Scott Gunderson Obituary

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Scott Gunderson

1976 - 2006Kenneth Scott Gunderson, beloved son, brother, teacher, coach, mentor, and friend, passed away June 13, 2006, at the age of 29. His extremely untimely and unexpected death was a result of an undiagnosed massive infection.He is survived by his parents, Ken and Sue Gunderson of San Jose, his brother and sister-in-law, Craig and Elizabeth Gunderson, grandfather, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.A king-sized man blessed with great intellect, compassion, and humor, blended with a stubborn streak, he was a true gentle giant.Scott was born on July 22, 1976, and raised in San Jose. He graduated from Lynbrook High School, where he played basketball and football. After five quarters in the Honors Program at De Anza College where he played on the football team's offensive line, Scott transferred to the University of Oregon in Eugene where he was proud to be part of their football team. He graduated in 1999 with a B.A. in English. When he returned to San Jose, he began teaching high school English and coaching basketball and football. Dedicated to fostering not only academics, but developing his students' ethics and a zest for living, Scott just completed his most rewarding year of teaching and coaching at Oak Grove High School. His passion for making a difference and being there for his students made him a recognized, respected, and caring mentor.Friends are invited to a memorial celebration at the family's home, 5551 Bigoak Drive, San Jose, on Sunday, June 18, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Scott's name to a memorial scholarship fund at Oak Grove High School, 285 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA 95123.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News on Jun. 17, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Scott Gunderson

Sponsored by Sue Gunderson, Gundy's Mom.

9 Entries

Chris Cook

November 16, 2006

Even though he was my teacher for only one short year, that year meant everything to me. Gundy was a great teacher, and an even greater friend. If i ever had any problems in my life, no matter how personal, he would pay attentian, and he would actually care. He was always willing to help me, and other students out, even if it meant spending his whole lunch with me. I would talk to Gundy about anything: relationship problems, home problems, ANYTHING. To me, Gundy was the definition of a "good person".He was always true to himself, and others, and wouldnt lie to impress anyone. Whenever he had a chance, during class or not, he would try to slip in some good words about his family. about how his goal was to be the best son/brother/friend possible. I think he achieved this, and more. he was great to his students, and was respectful, and UNDERSTANDING(which a lot of teachers arent these days). He was understanding of high school drama, and what being a kid is like.He was definately the biggest impact on my life.he was the only one i was able to trust with absolutely everything. the only one. he didnt teach by the books. he taught how he thought the kids would learn best, and have fun. in his class, everyone learned, and everyone had fun. me and my friends used to always joke with him like he was our age. we all considered him to be "one of the gang".there is much more i could say, but i dont wanna take up all the room in the book.

rest in piece gundy. you deserve it. ill miss you bro.

Maureen Medeiros

October 24, 2006

Scott was a family friend - the kind of friend that is so close, he’s family. So although I know he was a great teacher, buddy, and coach, he was my friend - and I knew him his whole life. I have photos of me holding him when he was a newborn and I was five years old, and from there we really grew up together. Our families always cut down Christmas trees together, spent countless nights at each other’s homes for dinner, went on memorable camping trips each summer, spent New Year’s Eve together... I have so many fond memories of Scott when we were young, and so many priceless photos from these years.

I have treasured memories of our older years together too, including visiting him in college in Oregon, going to watch him coach football on an autumn weekend, laughing as he hoisted a Christmas tree above his head (with one hand!), talking about the students we coincidentally both had taught (me as their fifth grade teacher and Scott years later in high school), us four “kids” complaining about going to cut down the tree, Scott holding my baby at Craig’s wedding, giving Scott the latest copy of Struck and White’s grammar book for Christmas due to our mutual English teacher careers...my memories are bittersweet, now that he is gone.

Scott had a deep, frequent, booming laugh that made it impossible not to smile along - and you just wanted to say something funny to make him laugh again. His presence filled up a room, in a gentle way, and lucky was the person who received his giant bear hug. He was intelligent and thoughtful - and full of opinions. He loved his family and friends and spoke highly of them, always.

I knew Scott like a brother - and I was moved beyond words to see that he described my son as his “nephew” so he must have felt the same. It is impossible to describe the void Scott has left in our lives. I miss him so much. And as much as I grieve, I ache for Sue, Ken, and Craig, who are experiencing a loss so great that we can’t imagine their pain.

Sue Larson

August 19, 2006

Scott was a very good man. He was the kind of teacher who made deep connections with students and inspired them to be their best. Scott touched many lives and made a difference. I know that he will be missed by many and remembered with love and affection.

Margaret Reynolds

August 18, 2006

My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Scott. You are in my prayers.

Crystal Gallatin

August 12, 2006

Words just don't express what a truly amazing man Scott Gunderson was. I first met him five years ago when he was my english teacher at Lynbrook. He was easily the most entertaining teacher I have ever had, and was open to actually getting to know his students. I stayed in contact with him until he passed away and he would always respond to my e-mails with some form of encouragement or congratulations. He was a steady rock that we could cling to when life got too turbulent to handle on our own by guiding us where we needed to be. I only wish he was still around to mentor the students who need it- I was very lucky to call him my mentor and friend.

Gundy, I miss you.

Michael Ballard

June 21, 2006

Scott was one of the nicest guys I ever met. I new Scott from Junior High to De Anza. It had been years since I last talked to Scott, and this will take time to get over. I know Scott enriched every life he came into contact with. When you look at him he's so big, but once you get to know him the phrase "Gentle Giant" is often though of. Gundy God Bless

Mrs Chavez

June 17, 2006

I am saddened by your sudden death. My daughter had you at Oak Grove this past year, and you were the best teacher she had. Im glad I got to tell you that on the last day of school....

Firrend Naaman

June 17, 2006

He was one of the greatest men I had ever met. I met him as a sophmore at Lynbrook when I decided to play football, which also happened to be his first year coaching. He had an amazing ability to connect with the players on the team and his students, yet at the same time he was able to earn our respect. When I moved up to varsity the next season I was exicted to see that Coach Gunderson was moving up as well. That year I also was a teacher aide for him. I was able to see first hand how well he truely connected with students. For football, during 7th period, he would always open up the weight room, and everyday would help me work out. He also let me particpate in the linemen's work out and running drills during the offseason, even though I wasn't a lineman. I will never ever forget Coach Gunderson

ashley huerta

June 17, 2006

man i cant bealive this i keep thinkin that i can just send you a text and youll write back saying sorry it took so long my phone was on silent so i dident know.everyone keeps telling me that its really sad that your gone and how much you were a great guy i know thats true but i keep thinking how you were so much more to me that you were the one person that i could turn to when i thoght living in organ sucked and you would say that it was like the best place ever so that keept me there longer then anyone knew knowing that you liked it made it sound like a great place to live and i rember the day i came back to stay i text you and you were so bumded out that i didnt stay but you got over that and when i asked you to come to our party for meg,diego and me i was so happy you said you would come that you hert your foot or something and couldent make it i was so sad becase i wanted to see my fav teacher and most of all a good freind once more. so ya im really sad that your gone and you will be missed by not only me but so many of us that you were not only a teacher but a good freind and a really cool guy that we could come for for anything and you wouldent get down on us you would just help us though and thats what will make you live on forever case i know that when i get older and really go into a real life i will carry with me every thing you said to me and the efect you left on me. im gonna really miss you gundy!!!

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