John Gunn RIP - Page 6

Lynn Hoosigian · 04-09-2011, 10:14 AM

Our condolences to John's family and MANY friends. He will be missed.
Lynn &Tom Hoosigian

dinotheweirdo · 04-09-2011, 10:29 AM

From Poughkeepsie Journal:

John F. Gunn Jr. (1948 - 2011)
LAGRANGEVILLE - John F. Gunn, Jr., 63, a lifelong area resident, died on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
Born on January 30, 1948 in Poughkeepsie, he was the son of John F. Gunn, Sr. of Poughkeepsie and the late Jane Armstrong Gunn. A self-employed machinist, he owned and operated Gunn's Automotive Machine Shop in LaGrangeville for 30 years. He loved building motors and drag racing at Lebanon Valley.
On May 26, 1990 in Poughkeepsie, John married Linda Runza who survives at home. In addition to his wife and father, he is also survived by his daughter, Amanda Gunn of LaGrangeville; his sister, Lorraine Morphet and her husband Robert of Hyde Park; and his brother, Daniel Gunn of Poughkeepsie, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brother, Robert Gunn and his sister, Susan Gilmartin.

Calling hours will be held on Monday from 9 to 11 am at the McHoul Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The service will be held at 11 am at the funeral home followed by interment in St. Peter's Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society , 2678 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

For driving directions and online condolences, please visit:
http://www.mchoulfuneralhome.com

http://mchoulfh.frontrunnerpro.com/runt ... mId=711132

airgrabber · 04-10-2011, 10:08 AM

First met John not long after he took over the old shop from Tony Chickory, looking to get a motor built. I can still see that old Storm Vulcan near his bench where he did valve jobs, and the hot tank that never seemed to shut off. His place was always busy. Spent many many hours at the old and new shop chewing the fat, having fun, hearing war stories, and learning as much as I could. After moving away from the area I would occasionally pop back in to say hello, and it was like I'd only been there yesterday, although years had passed.

Flipping thru the obits at the Journal web site, and reading his really hurt.

Rest easy pal; say hello to Jimmer...

Linda, Pop, Amanda, you are in everyone's thoughts...

John K

Pat Hennebery · 04-10-2011, 09:59 PM

I visited John last Sunday and he was in good spirits and not in any pain. He complained about feeling ok but very, very tired and weak. It was like he was trying to figure out how that could be. I watched the Nascar race with him and his brother Danny for a few hours. I talked to “LIPS” about some of the Super Stock GT combinations he raced and the fuel injected late model 265 he hadn’t finished. Then Linda’s brothers and wives stopped by so I left and told Linda I would come by again soon. Not soon enough!

I talked to Linda Thursday evening and she told me John was ok on Monday but complained of some problems on Tuesday so she and his sister took him to the hospital. Linda stayed with him till about midnight. On Wednesday his condition worsened to the point that he was not responsive to her. Then Thursday John passed away in the early afternoon.

John was a unique character to say the least. He was a good machinist, meticulous with his cars, and an excellent carburetor man, especially Q-Jets and 4-GC’s used in Stock and Super Stock classes. And John was a Talker…. I called him “LIPS”.

Tomorrow I am going to John's wake and memorial service. I really feel sad that he won't be around to pick-on, bad mouth, joke with and ask for advice or the use of his shop. Whenever I called him or stopped by his shop his first words were usually "What do you need?" And he meant it…. If he could help you he would. I am going to miss that even as infrequent as it may have been. RIP Jr.

Pat Hennebery Jr.
1185 C/SM NETO

Tom Goldman · 04-11-2011, 01:27 AM

Rip John.
John was a great guy to talk with , regardless of what class you competed in he had an interest.

richie 2 · 04-11-2011, 06:37 AM

"ONE GUNN" graced us with his presents @ many a races here in canada. DragwayPark, Napierville & of coarse the LE Gradnationals @ SANAIR. the goings on were endless, his motors and carb's sounded sweet & were fast, his knowaldge of S/SS engines/heads/carbs combo's endless... he has many friends north of the border...we ALL will miss his him forever. he was one of a kind. godspeed john & thankyou for everything. condolances to the Gunn family & his loving friend Donte.

