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Gregory Junell Obituary

Gregory Robert Junell, 44, of San Luis Obispo, passed away Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at City of Hope in Duarte, Calif. Born in Hanford, Calif., in January 1968, Greg attended local schools and graduated from Hanford Union High School in 1986. Greg showed an early interest in the rapidly emerging computer technology industry and earned his BS degree in Computer Science from Cal Poly. He worked in computer programming and software development in San Luis Obispo and the Bay Area, but soon realized a desire for a more people-oriented career. In order to blend these two talents, he earned his teaching credential and was subsequently hired as a teacher and Director of Information Technology at Mission College Preparatory School in San Luis Obispo. As a teacher, tennis coach and mentor in a variety of school activities, Greg quickly earned the respect of his peers, students and their families. Greg loved music, and he dabbled in piano, string bass and drums. Outdoor activities were also important to him and he frequently organized hikes, camping trips and group bicycle rides. For many years, he participated with a group of friends in preparing for Burning Man. Each September, he would drive his friends to the playa in his old bus. Greg was also qualified to officiate at weddings, and over the years had performed more than 35 wedding ceremonies as a gift to his friends. Above all, Greg felt most fulfilled when surrounded by his family and wide circle of friends, including his fellow faculty, administrators and students at MCP. Greg is survived by his parents, Dr. Robert and Janis Junell; grandfather, James M. Taylor; aunt and uncle Toby and Sharon Junell; aunt, Carol Junell Donnel, all of Hanford; brother-in-law, Philip Nishida of Fresno, Calif.; and many beloved cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Leanne Junell Nishida; grandparents Toby and Ilene Junell and Lela Taylor; aunt, Kathy Murphree; and uncle, Doug Donnel. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, at the First Presbyterian Church, corner of Irwin and Dewey Streets in downtown Hanford. A memorial celebration of Greg''s life will be held in San Luis Obispo at a future date. Remembrances in Greg''s name may be sent to Mission College Preparatory High School, 682 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Aug. 24, 2012.

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Richard Patt

August 25, 2014

Although I see that much time has gone by, I only just became aware of Greg's passing. I am simply stunned and without proper words. In our few meetings I found him to be a life force of good energy and I felt special in his presence. I am so very sorry for your loss and that your old friend was not available to you. Again I am sorry.

Leslie Crawford

August 30, 2012

Dear Bob and Janis, I am so sorry for your loss of Greg, what a fighter, I know you are proud. You are both in my prayers for helping you through this difficult time.

August 28, 2012

A welcoming, good natured man; sharp wit, devoted teacher, and kind.
He will be missed but Heaven has gained a lovely soul.

Allyson Krugh & Tanner Cryden
MCP mom & Student

Alan Garner

August 27, 2012

I was a classmate of Greg's and enjoyed speaking with him at every reunion we attended. I 'll always remember Greg as a genuinely nice guy and a keen intellect. He was definitely one of the "good ones". Something tells me Greg's presence will be felt for many years to come as his good friends from Hanford (aka "The Hanford Boys") will be sharing photos and memories of him. So sorry for your loss and so sorry that we'll be adding another photo of a lost Bullpup to our future reunions.

Colin Day

August 25, 2012

Greg has been a huge inspiration for me on many levels. He touched more lives in a profound way than anybody I have ever met. His spirit lives on in all of us and all those lives we touch.

Greg and Dorene

Dorene Garvin

August 24, 2012

Dorene Garvin

August 24, 2012

Liz McCully

August 24, 2012

Greg was a wonderful friend who I had the pleasure of knowing for exactly half of my life. We met in SLO and became instant friends (as I'm sure many others could say the same, he was always so welcoming). We hiked, talked, meditated and generally pondered the wonders of life and the greater universe together. It was such a wonderfully balanced friendship and I give credit to Greg for making it so lovely. He was ALWAYS positive, loving, generous and caring. In fact, when I was in college and found myself in a tight place financially, Greg helped by co-signing a loan so I could continue the education I was loving so much. He offered anything he had in a heartbeat, never worrying about what would come back his way. Three years ago he officiated my wedding, perfectly capturing the moment and essence without much instruction. He had already begun treatment for the cancer at that point but didn't shave his head until after the ceremony!

