Harold Austin Gunn Jr. passed away peacefully Friday evening, Aug. 14, 2020, after his two-plus-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was at home in Ocean Shores, Washington, with his wife, Michelle, by his side. He was 77 years old.
Harold was born Sept. 3, 1942, to Harold Austin Gunn and Mildred Mae Gunn in San Antonio, Texas.
Growing up, Harold and his family lived many places including Texas, British Guiana, New Mexico, Alabama, England, Germany, New Jersey, Virginia and Missouri.
Harold graduated in 1960 from Grandview High School in Missouri. He then continued his education at the U.S. Air Force Academy (Class of 1964) and the University of California (1965), graduating with his master’s in art and a degree in international management.
Harold served in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1970 (active duty), from 1980 to 1992 (reserves) and from 1993 to 2000 (active duty). He retired from the Air Force as a colonel in June 2000. He retired from the Air Force Civil Service in 2005.
During his time in the Air Force, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, AF Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Medal.
While in the Air Force, Harold also got to travel to many different places such as Japan, Korea, Republic of Vietnam, Hawaii, Holland, Colorado, California, Virginia, Alaska, Florida and Nebraska.
He also worked for Bechtel Corp., Boeing and Flow International between 1973 and 1992.
After retiring in 2005, he finally settled down in Ocean Shores, where he later met the love of his life Michelle Randleman. They married on July 8, 2018, in Ocean Shores.
Harold belonged to several organizations: Elks No. 2581 in Ocean Shores-North Beach (past exalted ruler, two terms), Eagles Aerie 4197 in Ocean Shores and the American Legion, and he was a lifetime member of the VFW.
Harold had many passions in life, and things he enjoyed the most were taking long walks with his wife by his side and spending time with his Australian shepherds.
Harold is survived by his wife, Michelle Gunn of Ocean Shores; son, McCabe Gunn of Auburn, California; daughters, Kelsey Gunn of Los Angeles, California, Dawn Newman of Tacoma, Washington, and Sonya Kistler of Auburn, Washington; brother Thomas Gunn of Winter Haven, Florida; sister Brenda Gunn of Mill Valley, California; and four grandchildren: Maizy Gunn, Austin Gunn, Spencer Newman and Sierra Newman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Sr. and Mildred Gunn; brother John Gunn; and sister Belinda Gunn.
At Harold’s request, there will be no service.
To share memories or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary in Aberdeen.