Bob Bender · 04-11-2011, 07:07 AM

One great guy ............RIP JOHN

ron morehead · 04-11-2011, 07:56 PM

Today is a sad day saying goodbye to a friend. John helped Lincoln and I out more than 1 time. He lent us his cars anytime we needed them. Heck John let Linc and I go cross country with the Ciera. Racing for 6 weeks straight on the road we broke every trans and blew a head gasket and all he could say is what do you need and what is the address your at I'll ship what ever you need out. I would crack up when ever I called the shop and asked him what he was doing and he would say"Waiting for you to call". Today with the turn out is a true testament to a person that everyone liked A LOT. I will remember his one liners some funny and some perverted but that was and will always be John. I can't say enough of how well he treated Lincoln and I, we are better people, better brothers and better racers for him. Thankyou for the memories and you'll always be remembered!!!
Ron Morehead

J Pierce · 04-11-2011, 08:26 PM

RIP John

j pierce 1207 s/g s/r

Johnny Smith · 04-11-2011, 09:43 PM

Linda,Amanda,&family.
I cant begin to tell you how sorry i am & how much john meant to me.As a friend, a mentor, and a racer.It truly was moving today to see how many peoples lives he touched,and how much his friends and family loved him.I lived ten minutes from john and i meet him 25years ago,&already at that time i was inspired by him knowing from a little kid that all i wanted to do was race.It was a few years later i went to him for advice and to express my passion for wanting to drive his race car.john in his gentle and sarcastic way said kid get out of the street car build a race car and go race and we will see some day,it was then i first heard of someguy named biondo driving his car,then there was morehead,then s.kipp,&i think maybe ribiero etc.etc. that was only 12 short years,thanks guys,ohh & how the hell are you supposed to follow that lineup..but in 2003 i got a call if you can get a s/s #in two days you can take my car to gators,ten minutes later i showed him my #that was almost expired ,he looked laughed and said your on your own good luck. I won my first wally in g-ville,it was only class but that wally means as much to me as my national.The next race we blew up,the end of my s/s. career,I went from my happiest to saddest moments at that time.It killed me to see the disappointment in his eyes,i left right away that day and i dont think i slept for days after that,john called said he was sorry if i was upset that he was proud of me, & lets go to lunch,as we did a thousand times.I realized after that weekend it was more than a race to both of us.For me it was a lifelong goal,an obsession if you will of the sport and i finally meet somone who truly understood excactly what i was feeling.Theres so many people i meet thru john the memories,stories,times, we spent together,and something tells me that my favorite ones will be the next time we see each other.It will be then i will tell him how much he meant to me,even though i think he already knows.I miss him so much already.And one thing for sure when we do meet again,I will still ask to drive for you!!but not before he will come out with one of his favorite lines,O.M.G. the dead do walk!!..I just hope that they also race too.,im sure your setting records, winning races. With your family and friends who've been waiting for you.R.I.P. my friend,thanks for everything..
John Smith

04-09-2011, 10:14 AM	#51
Lynn Hoosigian Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Douglassville, PA Posts: 379 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: John Gunn RIP Our condolences to John's family and MANY friends. He will be missed. Lynn &Tom Hoosigian

04-09-2011, 10:29 AM	#52
dinotheweirdo Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Rockingham,N.C. Posts: 21 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: John Gunn RIP From Poughkeepsie Journal: John F. Gunn Jr. (1948 - 2011) LAGRANGEVILLE - John F. Gunn, Jr., 63, a lifelong area resident, died on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Born on January 30, 1948 in Poughkeepsie, he was the son of John F. Gunn, Sr. of Poughkeepsie and the late Jane Armstrong Gunn. A self-employed machinist, he owned and operated Gunn's Automotive Machine Shop in LaGrangeville for 30 years. He loved building motors and drag racing at Lebanon Valley. On May 26, 1990 in Poughkeepsie, John married Linda Runza who survives at home. In addition to his wife and father, he is also survived by his daughter, Amanda Gunn of LaGrangeville; his sister, Lorraine Morphet and her husband Robert of Hyde Park; and his brother, Daniel Gunn of Poughkeepsie, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brother, Robert Gunn and his sister, Susan Gilmartin. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 9 to 11 am at the McHoul Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The service will be held at 11 am at the funeral home followed by interment in St. Peter's Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society , 2678 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 For driving directions and online condolences, please visit: http://www.mchoulfuneralhome.com http://mchoulfh.frontrunnerpro.com/runt ... mId=711132 Attached Thumbnails Last edited by dinotheweirdo; 04-09-2011 at 10:36 AM.

