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CHRIS TUNIS Obituary

Chris Tunis 1956 ~ 2010 Chris Tunis, age 54, died of complications from cancer on August 23, 2010. Chris was born June 15, 1956 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Angelo Tunis and Mary Clare Beninato Tunis. He graduated from Jesuit High School New Orleans and from San Diego State University. Chris married Julie Sullivan on August 8, 1987 in Salt Lake City. Their daughter Jacqueline (Jackie) was born December 12, 1989. Chris was a sportscaster for KSL Radio 1160, Sports Radio 570, and KALL 700 during his long career. He was named Utah Sportscaster of the year seven times. At the time of his death, Chris was the publisher of the Wasatch Front Focus sections for the Enterprise Newspaper Group. He was also the voice of the University of Utah Women's Basketball team. He truly enjoyed his time with the players, their families, the coaches, and staff. Chris will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Julie and daughter Jackie. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Steve Mintz and Dr. John Luras for all their kindness and compassion during Chris' illness. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 4, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 East Creek Road (8000 South), Cottonwood Heights. Visitation will be held at the church at 10:00-11:00 a.m.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Aug. 29 to Aug. 30, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for CHRIS TUNIS

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Tracie Cayford Cudworth

September 27, 2010

Julie and Jackie, I was so sad to hear about the passing of Chris. He was a wonderful friend and colleague and so proud of his family. He took me under his wing in my first radio job at KDYL. I will forever be grateful for his kindness. He was the consummate broadcaster and nicest person you could ever meet. I'm so glad I got to see him recently at a breakfast meeting. He will be missed!

Tracie Cayford Cudworth

September 27, 2010

Julie and Jackie, I was so sad to hear about the passing of Chris. He was a wonderful friend and collegue and so proud of his family. He took me under his wing in my first radio job at KDYL. I will forever be grateful for his kindness. He was the consummate broadcaster and nicest person you could ever meet. I'm so glad I got to see him recently at a breakfast meeting. He will be missed!

Bob Varnau

September 11, 2010

Dear Julie and Jackie, you don't know me, but I knew Chris. I first met Chris when he was 6 yers old. I was an umpire working with his dad, Mr Tiny, at Bunny Friend playground in New Orleans. I thought I knew a lot about sports as a 13 year old, but Chris knew far more than me and he was only 6. I was very fortunate to stay in touch with Mr Tiny as I grew up and Mr Tiny got me hired as his team manager at Loyola Univ New Orleans. How lucky I was to get a full scholarship to Loyola for 4 years as the manager for the baseball and basketball teams, all thanks to Mr Tiny. I heard so many stories about Chris from Mr Tiny as Chris grew up and was educated at Jesuit. He was obviously quite the young man. Once Mr Tiny and Mrs Mary Clare moved to San Diego, I stayed in touch via snail mail and continue to write to Mr Tiny regularly now. I visited Mr Tiny and Mrs Mary Clare in Utah and had the opportunity to talk to Chris on his radio show while I was there. I also talked to him by phone on a couple occasions subsequent to my visit back in the early 90's. Mr Tiny told me a lot about Chris and the family over time. I just found out yesterday from Mr Tiny's corespondence about Chris' untimely death. Mr Tiny forwarded several newspaper clippings about his death. I am very sorry for your loss and please accept my condolences. I hope that you both do well dealing with the unfortunate loss of your husband/father. May God bless Chris and you both, and Mr Tiny and Mrs Mary Clare.

September 4, 2010

There are really no words to adequately describe Chris, he was truly an angel among us. Those that were lucky enough to have known him, can learn from his truly kind soul. I never heard him speak an unkind word, he held no animosity towards those that wronged him. He took it all in stride. His work ethic was truly amazing he was always prepared no matter what the task. He loved sports and you could see his eyes light up when he talked about up coming broadcasts.

He was a kind and humble man, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him, or hearing him are better for it. I personally know that he is an angel watching over all the people that he loved. He is truly an example of the "good die young". He was calling the play by play for the Utah vs. Pitt game in heaven on Thursday night!

We all miss you Chris!

Kathy Sokia

September 3, 2010

Julie, I was saddened to hear of Chris' illness and passing. He was truely a remarkable man. May God grant you strength and comfort.