Always I will think of Greg as alive. His spirit and ambition was so strong it is impossible for me to imagine the world without him. I feel his guiding presence daily and I hope my vision of his smile and open arms never fades.

Thank you for bringing such an amazing person into this world; he was a gift to so many and will be sorely missed.

Tom Tarka

August 24, 2012

Dear Dr. Junell & Janis,

I am truly sorry for your loss. Your son made a huge impact on many people's lives, lived with a conviction few do - or even aspire to - and was a shining light. Thank you for bringing him into this world and helping him become the person he became.

I was lucky enough to meet Greg through Dave Gross (after a fashion) and few times we were able to spend together are both remembered fondly and made an impact on my life.

If there's anything any of us can do, you have an army of willing folks at your beck and call.

My deepest condolences...
Tom Tarka

Zoe Vaughn

August 24, 2012

Greg was a dear friend and will be sorely missed - his merry laughter and mischievous smile will remain with me always.

My sincere condolences go out to his family - my thoughts and heart are with you.

Gina Miranda

August 24, 2012

Dear Dr. Junell and Janis,

I am so sorry for your loss, and I offer you my deepest condolences. Greg was such a beautiful, loving, kind, and amazing soul. I know that the light that he shone onto all those he knew will continue shining through those who love him. Memories of him will live on through all those whose lives he touched.

David Sozinho

August 24, 2012

Bob and Jan...
I remember that amazing little kid across the street. While I once had a wonderful visit with Leanne when she was attending CSU/Fresno, I never got a chance to see Greg again after he grew up. It sounds as though he achieved many satisfying goals and touched so many people in a positive light throughout his life. I am so sorry to hear about him leaving too soon. Please know that the Sozinho family is remembering all of you in our prayers.
...David

At Brad Huseveldt's wedding.

Elizabeth Rood

August 24, 2012

Dear Dr. & Mrs Junell,
I never had the pleasure of meeting either of you, but your son Greg was among my dearest friends(I am Steve Courtney's wife, Liz). I will always recall his sterling mind and kindly wit. He was such a pleasure to talk to! I am so terribly sorry for your loss and for the loss that we, all of his friends, at his passing.

Casey & JD

August 24, 2012

Dear Dr. Junell and Janis : Boy did you do something right, thank you so much for bringing someone so special into so many peoples lives.

We are all with you Greg.

Brian Herbst

August 24, 2012

Brian Herbst

August 24, 2012

Greg continues to be a friend, mentor and inspiration to me, my brother Geoff, and to thousands of close friends. Thank you Greg for being such an amazing human!

Dec 2010

Melissa Jankowski

August 21, 2012

My 6-year-old son Maxwell and I had the privilege of being pen-pals with Greg while he was at City of Hope. My family and I are thinking of you and wishing you peace.

Charlotte & Cheryl Dixon

August 20, 2012

Dear Dr. Junell and Janis: We are so sorry for the loss of your remarkable son. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to you and the family.

August 20, 2012

Dear Dr. Junell & Janis, words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Carol Hotz & Taylor(Goddard)Wolf

Dave Moses

August 20, 2012

Dear Bob & Jan
I had the opportunity to meet both Greg & Leanne many years ago when I was out that way visiting Carol & Doug.
Carol has kept me up to date on Greg for the past many months. I had lots of prayers said for him at this end.
I am so truly sorry for your loss.
May the Dear Lord bless the entire Junell family.

Paul Mayo

August 19, 2012

Dear Bob and Janis: I am very sorry for your loss. I can remember going to Monroe School with Greg and hanging out with him at school and walking home with him, Steven Ecker and other kids from time to time. Glad to read about all of his life's accomplishments. Paul Mayo

August 18, 2012

Dear Bob and Janis: Marcie and I are very sorry for the loss of your son. Gregory was a remarkable young man. We will add all of you in our prayers.

Bud And Marcie Ellis

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