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BORN
01/08/1910
DIED
05/27/2011
George Tunnell Obituary
George Curtis Tunnell, known as Curt, was born January 8th, 1910 and died peacefully on May 27th, 2011 at the age of 101. He was the son of George R. and Ellen K. Tunnell, and was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Marjory. Curt is survived by his sons George (Karen) Tunnell and Curtis (Linda) Tunnell, grandchildren John (April) Tunnell, Anne (Matt) Browne, Kate (Laurence) Ryan, and Mary Tunnell, and five great-grandchildren.
Curt was raised on the family farm homesteaded by his grandparents Martin L. and Salina H. Tunnell, which is now the site of Hancock College. He was a member of the Santa Maria High school class of 1926, worked for the WPA in the 1930's, and served the Army in World War II. He started Tunnell Roofing Co. Inc. in 1949, a business now operated by his grandson John.
Curt was active in local affairs for many years, serving on the Santa Maria City Council from 1950 to 1962, including four years as mayor. He was elected to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors in 1962 and served through 1974. He also served on the Santa Barbara County Water Agency and was a board member of the Santa Maria Valley Economic Development Association for 15 years. Curt was a lifelong member of the Santa Maria Valley Pioneer Association, and served as its president. He was the last surviving attendee of the first Pioneer Picnic, held in 1924. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.
As County Supervisor, he initiated and led the ten-year effort to rebuild and improve the Highway, State Highway 166, a project completed in 1974. While serving on the County Water Agency, he was a key player in the effort to bring water from the State Water Project to the Santa Maria Valley.
The family wishes to thank his caregivers Julie, Adrianna and Leslie form Maxim Home Care, and Velia Zepeda, long time family friend for their loving care, as well as Marian Hospice.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 7th, at 11:00 am at Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary.
The family requests contributions be made to the Heart Association or the Humane Society of the Santa Maria Valley, in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens.
Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463
www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Tunnell
3 Entries
Beverly Asleson
June 4, 2011
My condolences to you and your family Annie Browne.
Jennifer Ford
June 2, 2011
I am sorry for your loss. Curt was a wonderful man and touched the lives of so many people and will be missed dearly.
My heart and prayers go out to you in the time of your loss.
Joyce Shillingford
June 2, 2011
Curtis and Family: Sorry for the loss of your father. My sister works at Merrill Gardens and said that he was a very special man. May he rest in peace.
Joyce (Silva) Shillingford
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