Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Sean Dunbar
1969 - 2024
Sean Dunbar
1969 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
Sean Dunbar Obituary
Sean was an exceptionally talented musician, starting piano at the age of 4 and continuing to play throughout his life. His brilliant performances brought joy to many, and he was particularly proud of his musical career, which included touring with Tina Yothers in the late 1980s. Sean's life was also marked by his work as a volunteer hazmat firefighter at the Marathon Oil Refinery in Wilmington, CA - a role he held with great honor.
Known for his charisma, generosity, and vibrant spirit, Sean made lasting impressions on everyone he met. He was a lifelong video game afficionado and started his online gaming career in the mid-90s, using aliases including Kodokai, Kabosh, Scabies, BarnabyJones and Shibby. He cultivated a vast community of online friends who will remember him for his kindness and infectious enthusiasm.
Sean is survived by his wife of 14 years, Lindsay A. Wylie; his mother, Jacquelyn S. Dunbar (née Osakoda); his half-siblings, Judi Jolley, Lynda Wallace (Robert), and Forrest F. Dunbar Jr. (Barbara); his aunt Roberta Harada (Glenn), uncle Ron Osakoda (Sheilah), aunt Grace Akaou (Said), as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Forrest F. Dunbar; his half-brother, Jon Dunbar (Jill); and uncle Ivan E. Dunbar (Margaret).
Sean's family would like to express their deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Villa Esperanza Services of Pasadena, California, an organization that he volunteered with later in his life.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
29 Entries
Howard M Lopez
December 12, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Sean´ passing. My prayers to his family.
Sean Carter
February 13, 2025
Been a long time brother. I still remember your HSX and how you almost introduced me to doing web design, meeting Tina Yothers that night at the Roxy, and of course all those great times -- especially at Curt & Penny's.
Evelyn
February 12, 2025
My deepest condolences to Linsey and the family at this difficult time. Rest easy Sean.
erin
February 5, 2025
Sean was my former coworker at HSX, and he made work an adventure every single day. Whether he was cooking up his homemade chili in the office kitchen or belting out catchphrases at full volume, he was the perfect blend of chaos and comedy. His infectious energy never wavered. Though we didn´t stay as close as I would have liked, he kept that spirit alive by randomly messaging me catchphrases or sending memes just because. He will be deeply missed.
How you can show support
Scott Pepper
February 3, 2025
I worked with Sean at HSX back in the early 2000s, was my desk mate for 2 years and we would always talk about pop culture, music, the world, gaming and everything in between every day. We didn't always see eye to eye and didn't always agree but he was a truly a good human. He will be deeply missed
Penney & Curt Larsen
February 1, 2025
One of the best things we did in 1991 was open Classy Cue Arcade as it brought so many terrific kids of all ages into our lives. Sean was one of them. He quickly took to Curt, (Pop) and he became a part of our family. He will be missed. Sean had a really big heart and was a really good friend to our kids, Don & Kerri rented a room at Seans for many years. Curt and I always looked forward to visiting them, whether it was for his Yakisoba meals, or playing cards out back, or just watching movies & eating his special popcorn. He always came over to our house parties and was so funny with his quick wit. (I have to digitize my photos). It was such a shock on Christmas Eve to get the call from Lindsay. We will really miss this kind caring man. Curt & Penney Larsen
Rose Marie Picella
January 29, 2025
I am really sorry. Sean was too young to leave us. While I didn´t game with him or see him play the piano, wish I did, I lived across the street from his mom Jackie. I would go over there periodically and Sean would be there sometimes. I would bring food over for his Mom at times. Once when I came over with no food , he said I was slacking....but Not in a mean way but it was a compliment that he liked my cooking. May Sean rest in peace in Gods loving arms. Gone too soon too young!
Paul Jenney / Khaladon
January 28, 2025
Gonna miss you my brother.
We met at Simucon and worked on the same team on GemStone IV, and you were a bigger-than-life-force-of-nature in all the things you did and believed in and lived life with a zest I actually envied back then.
You were a great coder and event runner and always seemed ready to go and as some have already said, your piano duet with Andy at one of the cons still replays in the vaults of my mind.
I wish you peace on this next journey and hope that if there is another place, I do see you again.
