Daniel Gerrish Bunker

1976 - 2025

Daniel Bunker passed away in an aviation accident on April 28, 2025 in Nanwalek, a village not far from Homer, Alaska.
Full of humor, in love with adventure and intensely energetic, Daniel seemed to never tire and never lack for warm words, huge smiles or helping hands. He was a loving and deeply thoughtful father to Caleb and Micah, his two sons. He was a devoted husband to his wife Melissa. And he was a legendary gift-giver, renowned storyteller and loyal friend.
Daniel packed lifetimes of adventure into his 48 years of life. He grew up in Salinas, California and rock climbed throughout Yosemite and Pinnacles National Park when he was young. He was a lifelong runner.
Daniel moved to Hungary and Slovakia in the late 1990s, eventually visiting more than 40 countries across six continents. On a joint trip to Istanbul, Turkey he fell in love with Melissa Elmore and they were married in Dallas, Texas in 2006.
In 2009, Daniel and his family moved to Homer, Alaska where he worked at Paul Banks Elementary School, specializing in assisting students with special needs. His caring nature, natural friendliness and intuitive ability to understand his students had a lasting impact on their lives.
During this time, he also served on the Homer Volunteer Fire Department.
Daniel was a bear guide in Katmai National Park and along the Lake Clark coast, and he wrote a children's book entitled Limpy Chesterton from these experiences. The book was dedicated to his two sons, Caleb and Micah, with the words "I hope this inspires your imagination and encourages your kindness to others."
Daniel was a highly respected bear guide and naturalist, sought after but always willing to share his knowledge with others. He guided the movie crews that shot the Disney movie Bears, as well as world renowned naturalist Jane Goodall.
Daniel was a licensed commercial pilot and loved to fly, and he especially enjoyed how flying connected him to the communities and wonderful people "across the bay." His regular flights to Nanwalek, Port Graham, Seldovia and beyond as a Smokey Bay Air pilot were a source of pride, and a responsibility he took very seriously.
Daniel's enthusiasm for life was infectious. He loved to make people laugh, connect with old friends and new, and share once-in-a-lifetime experiences with those he loved. He always had at least one wild adventure in the planning stages - often three or four.
Above all, Daniel was loyal, caring, extremely thoughtful and deeply empathetic. He was the type of person you hoped to have as your dad, husband, son, brother or friend.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Daniel is survived by his wife Melissa and his sons Caleb and Micah of Homer, Alaska, his parents Gerry and Adele Bunker of Grass Valley, California, his brother David (Susanna) Bunker of Truckee, California, and his sister Lily (Kiko) Bunker of Cape town, South Africa. He was adored by his nieces and nephews Abby, Matthew, Hailey, Dylan and eager to meet his newest niece Selena. He had deep connections to many other family members, including his uncles Steve (Jackie) and John Bunker, and Tom and Chip (Lisa) Pettengill.
A Celebration of Life for Daniel Bunker will be held at the Mariner Theater at Homer High School on Sunday, May 18 at 4 p.m.