Andrew Thompson Gunning

GUNNING, ANDREW Thompson
Andrew Thompson Gunning , 85, beloved husband and father, passed away in Denver on Sept 14th, 2007, after two years of illness. He was the son of Ruth Urquhart and Henry Stroud Gunning, pioneers in Denver's Montclair neighborhood. He graduated from East High School in Denver in 1939, lettering in track, playing trumpet in the marching and symphonic bands, receiving superior solo and trio ratings. He attended the University of Denver, excelling in track and trumpet. There he met Lorraine Seidenberg, his wife of 64 years. College was interrupted by World War II. He served as a Navy Corpsman attached to a Marine Air Wing in the South Pacific. He graduated from D.U. in 1946 with a degree in Business and worked in marketing for the Chevron Corporation until his retirement in 1980.
Andy was passionate about his hobbies. Mentored by local photographers, he excelled in Black & White, developing portraits in his dark room late at night before going to work. He won many local and national amateur awards, and was a volunteer photographer for Young Life. He sang in the Bethany Lutheran Church Choir for 55 years, often playing trumpet, directed a youth choir, and performed with his wife and daughter. He attended master classes at the Aspen Music Festival many summers and taught voice lessons at his home in Denver. He performed in several Denver Lyric Opera productions.
Andy's racing skates and Flexible Flyer spent many Saturdays at Homewood and Evergreen with church groups. He and his wife belonged to Ports of Call, loved travelling, swimming in the Caribbean waters, and parasailing. His favorite sport was dry fly fishing on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, spending over 50 summers in Lake City, CO. He loved to garden, specializing in tomatoes. Known as "Tomato Man", he joyously shared his superb crop with friends and neighbors.
Andy is survived by his wife Lorraine, daughter Kristy Gunning (Meininger), son-in-law, Ed win A. Meininger, niece Carol Frey(John), nephews Greg Gaylor (Kathy), Rick Seidenberg (Brenda), Charles Seidenberg (Dana) and Eric Seidenberg, and cousins. His many friends will miss him deeply. A Memorial Service remembering his life will be held Friday, September 21st at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave, at 10:00am with a reception following.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bethany Lutheran Church Chancel Choir, 4500 East Hampden Ave., Englewood, CO 80110.