STANDISH- Gary Dunlap, 68, passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine, on August 25th, 2015. A grateful heart and joy-filled spirit, supported by a deep and abiding faith, continued to guide Gary's life in spite of the melanoma that was at work in his body for the past five years. He was born in Skowhegan, Maine, in 1947, to Lyman Malcolm Dunlap and Freda Baird Dunlap. He graduated from Madison High School and attended the University of Maine at Orono, after which he spent 3 years in the Peace Corps in Ecuador. In 1973 he married his high school sweetheart, Laurie Goodwin. They lived in Connecticut for several years, where their children, Jeremy and Amanda were born. The family returned to Maine in 1983, where Gary worked in the restaurant industry for many years. He later worked as a tax consultant for the IRS in Lewiston and South Portland. He enjoyed travel, biking, kayaking, reading, and argument for its own sake. He was very active at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Gorham, and the way he lived his life was
a reflection of his faith. He was active in RCIA and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Laurie; his children, Jeremy and his partner Mara Connolly of Portland OR; Amanda and her husband Joe McCaffrey of Arlington VA; his brother Wayne and his wife Donna of Norridgewock ME; beloved granddog Leah, and that darn cat Trixie.
The family would like to acknowledge the fine care given by doctors Matt Dugan and Wiley Smith, the staff at SCU 4 and the Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center, and the staff at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.
In celebration of Gary's life, a memorial mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 31st at St. Anne's Church at 299 Main St, Gorham, ME 04038.
Arrangements are with Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service – Buxton. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home’s website- www.mainefuneral.com
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Gary's memory to the Melanoma Research Alliance.
Melanoma Research Alliance
1101 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 620
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 336-8935
http://www.curemelanoma.org