Joseph Lyon "Joe" Kunkle

Joseph "Joe" Lyon Kunkle MURRIETA -- On the morning of Tuesday, July 19th 2011, Joseph (Joe) Lyon Kunkle died at home in Murrieta California; he was 47 years old. Joe is survived by his wife of 29 years, Torrie; his two children, Josh and Tandy; his brothers, Jim, John, and Patrick; his sisters-in-law, Josie and Barb; his niece, Jenni; and Torrie's Family: Jim, Jackie, Chris and Matt Anderson; as well as so many dear friends. Joe was born at Loring Air Force Base, Maine on January 8, 1964 to Lynda B. Kunkle and James H. Kunkle. He moved often with his military family but eventually settled in Riverside, California, where he met Torrie Anderson while they were still in high school. They were married on December 16, (actually the 19th) in 1982 and were joined by their two children very soon afterward. The family moved to Murrieta in 1986 and eventually settled at The Ivy House in December 1996. Joe established roots within the community through his graphic arts business and was an outspoken advocate for various causes. He will be missed greatly by the family and friends he inspired through the things he created during his life. He was a prolific artist and author who wrote many short stories, scripts, editorials, poems and the book, Carlos: A Tale of Survival. His love of nature and his abiding respect for plants and animals touched us all and provided an extraordinary example of compassion to strive for. Joe's Celebration of Life will be held at The Ivy House, 42980 Ivy St., in Murrieta on Saturday August 27th at 1 pm. We request that those who come to celebrate Joe's life dress comfortably in bright clothing. In lieu of flowers, the Kunkle family requests that donations be made in Joe's name to any of the following charities: The Nature Conservancy, the National MS Society or any charity benefiting animals. It is with sincere gratitude that I thank this universe for the opportunity to live and grow beside you. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com