DARREL WAYNE "BUNKY" MILLSAP

MILLSAP, DARREL WAYNE "BUNKY" Darrel Wayne Millsap passed away on April 11, 2012, due to complications of stroke, diabetes and Parkinson's disease. He was born in Ontario, CA, on May 9, 1931, to Napolean and Isabelle Millsap. Darrel was known as "Bunky" to all and in the years prior to his stroke, he was quite the character, with a loving heart and a smile on his face. His post-stroke days brought us all another character who also made everyone laugh. Darrel served in the U.S. Navy and was honorable discharged in 1953, where he immediately attended Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. He graduated in 1956 with a degree in Commercial Illustration. He later became a mentor to many graduates of Art Center and was an inspiration to many aspiring artists in the years to come. Darrel's artistic talents began at a very young age, often times drawing images of animals and portraits on brown bags or paper found in his childhood home. This talent blossomed into a lucrative career in Commercial Illustration, where he met many of the longtime friends that became his second family. He began his illustration career in Los Angeles, working for Fred Kopp Studios under Hector Huerta. Within a few years, he moved to San Diego and began working for Frye and Smith, then ventured out on his own with his partner Robert Kinyon, creating Millsap/Kinyon Illustration. They thrived for years until Robert lost his battle with cancer. Darrel continued his artistic legacy by going solo under Darrel Millsap Illustration, and worked with his many friends and acquaintances in the art business until he retired in 1999. Darrel was truly one of San Diego's best known "unknown artists". Darrel's art legacy will live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate to know his incredible work. He was a humble man with regards to his own talents, but those who knew his work had a healthy respect for his ability as an accomplished artist and illustrator. Some of his finest pieces adorn the homes of his friends and children today. Darrel was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his sister Patrice Grossi, nieces Carol and Lynne Grossi, son Derek Vincent Millsap, daughter Michelle Millsap Kinley, daughter-in-law Gina Marie Millsap, son-in-law Richard Guy Kinley, grandchildren Alyssa Marie Millsap, David Ray and Danielle Marie Kinley and great-grandchild Kiera Danielle Kinley. He also had a son John Victor Mazzei who passed away in 1989 and grandson Derek Anthony Millsap, who also passed away on January 24, 2012. Darrel was married to his wonderful wife Janis Victoria Millsap for 49½ years, until she lost her battle to cancer in 2008. The Millsap and Kinley families owe their debt and gratitude to Darrel's daughter-in-law Gina Millsap, who was his caregiver for the last three years of his life. The family was blessed to have her unconditional love and care given to "Pops", "Bomps" and "Rainman", who he was fondly called, and it gave everyone comfort knowing he was in wonderful hands while they all worked outside of their homes. Darrel passed peacefully at Derek and Gina's house and he had family surrounding him when he drew his last breath. The families will have a celebration of life for Darrel Millsap at the home of Richard and Michelle Kinley, on Saturday, April 21st, at 1:00 p.m. Their address will be sent out to his art community, family and friends. "Paint some beautiful sunrises and sunsets for us now Pops, we will miss your smile and jokes. Go have fun with Mom and Little D now".