K. Gunning, David

David K. Gunning of 454 Harvey Hill Road, Trumansburg, passed away at the Lakeside Nursing Home on Monday, March 21, 2005, at the age of 81.

Born on February 6, 1924 in Steam Boat Springs, Colorado, David was the son of David and Hattie Harris Gunning. Following graduation from the Trumansburg High School in 1942, David continued in his family's footsteps of farming. He excelled in the myriad of tasks associated with the operation of a successful dairy farm. David did not think of gardening and canning, milking, buying, selling and hauling of livestock as dreaded "work". He had a fun-loving sense of adventure that made the simplest tasks enjoyable, and to those around him, (especially his grandchildren), exciting! Any "no school" day translated to a holiday at Grandpa's farm for the grandchildren where they might take a trip to haul livestock, go hunting or fishing or simply fulfill the privileged position as Grandpa's sidekick for the day.

David had a knack for mentoring young children and was well respected by those in his 4H group over the years. His optimism and confidence in other's abilities made David a pleasure to know. He developed a wide array of friends over the years and hardly ever missed a livestock auction. The dinner table at David's home was always overflowing with friends and no one ever left without a full stomach, a warmed heart and a smile. David's presence will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

David was preceded in death by his devoted wife, of over 60 years, Harriette on December 30, 2002, one son, Donald, one brother, John and one great-grandson, Ian. He is survived by three daughters, Jeanne (Stan) Chapman of Alpine, Kate (Art) Stilwell of Interlaken and Mary (Don) Crippen of Odessa; two sons, James (Martha) Gunning and Doug (Debbie) Gunning, all of Trumansburg; twenty grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Linda Gunning of Trumansburg; two sisters, Mary VanDerzee and Harriet I. Gunning, both of Trumansburg; one sister-in-law, Margaret Gunning of Burdett and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Cayutaville Methodist Church on Friday, March 25, 2005 at 1:00 pm with the Rev. E. Jack Osburn officiating. The family will be present to receive their friends at a luncheon in the church hall immediately following the service.

Contributions in David's memory may be directed to the Cayutaville Methodist Church, C/O Nancy Ferguson, 2865 County Route 6, Alpine, NY 14805 or to the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library, Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY 12230

The family has entrusted arrangements to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director