On August 1, 2020, the world lost a remarkable man.

Gary Russell Dunstone was born in Flint, Michigan on August 16, 1946. He was a compassionate, generous, brilliant man whose love for others and for justice remained driving forces throughout his life. Gary shared his zeal and outgoing nature with everyone he met; there were no strangers when he was around, and he had an extraordinary way of making everyone feel important. He was a man who loved abundantly and who was loved by all, friends and family alike.

Gary Dunstone was a baseball fanatic, and a devoted Detroit Tigers fan. A life-long collector, Gary had Tiger Yearbooks and Score Books from as far back as when he was a teenager, and collected a myriad of other baseball memorabilia throughout the years. His family members have vivid memories of weekends selling cards at Gibraltar Trade Center, ordering “Grand-Slam” meals at Denny’s to collect their special sets, as well as eating lots and lots of Cookie Crisp (or whichever item had a baseball card promotion going). Some of the most tender baseball memories include late nights together sorting different baseball card sets, while watching The Twilight Zone, or MLB games, and there are countless remembrances of listening to Ernie Harwell call out Tigers’ games through the speakers in a dark car. One of the exciting highlights for Gary was sharing annual trips to Tiger Stadium with his family, the greatest of which was to watch the Tigers win the pennant in 1984.

Gary Dunstone’s sense of humor was a well-known attribute, and he used it effortlessly, especially to entertain students during his 33 years of teaching. Although he started out teaching at Flint Public Schools where he also coached wrestling, most of his years were spent with Kearsley Public Schools. He first taught history in the middle school in their gifted program, and eventually his career took him to the high school level, where he taught Honors World and American History classes. During his tenure, Mr. Dunstone was the social studies department chair, chief negotiator for the KEA, and the NHS adviser. As a historian, Gary had an insatiable thirst for reading and for sharing his knowledge with others, and could make any curriculum he taught, come to life for kids. Probably one of the most memorable things he did was to take many, many groups of students to Washington D.C. and Hawaii through the Hugh O’Brian Close-up Foundation.

Gary Dunstone was a man of faith, and this faith was woven through every part of his life. Gary married Donna, the love of his life, and they were devoted to each other for 42 years. A family man to his core, Gary would do anything for those he loved. He loved freely and unconditionally and spoke these feelings openly, without reserve. He was known for his ability to listen patiently and attentively and to offer wise, honest advice, and he supported his children and grandchildren in each of their passions, building confidence with his encouragement. Despite the busy life he led, he always made time for his family, because nothing mattered to him more.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, William, his beloved mother, Ruth, and his brother, Bill. He is survived by his wife, Donna, children: Kenneth (Jessica), Janet Weber (Todd), and Adam (Jennie), grandchildren: Amalia Weber, Jonah Weber, Soren Dunstone, Kayin Weber, Clark Dunstone, and Pierce Dunstone, and his cherished dog, Wookie. His loss on this earth will be felt forever by his family and friends.

Gary Dunstone loved having a good time with others, so the family will wait to have a memorial service until everyone can gather together to celebrate his vibrant life in safety. Updated information regarding when this service will be held will be found on social media, announced at church, and can be found at www.MichiganCremation.com once decisions have been made.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Gary’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.