Kimberly and Nacho Araiza
January 27, 2025
The first time I met Sean was when he first bought his house in Ontario and Nacho and I were newly dating. Sean was having a housewarming party. I´m extremely shy and going to a house party full of people I didn´t know was intimidating. But as soon as Nacho introduced me to Sean he was so warm and welcoming. I could tell he sensed my uncomfortableness and he immediately jumped into action. He threw his arm around my neck and said let me give you the grand tour as he began to walk us through the house. He was cracking jokes, being playful and he was just so animated. He introduced me to everyone as if I were a celebrity and he relentlessly engaged me and included me to ensure I felt comfortable. He treated me (and made me feel) like an old friend that he had known for years and I have never in my life EVER felt so comfortable around somebody I had just met as I did with Sean. He just had a way of breaking down walls and cracking the code to my shyness when I was in his presence. From that day forward a beautiful friendship blossomed.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had to have surgery and I was in the hospital for a few days. I ended up getting released earlier than anticipated so I did not immediately have a ride home. Sean just so happened to call me at that moment to see if it was a good time to come visit me and when he learned that I was being discharged he instantly volunteered to be my ride. Sean and Lindsay drove all the way out to City of Hope to pick me up and take me home. I will never forget that! Sean often checked in on me throughout my cancer journey to see how I was doing and if I needed anything. He always made it crystal clear that he was there for me should I need anything and he genuinely meant it. Just as the saying goes, hard times reveal true friends...and that was Sean, a true friend! You never forget the people who are there for you during your darkest times.
Sean always threw the best parties, some of my most fun memories were parties at his house, New Year´s Eve, Fourth of July, Halloween, poker nights, cook outs... He had such a presence and a warmth that everyone around him could feel and was drawn to. He always made me feel special (he just had a way of doing that) and always went out of his way to make me smile and make me feel comfortable. Sean used to call me "Lee" (short for Kimberly) and would always yell out "Leeeeeeee!" whenever Nacho and I would come over to visit, I swear I can still hear him yelling it! I´m going to miss that and all of the amazing things that Sean encompassed that made him so uniquely Sean!
Nacho and I may not have shared as close of a relationship with Sean as others have but his absence is so profound and has left such a deep hole in our hearts! So, if Sean´s passing is this heartbreaking for us, we can´t even begin to imagine the magnitude of how heart-wrenching it must be for others who were closer to Sean than we were and we are just so deeply sorry for such a devastating loss. We miss him dearly and know that we are not alone in that, he will be missed by so many. He was truly one of a kind and absolutely one of those once in a lifetime kind of friends. He was genuine, passionate, caring, generous, humorous, entertaining and incredibly big hearted. He possessed unconditional love for his friends and family, and was truly ride or die. We will forever miss him and he will always hold a special place in our hearts. Rest in peace friend!
Don - Boom
January 26, 2025
We met at Simucon, my friend. You were always kind and fun to be around. I'll miss you
Drew Yerkish (Andy)
January 26, 2025
I was so bummed to hear of your passing bro. We met in HS, I went to several of your gigs when you were playing with Tina Yothers, and later with that band Floodhouse at a gig in Huntington Beach. You returned the favor at a few of my comedy gigs and even came out late one night to go see Men in Black 3 with me so I didn't go alone. Damn man I'm gonna miss you. Wish I could have been there for your celebration of life but living 2300 miles away made that impossible. Thanka for being a good friend. More like a brother. RIP Sean. I'll never forget you and I'll miss you big time.
Victor And Rebekah Rios
January 26, 2025
It was an excellent turn out and celebration of Sean's life. Many kind memories were shared. Lovely.
Jeff Swanson
January 25, 2025
It was a nice celebration of life.
Jeff Swanson
Gabe Maxwell
January 25, 2025
Love you Sean!!
Andrea Osakoda Jacobucci
January 25, 2025
Hey cuz, remember summers when you'd visit Maui? You'd bring your friend Jeff along and I (the annoying little cousin) would hang off you like an opihi? You would do something cool with my dad like go surfing or diving and I would tag along and watch with something akin to hero worship trying to be as cool as you.
When you played the piano, it was magical. As your music filled the house we would fall silent and listen in rapture. Lately I've been thinking of that time we went to the Long Beach Jazz Festival and watched you perform on stage. We were so proud watching you on the stage playing alongside other talented musicians; a star among stars.
Now your star is shining down on us from heaven. Your music and memory lives on in the lives you touched. I will always remember your vibrant spirit and will miss you always. I love you cuz
Cindy (Lmerri)
January 25, 2025
Sean definitely was our piano man. He was kind and caring. He always made me feel part of things. He is someone whose life made others smile.
