Steven Ray Gunderson

Steven Ray Gunderson "Gunny"

December 16, 1962 a€" January 25, 2010

Steven Ray Gunderson, 47, passed away from a sudden heart attack while at work on Monday, January 25, 2010 in Sandersville, Georgia. Even though he was not feeling well on the morning of his passing, he went to work anyway, knowing that it was his duty and responsibility to provide for his family. Anyone who knew Steve was aware that he was a dedicated family man, friend and employee.

Steve was born in Ogden, Utah on December 16, 1962 and moved with his parents and three siblings to Warner Robins, Georgia in 1975. He attended Northside High School and graduated from Windsor Academy with the Class of 1981, having played first string Defensive End for the Northside Eagles (#77) and Windsor Knights (#71) football teams. He served a tour in the US Navy, where he saw firsthand the horrors of war and life on an unforgiving sea aboard the USS Jack Williams. He was decorated for his service following the 1983 terrorist bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. After his discharge from the Navy, Steve explored a variety of occupations before he finally settled into plumbing and site utilities work. He held a Master Plumber''s License as well as various gas and utilities licenses.

While Steve was a hard worker who constantly strove to provide for his family, he rejected the notion that material things lead to happiness. He considered his family and friends to be his life''s treasures. He had many varied interests, was an avid fisherman, and appreciated the simple joys in life that most of us take for granted. He had wisdom beyond his years and a sense of humor beyond compare. Steve was a deeply spiritual man and a great conversationalist. He loved to discuss religion, politics, or both and found great delight in doing so with anyone who could handle his excellent debate skills. He was bold, yet sentimental; opinionated, yet open-minded; traditional, yet flexible. He stood out in a crowd for much more than just his height. His sparkling personality and hearty laughter could light up a room. He never met a stranger, was a friend to all, and literally gave the shirt off his back more than once. He was the very definition of a "gentle giant". Because his heart was so big, perhaps it should come as no surprise that it gave out so soon.

Steve was committed to his roles as father, son, brother, and all around family man. He is survived by his children: Cody Ray, Sarah Ann, and Gene Alexander, as well as his long time girlfriend, Kathy Clark, all of Warner Robins, Georgia. He also is survived by his older brother David (Ilka) of Kuwait City, Kuwait; sisters Lori Montano of Roy, Utah, and Rebecca (Brandon) Holley of South Ogden, Utah; and his mother, Arlene Brown Gunderson of Roy, Utah. He was preceded in death by his father, Billy G. Gunderson.

Steve never judged a book by its cover. In honor of that, please feel free to dress casually at his services. He appreciated people for who they were on the inside far more than for what they wore on the outside.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist''s Clearfield Mortuary, 1050 So. State. Friends and family may gather from 12 to 1:45 p.m. prior to services at the mortuary.

Interment, Clearfield City Cemetery where military honors will be accorded.