Joanne Milner

September 2, 2010

Dear Tunis Family,

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow. I had the privilege and opportunity of working with Chris at KSL Radio more than 20 years ago, and have always remembered his genuine smile, courtesy and friendship. His stellar professionalism and pleasant personality have blessed the lives of all who came in contact with him.
God Bless!

September 2, 2010

i, too, had the pleasure of working with chris. he seemed always to be smiling, even before the sun rose as we scurried about the radio station gathering what we needed for our on-air shifts. what a great guy! he was never absent ... and i do remember charla telling me when she tried to call in sick--because she WAS!--chris tried to talk her out of it! and in his death i learn chris was born in nola and is italian. he keeps on giving! bless the tunis family!

Darris Howe

September 2, 2010

Dear Julie and Jackie,

I was very saddened to learn of Chris's passing. I had the good fortune to collaborate with him on the joint Enterprise/University of Phoenix MBA Scholorship. We all delighted in his wit, loved his humor, benefited from his experience, yearned to have his voice, and learned much about how to treat others. There was no one else like him. I will miss him greatly.

Val Schmiedeskamp

September 1, 2010

How do you say good-bye to a friend? Chris always had a good word to say about others. I try and emulate that. He was always well prepared for his broadcasts. I wish I could be as ready for my job. I will miss your example.

Brent Anderson

September 1, 2010

I grew up listening to Chris on the radio and had the chance to meet him once. He was so gracious and kind. I am truly sorry for your loss, he will be missed.

Donnielle Schroeder

September 1, 2010

Chris was one of the first people I met after joining the Salt Lake Chamber 8 years ago. Over the years he became a dear friend. I, too, am blessed to have known him. He always spoke of his beautiful wife and daughter and shared the joy that you brought to him. God bless you both.

August 31, 2010

Julie,
I know the great struggle you both endured and pray you will find peace and strength in your family and friends.
Love Lorrie Walter

Keith Terrio

August 30, 2010

I had the honor of serving as Chris's exercise therapist at Navitas Cancer Rehab in Salt Lake. I was amazed at Chris's drive and dedication to defeat his illness and increase his quality of life. I don't think he realized how much he inspired me to remain appreciative of each passing day and resilient against all adversity. I'll never forget you Chris. God bless you.

August 30, 2010

I was associated witih Chris through the Utah Jazz beginning in the early eighties. I was always impressed with his sincerity and his integrity both as a man and as a sportscaster. Phil Johnson

Elaine Peterson

August 30, 2010

Dear Jackie,

You were your dad's everything, and he was so proud of you. I know this time is challenging for you, and you and your mom are trying to find the strength you so desperately need. I will never forget the smile on your dad's face when he saw you graduate from high school. Please know I am thinking of you and your mom, and I will never forget how much your dad loved you and how he would smile and chuckle over your love affair with shoes.

Lori Rupp

August 30, 2010

My Heart broke when I heard of Chris's passing. He was always a respectful and kind man and I enjoyed working with him over the past 20 years. He always made sure he mentioned of how great the halftime show was at the Utah games. I am blessed for having known him. God bless you all.

Dave Porter

August 30, 2010

I had the great opportunity to work with Chris and watched, first-hand, how good he truly was at his sports broadcasting craft. But more than that, Chris was genuine in his treatment of others. Chris was everyone's friend because he made them feel he was. I will miss him.

DeAnna Gregersen

August 30, 2010

Julie and Jackie,
Chris will remain in my heart as one of the most amazing people I had the pleasure to know and work with. He gave me inspiration through his fight, and continues to be a symbol of what it means to me to always do your best, work hard, and never give up. He was a friend, collegue and mentor. He is, and will continually be missed at The Goodship Enterprise.
DeAnna Gregersen

Pat Comiskey

August 30, 2010

Chris was a great friend of mine. We grew up together in New Orleans going to St Anthony's on Canal St. My fondest times with him were walking to Mid-City Lanes to go bowling. It seems like yesterday. It was a pleasure to be in his Wedding with Julie.

