Wayne “Gunny” Gunion, 70, died Thursday, February 16, 2023, the result of a car accident in Yuma, Arizona. He leaves behind his wife Jackie of 48 years, and daughter Kim Keller and son-in-law, Jeff, son Jason Gunion, and granddaughters Grace and Ginger Keller. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Ada and Elmer Gunion, and his son, Daniel Gunion.
Born on April 4, 1952 at the Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Wayne shared his birthday with his twin sister and first friend, Wanda. He has one older sister, Kathy, and two younger sisters, Judy and Lynette. He grew up in Mound, Minnesota, graduating from high school in 1971.
In 1973, at the age of 21, Wayne left his familiar surroundings and ventured off to Alaska, driving the rugged Al-Can highway with his best friend Brian Watson, his dad Elmer, and younger sister, Lynette. Wayne joined the Laborer’s Local #341 soon after arriving in Alaska. Life quickly changed for Wayne when he fell in love with Jackie and her two kiddos in 1974 and married in June of 1975. Jason arrived a year later.
Wayne helped construct the Trans-Alaska Pipeline through 1977. He then transitioned to road construction, building Alaska’s highways and infrastructure. Wayne finished up his career working for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in oil spill response in Valdez, Alaska. He served as the Union Job Steward for approximately 15 of those years. After 28 years of service as a Laborer, Wayne retired, well sorta…
The years after retirement were not dull or boring for Wayne and Jackie. They remained in Valdez, Alaska for the summer months and Wayne used his Coast Guard license to become a charter boat operator, taking anglers fishing in the pristine waters of Prince William Sound. They split their time between Alaska and Arizona, helping Jeff and Kim by babysitting Grace and Ginger.
Wayne’s hobbies included golfing and riding his Harley, along with watching favorite TV shows like “GunSmoke” and “The Andy Griffith Show”. He was the extrovert in the marriage and loved social events with every circle that existed – he was a friend to all. Wayne was involved with charitable organizations, riding his Harley for “Toys for Tots”, or golfing to raise money for scholarships. He was an active member of Elks and Eagles, volunteering in the summer months at the weekly steak nights. Wayne served several years on the Board of Directors at Los Amigos as the Property Manager.
If you knew Wayne well, you already know how much he loved his family. He gushed with pride over his granddaughters and found time to treat them to DQ ice cream, fishing, or lunch dates when time allowed. Grace and Ginger were blessed to have the best grandpa in the world – he truly was one of a kind.
Let us follow Wayne’s example of loving unconditionally, being quick to forgive, and to leave while you’re still having fun. Thank you all, for your words and acts of kindness – Jackie and the family are overwhelmed with gratitude for this community. Wayne’s wishes were to be cremated and his ashes spread in Prince William Sound, with his son, Daniel. There will be services in Minnesota and Alaska at a later date.