Jen Atherton
January 24, 2025
Thanks Sean for the laughter, weirdness, joy and the best nick name I've ever had. - MonkeyJen
Ginger Maseda
January 24, 2025
Sean was such a key friend for me during a time in my life that was really rocky. I could always count on him to be there for a smile I needed that day. One of my first visits to LA to meet up he went out of his way to make sure I had a ride and place to hang out. I will never forget the look on his face when I said I had never seen South Park. We spent the ENTIRE day, no exaggeration, watching episode after episode. So I credit him for unearthing this gem of a show and will always think of him when I watch, I think he would have liked to know that. You will always have that special parking spot in my heart.
Ron Villaescusa
January 24, 2025
I met Sean in HS, I was the singer in my first cover band with him. Later, I was asked to be in a cover band as a keyboard player and Sean became my mentor. He even gave me my first keyboard with I have today. He was a prankster and kind and always included me in a gig when he could. I owe him a lot and Sean, I'll see you soon, we will gig together soon.
Ron Villaescusa
January 24, 2025
I met Sean in High School, where we share our love for music and performing. We started a rock band then and I was his singer. Later, I learned how to play harmonica, and Sean would always try to include in me any music gigs and projects. I later became a student of Sean's as I was becoming a keyboard player in a cover band. Sean taught me cords and provided me with my first keyboard which I still have today. My good friend and mentor. RIP Brother, I'll be jamming with you soon.
Cindy "Mikare" Welch
January 24, 2025
Sean was a great guy. Talented, fun, funny, and mischievous. You will be sorely missed.
Cindy (Mikare) Welch
January 24, 2025
I,too, like many of us, met Sean through an online game. Sean was a significant part of this gaming community. I met him irl at our conventions and he was definitely a lot of fun and quite a musical talent. Between the piano man and dueling pianos, great memories. Sean traveled to the town I live near for some firefighter training and we met up for dinner. With the background I had as a volunteer firefighter/EMT, we were able to share some good conversation and fun. Sean, you will be sorely missed.
Marsha H. Levine
January 23, 2025
Sean and I met in an online game, where he created many friends and just as many memories of cheer, good times, and fun moments. He was always there with a hug the few times I had the pleasure of hanging out with the SoCal group, and at events like Thrilla at the Villa and VegasCon. Though we hadn't been in touch much since that time, he will nevertheless always be in my heart. Condolences and love to Lindsay and Sean's family.
Alan "Celtic" Rosner
January 23, 2025
Sing us a song, you´re the Piano Man. Sing us a song tonight. We´re all in the mood for a melody, and you´ve got us feeling alright...
God speed, Sean. Always miss you and will always remember you.
Gideon Scott
January 22, 2025
i wish i had the chance to meet him in game or irl...even though i wasnt gifted that chance...i can tell that he was an amazing person..i send my condolences to his family, friends & loved ones...even without the honor of meeting him...i can tell he was special & touched the lives of many around him...whether they were family, friends, fellow gamers...or complete strangers...he has touched my heart without meeting him...simply from him being himself & his friends sharing their stories with me...i believe that nothing & no-one is truly lost in the universe, so i look forward to meeting him, pvping in eve & sharing a love of music in another time & place ....until then, I thank him for being himself & touching the lives of so many...may he be kept safe in all of our hearts & may his joy, laughter & love for everything he enjoyed shine bright ....bringing a smile, a favorite memory, fun stories, love & happiness ...some great music, peace & a few shared posts on the kb in the future my friend o7 ... fly safe, crank the tunes up & i hope to meet ya on the other side of the gate brother
D. Mills
January 22, 2025
When you play an online game you don´t often expect to make real connections but with Sean it was different. His positive approach, his kindness, his great sense of humor made it impossible not to love him. We spent a few late nights talking about our history and experiences and I enjoyed every conversation. He will be missed, rest in peace my Friend.
Miriam Minner
January 22, 2025
I met Sean at Simucon during a game similar to Pin the Tail on the Donkey. I missed the intended target and stuck a yellow post it note right on his belly.
The look he gave me as dozens of our gamer friends cracked up was priceless. He was always great fun to hang out with at these events. May these memories bring comfort to all his loved ones.
Amy
January 22, 2025
Sean and I worked together for years at HSX.com. He was such a great guy and we shared so many laughs together. It is so hard to believe he is gone. He is missed and loved.
Donald Magaw
January 22, 2025
We met in an online game we both played. There are several of us who miss his daily antics and comradery. It was great to get to know him.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, CA 91724
Make a Donation
in Sean Dunbar's name
How to support Sean's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Sean Dunbar's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more