Gene Lauder Tunney

Gene and I spent a couple of years together at Westminster; he was a year behind me. Tried to get in touch with him in Sebastopol (without success) before he moved to HI. My father was a nationally syndicated cartoonist who knew Gene's father well (he did sports cartoons and they played softball together with Lowell Thomas's Nine Old Men). I recently met a retired SF Police officer who was hired out of retirement by Gene in Sonoma County years ago. Although Gene and I were never close...

My father, Ace Halstead, an FBI agent who worked in the Santa Rosa office from 1974 until his retirement in 1990, made it a point that I knew who the "bright lights" in the judicial system were. Mr. Tunney was at the top of the list. Because we lost my father two years ago, I know first hand that the fond memories of Mr. Tunney will help your family through these difficult times.

I worked with Mr. Tunney at the District Attorney's office and to this day share stories with my kids of working with him. He was so tall and overpowering in appearance but so kind hearted. I had many conversations with him in his office or the hall that left me feeling that he really enjoyed his job and cared about his employees as well as the fact that he expected their best. You had his respect if you did your best and that was saying something. I still have pictures of office parties...

Dear Tunney Family,

On behalf of the Sullivan family, we send our prayers and sympathies to you from San Diego. My parents have many fond memories of Gene and their thoughts are with you all now. As my god-father, I will always remember Mr. Tunney's warm heart and smile which he shared so generously with those around him.

Dear Tunney Clan
The living must at all times close ranks in the face of death lest grief overwhelm us . Words though inadequate must be said sympathy expressed condolences sent none of which can fill the place in the family circle left vacant Tears smiles memories come cascading in a jumble of sorrow with the wish Please dont be dead. reality tells us carry on and we do

My best to you Family

Malachy McCourt and Clan

The old warrior has left this field of battle and has risen, strong again, in the army of his Lord.

Dear Ann and Family,

I am saddened to hear of the death of Gene. He was a man of integrity. I will also always remember his great stories and his robust laugh. It was a privilege and honor to know him and to work with him. He left a giant footprint here in Sonoma County that has not been replaced and he will be greatly missed.
Kathy Knotts Hernandez (Santa Rosa, CA)

As Lt. in charge of narcotics enforcement for the Sheriff Department, we felt very fortunate to have Gene in charge of the District Atty's. office and admired his abilities and fairness.

I was fortunate enough to work with Gene Tunney during his entire career as Sonoma County D.A. His career of public service will rarely be matched, if ever. I was proud to be a member of his office, and he was the reason I decided to be a career prosecutor. He had a great mind, a strong will, and unerring judgment. I will never forget him.