Ty Wetsel

August 30, 2010

Chris Tunis was truly a good man. No matter what the obstacle he pressed on with a positive attitude and never took "no" for an answer. I will miss the business and personal relationship I had with him and wish his family well in their time of sorrow.

Casey Error

August 30, 2010

In the six years I knew him, I never fully understood what it was that made Chris Tunis so unforgettable. Today, so striking and stark, it reached me like the voice of reason. His voice. Clear. Commanding. Courageous. Compassionate. Strangely, I never once heard that famous voice broadcast over the airwaves. Instead, I came to know Chris through his tireless efforts to enhance the Enterprise and for his legendary courage and optimism about life in general. He was a friend that I never knew quite well enough; and I can scarcely imagine the inspiration or illumination he must have provided to those closest to him. Deepest respect and sympathy.

Mario & Carmella Berardelli

August 29, 2010

Dear Angelo & Mary Clare~
Our Thoughts & Prayers are with you & Chris' Wife & Daughter. We Send Our Deepest Condolences for his Early Loss.
Sincerely~
Mario & Carmella (Torchia)Berardelli
Joe Torchia's Daughter (Cleveland,Ohio)
Living in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada now.

Brent Wightman

August 29, 2010

to the family--I am so sorry for your loss. It was my pleasure to know and work with Chris for many years at KSL. He was a great sportscaster. I loved when he partnered up with Craig Bolerjack in the TV Broadcasts of the BYU Football Games--They were the best ever. As good as a sportscaster as he was he was a better man. He had a kind word for everyone.

Karin Hurst

August 29, 2010

Chris Tunis was an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind person; a consummate sports broadcaster, an inspirational co-worker, a loyal friend, a loving husband, an enthusiastic father and a dutiful son. I had the pleasure of working with Chris at both 1280 KWMS and KSL 1160. In all the years I've known him, I've never heard Chris raise his voice in anger or utter an unkind remark about a fellow human being. I am stunned and saddened by his untimely death. I will miss Chris' infectious smile and endearing "nod." May God grant his beloved family the necessary strength and peace to see them through this difficult period.
With much love and respect,
Karin

August 29, 2010

Chris Tunis was truly a one-of-a-kind human being; a consummate professional broadcaster, co-worker, friend, husband, father, and son. He was also a perfect gentleman. In all the years I've known him, I've never heard Chris speak unkindly of another living being. I am heartbroken by his untimely death. My sincere prayers are with his beloved family during this difficult time.
Much Love and Respect,
Karin Hurst

Mike

August 29, 2010

I never had the chance to meet Chris but I would recognize his voice anywhere. I can hear him as I'm typing this ! He made my days go by a lot easier when he was on air !! My condolences to his family. May the Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him.
A long time listner of Chris

Bettina Giese

August 29, 2010

Dear Angelo and Mary-
My thoughts are with you- its not in any parents realm of thought , that they will will outlive their child. I wish you future memories with your grandaughter.
I liked working with you years ago-
Bettina

Rosemary Tunis

August 29, 2010

To Uncle Angelo,Aunt Mary Clare and family of Chris Tunis,
My earliest memories of Chris were when you would all visit us in Scranton in the summer and I remember Chris being able to read at three years old!!! I remember him ad-libbing announcing sports games and talking into my tape recorder when he was about five years old about some play by play baseball game he made up in his mind and me thinking WOW this kid is a natural, he is going to be a sportscaster when he grows up--and he did!!! He was gifted and he will be missed by family, co-workers and friends. Rest in peace Chris,
Love
Cousin Rosemary

Mary & Eugenio Sanchez

August 29, 2010

God rest your sole Chris, my prayers are with your Mother, Father , your daughter and wife, may God help them through this very hard tiime.
God bless your all,
Love, Mary & Eugenio Sanchez (Cleveland, Ohio)

August 29, 2010

I've never known a finer gentleman, and his talent made listening so enjoyable. We'll miss him.

Dan Bammes

Charla Haley

August 29, 2010

Dear Julie and Jackie,
I'm so sad we lost Chris so soon. He was a wonderful man who lit up every room he entered with his engaging smile. I had the opportunity of working with Chris for many years, first at KSL, then at Sportsradio 570. I'm so grateful our paths crossed so many times. He was a true gentleman in every way. May God bless you.

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