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REX L. GUNDERSON
March 27, 1956 ~ March 14, 2017
Born to Edwin and Beverly Gunderson and raised in the Vancouver, WA area, Rex devoted a combined 68 plus years serving in the US Air Force, V.P.D. and the US Coast Guard expanding his ever widening horizons.
He will be remembered by his wife, Jane; children, Derik, Dustin, Kate and Elizabeth; and grandchildren, Devin, Dillon, Darrian, Avery, Dhevyn, and yet to be born Livia.
A true world wide wanderer countless friends met during his personal and service travels will warmly remember him. His infectious smile, easy laugh and witty humor was loved by many, he gave freely and often of his time and wisdom. His many friends and loving family deeply miss him.
Rex's Celebration of Life will be held at Vancouver's Heathman Lodge, Friday, April 7th, 3:30-6:30.
Please donate to the American Heart Association in his memory.
Please sign his Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rex, Got to know you from retired cops breakfasts and a lot of fun card games. You were a special person who left us too soon. My thoughts and prayers to your family.
Ron Johnson
April 7, 2017
April 7, 2017
Bud Sleeper
April 7, 2017
You were an inspiration to me in the early 70's at CCSO, as you were in retirement at our IHOP
monthly breakfast meetings and quarterly VPD luncheons. Always a smile and a sincere kind word
to all he greeted. Our trip down to Brownsville Oregon to meet Ryan Martin and his kids were a
blessing in disguise because I got to know the real wonderful human being you truly were with
all that you held dear for family and friends. God bless your family and RIP my friend! EOW 03/14/17.
Chuck Schuurmans
April 7, 2017
Over 35 years ago Rex and I met sitting on a yellow school bus heading for our first exercise with the USCGR up at Port Townsend, WA. We found out we had many common interest. Both Law Enforcement, both prior service, both thinking the USCGR was a great way to give back to our communities, and both liking to talk about our families.
Over the next 3 decades of exercises, real world events, sorties,and many lunches and beers, we loved to talk about changes in our lives as we aged.
I will miss those times we could serve and catch up with my brother from another mother, on our similar courses that we tracked. Our changes in careers and families.
As you sailed across the bar this last time TREX, stand relieved, we have the watch. We will meet again as we always seemed to do and catch up on how things are going with each other.
BIGBIRD
John Costello
April 4, 2017
To you all of you thank you!!! This man was my best friend! As he was to so many other. He was really my father and as we grew older we grew closer and closer. I can go on and on! Cheers DAD!!! till we meet again! Then i will share all my new advetures!!!xoxoxo
derik Gunderson
April 1, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to your family, may you rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior.
Roy Brown ret. VPD
March 29, 2017
Rex was a exemplenary Coastie as well as caring and sensitive human being. Individuals like MCPO Gunderson inspire the best in all of us. It seems like the good Lord take best first. He will be missed by all of us who knew him.
Dennis Hanson
March 29, 2017
Years ago during a very difficult day in my family's history Rex stepped in and blessed us immensely. My Mom passed suddenly in her sixties and Rex responded to My parents home ....while there on duty his concern for my Dad, sisters and me was over the top and deeply comforting. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and give you peace...like you did for us. Our love- the Drew family.
Jim Drew, Deputy CCSO, retired
March 28, 2017
Rex worked with me as a detective at VPD, always enthusiastic, almost to the point where I had to hold him back. I am very sad about his passing, he was a great guy.
david marosi
March 28, 2017
Jane and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. What an amazing man!
Trish Perry
March 28, 2017
He was a good shipmate and he will be missed.
BOb Gruchalla, USCGR (ret)
March 27, 2017
I am deeply saddened by the loss of this fine person and long time friend and fellow Coastie. May you rest in peace dear friend. You will be missed.
John Murray
March 27, 2017
Master Chief Gunderson's sudden death is a shocking and distressing loss to the Portland Coast Guard Reservists' Choir Practice group. He regularly attended functions of the retired Coasties. We were especially thrilled by reports of his sailing adventures as a crew member aboard the Coast Guard barque Eagle during the summers of 2011-2012. Fair winds and following seas, Rex.
PS-1 Jerry Leone
March 27, 2017
Fair winds and a calm sea's my friend.
Bob Tidwell- CCSO/USCG-ret.
March 27, 2017
Rex was a client of mine for many years and just an all around great guy! He was really starting to enjoy retirement after decades of service to our Country and our community. His passing has shocked us all and reminds us how precious life really is. Rex was a blessing to so many and left a legacy of what serving others and protecting others really means. Every time I think of you it brings a smile to my face. Job WELL done!! RIP my friend!
Jeff Dixson
March 26, 2017
Dustin and Derik, I'm devastated by your sudden loss. I want you to know I carry you in my heart with prayers for you and your families. You had one of the most active dads I know and now can hold on to the many cherished memories you made together!
Leilani
March 26, 2017
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