most generous person I know. You will truly be missed. Teresa just know that we will always be here for you and Tori. We love you.

Trina Dickinson

February 10, 2008

Mitch #86 and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. Dave will be deeply missed out at the race track. He was a great guy and had a lot to offer. We do want you to know that our thoughts are with you.

Lewis Timothy

February 10, 2008

While the tragic loss of Dave to his beloved wife Teresa,Daughter Tori and other loved ones is most devistating, The racing comunity will also miss him immensely. He posed a colorful, vivacious presence in the pits and Fellow racers will understand when I say "What a shame he was taken out on the 46th lap of his main event". May God bless this family and bring you peace as you begin the difficult healing process.

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