Dana Paul Tunison

Dana Tunison Obituary

DANA PAUL TUNISON 52, born in Whittier on January 25, 1954, son of Ralph and Elizabeth Tunison, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2006. Dana is survived by his wife Mary of Fontana, sons Aaron of Riverside and Andrew of Fontana, daughter Alisa of Fontana, mother Elizabeth Tunison of Pomona, brother Eric Tunison of Alpharetta, Georgia, and sister Christine Wait of San Jose. Dana attended Whittier elementary schools and graduated from Whittier Hig h in 1972. He then attended Whittier College and graduated with a B.A. degree in Education. Dana married Mary Louise Vasquez, his wife of 28 years, on March 18, 1978. The couple lived in Fontana with their three children. Dana worked at the El Monte School District for three years and the Rialto School District for 25 years. He taught math, social studies, and P.E. during his tenures. Dana was popular with both teachers and students. A consummate sports enthusiast, Dana played baseball beginning in elementa ry school and Little League continuing through high school and college. He then became passionate about golf and played often with friends and his sons. Besides baseball and golf, Dana loved to watch sports of all types, including football, basketball, and horse racing. Dana loved music, especially The Beatles and classic rock hits from the '60's and '70's. He also loved to watch movies and popular television series at home where family and friends would often congregate. Dana was widely loved by everyone w hose life he touched. He had an engaging personality with a wonderful quick wit and gentle sense of humor. Whether he was with friends or strangers Dana was always fair, friendly, and respectful of others. Dana was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May, 2004, and throughout his 22-month battle against the disease he remained positive and upbeat until the very end. A man of strong faith, Dana had a courageous will to live and he will always remain an inspiration to family and friends. Dana will be sorely m issed by his family, friends, and work associates. Funeral services will be held in the Sky Rose Chapel at the Rose Hills Mortuary, 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, on Wednesday, March 15. The service will begin at 11:00 AM and will be followed by a gravesite gathering. There will be no other visitations open to the public.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Bernardino County Sun on Mar. 14, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Dana Tunison

14 Entries

John Gillette

March 8, 2019

I was just reminiscing about Dana today with some friends playing golf. Alex Trebec's name came up. I spoke of Dana's battle, and also how he could walk onto a golf course after not playing for 6 or 7 months, and shoot in the high 70's and be a little disappointed! Whenever I think of Dana, I just simply smile. He was such a mellow, loving man who always had a kind word to say (except when he screwed up a golf shot, and his face would turn beet red! Lol!!) Good Lord, did he love the Beatles and knew every lyric of every one of their songs! We had a great time singing with him. Plus, he absolutely knew every lyric of Danny Kaye's Dodger song. Just an absolutely fun guy and great friend. I will always have great memories of him, the outings at their place on the Colorado River, the Tunarounds, etc., etc., and etc..!! We'll always miss you, Dana!

Love,
John Gillette

Danielle Morris

April 10, 2006

What an amazing man and teacher! My husband, Don, and I had the honor of working at Frisbie with the greatest math teacher that we've ever witnessed..and we've seen plenty. I am a better teacher because of Dana's patience and dedication. May each day be blessed with sweet memories.

lemmy and diana campa

March 20, 2006

Dana was one of our closest friends and we find it hard to think of life without him. we will miss the fun times and will remember all the fond memories we shared with dana and mary and our families over the years. we love you so much Dana!! Lemmy and Diana aka.the Wally's

Barbara & Roger Ross

March 16, 2006

Dana came into our lives in the early 70's and shared his beautiful spirit, his carisma, his smart and funny wit, his physical talents - baseball and golf and deep devotion to his family, Mary, Aaron,Alisa,Andrew,and his mother Elizabeth (affectionately known as Bill). We wish him Irish Blessings: May the road rise to meet you; May the wind be always at your back; May the sun shine warm upon your face; And rains fall soft upon you until we meet again; May GOD hold you in the hollow of HIS hand

Edwin and Debra Newell

March 15, 2006

To Ric, Kate and the Tunison Family,

The thoughts and prayers of Edwin, Debra, Nolan, and Mitchell are with you and your family. We are truly sorry for your loss.

Kate Elerts

March 15, 2006

I will always remember Dana as a handsome young teacher who was respected by his students and the entire staff at Frisbie Middle School. To have known Dana was a blessing. May he rest in peace with our Lord.

Rocky Valdepena

March 15, 2006

Dana you welcomed me into your Family with open arms. I was blessed to see what a GREAT HUSBAND,FATHER, AND FRIEND you were. I will never forget you or the bond we had when it came to love for music. I know after you have been in GODS house for a little bit, you are going to look up JOHN and GEORGE and maybe some others. I will miss you very much and with that I dedicate this song to you "THERE ARE PLACES I REMEMBER"

LOVE

ROCKY

Josephine Robinson

March 14, 2006

Mary and Dana have been friends for over 20 years. Our kids grew up in the same neighbohood. I will forever be thankful to God for Blessing my family in having them as a part of of life. Dana is now with our maker and enjoying the fruits of his labor. He is walking with God and enjoying no pain. My family sends empathy and love to his family. May God Bless and Keep You all. The Robinsons, Greg, Jo., Stephie, Marc, Eric, Maria, Maliyah and Sean

John Gillette

March 14, 2006

Dana - a very neat friend. I think of Dana, nothing but smiles cross my face - the fun times at the Colorado River, his golf tournament, his parties, his singing of Danny Kaye's rendition of the " Dodger Song " and his singing and knowledge of every Beatles song ever written - - - or maybe not written! God Bless you Dana. It was our pleasure and joy to have known you on this earth. See ya down the road! ( or on the green! )

Love,

John and Ginger Gillette

Aaron Tunison

March 14, 2006

Dad, you were the best father anyone could ever dream of. There are no words to describe what a perfect dad, husband, and friend you were.You are my inspiration and I hope I can be half the person you were. I love you so much, will miss you dearly, and will never ever forget you.

bob and liz newell

March 14, 2006

Ric and Kate,

Bob, Liz, Will, and Lela send our prayers and sympathy, we know that you have supported Dana and his family throughout this ordeal.

Art Barbosa

March 14, 2006

Dana was a great husband, father and friend we will all miss him very much. My thoughts, prayers and support will always be with his family.

John Peel

March 14, 2006

The grief of a mother losing a son is made both better and worse by the quality of his life's work. I hope your wisdom can be a blessing to comfort his wife and children.

Jamie Meyer

March 14, 2006

I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Dana through Ric. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jamie

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results