Thomas "Tom" Millard Dunn

Thomas Millard Dunn, age 75, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023. How do you capture an eye twinkle, or describe Irish charm in its purest sense, one of mischievousness that lightened every moment? That was Tom Dunn. He was a man full of the grace that humor affords, and rarely let an opportunity pass for fun. He had a devil-may-care attitude that belied a gentle nature. He trod his own path: imaginative, creative, and unique. One friend described Tom as a model by which good men are measured, gifted with a steadfast compass of right and wrong. He was a man of high character, honest and truthful, possessing fortitude and courage ~ a man comfortable in his own skin. Brought into life by Marion Hill Dunn and Edward A. Dunn, Sr. on January 23, 1948, in Seattle, he joined two older brothers: Edward Dunn, Jr. and Robert H. Dunn. Tom never wavered in caring for his daughter, Nikki, born during his first marriage to Emma L. Peel. He constantly strived to give her the best education and care available, and to protect Nikki from the many challenges in her path. He shared the past 17 years with his treasured wife, Jana C. Peterson Dunn. Tom’s life was grounded in a love of the arts and an unsurpassed, crazy nuts passion for golf. He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, Western Washington University, and earned an MFA in Photography through Central Washington University. Tom served on the Seattle Arts Commission Board for two years, and his artistic eye often expressed itself in extraordinary photography. He belonged to Sand Point, Broadmoor, and Semiahmoo Country Clubs. As a member of the Dunn Lumber family, Tom moved through many areas of the company, starting as a young teenager to his college summers working in the lumberyard, pulling orders, driving a forklift, and helping with building maintenance. He later advanced to sales, advertising, and eventually held the office of Vice President. He retired in 2012 after 50 dedicated years. His surviving brother, Robert, expressed that Tom had a knack for making enduring friendships. He held long relationships with his golf partners and those he met through business interests. Tom kept in touch with those who shared his childhood, most notably David Trepp, whose friendship spanned 72 years. Tom lost his battle with a long illness on March 21, 2023. While it was his wish for no memorial service, remembrances may be made to Nikki’s residence, Stephen’s Place in Vancouver, WA. He is survived by his wife Jana, and daughter Nikki; brother Robert Dunn and Margaret (wife); niece Joanna Dunn and Ian Mallinson (husband); nephew Rob Dunn and Jesi Asagi (wife); and cousins: Marilyn Skeets Sellers, Charles Dunn Sellers and Barbie Bond (partner). Tom’s blue eyes and graciousness will long be missed by an immeasurable number of friends and family, but no one more than Jana. Their love, steadfastness, and faith in each other filled every space.
“For you abide,

 A singing rib within my dreaming side.”
~ Alun Lewis