04-10-2011, 10:08 AM	#53
airgrabber Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: John Gunn RIP First met John not long after he took over the old shop from Tony Chickory, looking to get a motor built. I can still see that old Storm Vulcan near his bench where he did valve jobs, and the hot tank that never seemed to shut off. His place was always busy. Spent many many hours at the old and new shop chewing the fat, having fun, hearing war stories, and learning as much as I could. After moving away from the area I would occasionally pop back in to say hello, and it was like I'd only been there yesterday, although years had passed. Flipping thru the obits at the Journal web site, and reading his really hurt. Rest easy pal; say hello to Jimmer... Linda, Pop, Amanda, you are in everyone's thoughts... John K

04-10-2011, 09:59 PM	#54
Pat Hennebery Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wappingers Falls, NY Posts: 8 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: John Gunn RIP I visited John last Sunday and he was in good spirits and not in any pain. He complained about feeling ok but very, very tired and weak. It was like he was trying to figure out how that could be. I watched the Nascar race with him and his brother Danny for a few hours. I talked to “LIPS” about some of the Super Stock GT combinations he raced and the fuel injected late model 265 he hadn’t finished. Then Linda’s brothers and wives stopped by so I left and told Linda I would come by again soon. Not soon enough! I talked to Linda Thursday evening and she told me John was ok on Monday but complained of some problems on Tuesday so she and his sister took him to the hospital. Linda stayed with him till about midnight. On Wednesday his condition worsened to the point that he was not responsive to her. Then Thursday John passed away in the early afternoon. John was a unique character to say the least. He was a good machinist, meticulous with his cars, and an excellent carburetor man, especially Q-Jets and 4-GC’s used in Stock and Super Stock classes. And John was a Talker…. I called him “LIPS”. Tomorrow I am going to John's wake and memorial service. I really feel sad that he won't be around to pick-on, bad mouth, joke with and ask for advice or the use of his shop. Whenever I called him or stopped by his shop his first words were usually "What do you need?" And he meant it…. If he could help you he would. I am going to miss that even as infrequent as it may have been. RIP Jr. Pat Hennebery Jr. 1185 C/SM NETO

04-11-2011, 01:27 AM	#55
Tom Goldman VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Allentown,PA Posts: 2,477 Likes: 892 Liked 883 Times in 237 Posts	Re: John Gunn RIP Rip John. John was a great guy to talk with , regardless of what class you competed in he had an interest. __________________ Tom Goldman 1500 SG , 1506 STK

04-11-2011, 06:37 AM	#56
richie 2 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 971 Likes: 426 Liked 205 Times in 93 Posts	Re: John Gunn RIP "ONE GUNN" graced us with his presents @ many a races here in canada. DragwayPark, Napierville & of coarse the LE Gradnationals @ SANAIR. the goings on were endless, his motors and carb's sounded sweet & were fast, his knowaldge of S/SS engines/heads/carbs combo's endless... he has many friends north of the border...we ALL will miss his him forever. he was one of a kind. godspeed john & thankyou for everything. condolances to the Gunn family & his loving friend Donte. Last edited by richie 2; 04-11-2011 at 06:49 AM.

04-11-2011, 07:07 AM	#57
Bob Bender VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,734 Likes: 1,599 Liked 460 Times in 91 Posts	Re: John Gunn RIP One great guy ............RIP JOHN __________________ Bob Bender 144 O/SA 2010-2012 National Record Holder

04-11-2011, 07:56 PM	#58
ron morehead Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 82 Likes: 0 Liked 115 Times in 16 Posts	Re: John Gunn RIP Today is a sad day saying goodbye to a friend. John helped Lincoln and I out more than 1 time. He lent us his cars anytime we needed them. Heck John let Linc and I go cross country with the Ciera. Racing for 6 weeks straight on the road we broke every trans and blew a head gasket and all he could say is what do you need and what is the address your at I'll ship what ever you need out. I would crack up when ever I called the shop and asked him what he was doing and he would say"Waiting for you to call". Today with the turn out is a true testament to a person that everyone liked A LOT. I will remember his one liners some funny and some perverted but that was and will always be John. I can't say enough of how well he treated Lincoln and I, we are better people, better brothers and better racers for him. Thankyou for the memories and you'll always be remembered!!! Ron Morehead

04-11-2011, 08:26 PM	#59
J Pierce Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 32 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: John Gunn RIP RIP John j pierce 1207 s/g s/r

04-11-2011, 09:43 PM	#60
Johnny Smith Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 3 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: John Gunn RIP Linda,Amanda,&family. I cant begin to tell you how sorry i am & how much john meant to me.As a friend, a mentor, and a racer.It truly was moving today to see how many peoples lives he touched,and how much his friends and family loved him.I lived ten minutes from john and i meet him 25years ago,&already at that time i was inspired by him knowing from a little kid that all i wanted to do was race.It was a few years later i went to him for advice and to express my passion for wanting to drive his race car.john in his gentle and sarcastic way said kid get out of the street car build a race car and go race and we will see some day,it was then i first heard of someguy named biondo driving his car,then there was morehead,then s.kipp,&i think maybe ribiero etc.etc. that was only 12 short years,thanks guys,ohh & how the hell are you supposed to follow that lineup..but in 2003 i got a call if you can get a s/s #in two days you can take my car to gators,ten minutes later i showed him my #that was almost expired ,he looked laughed and said your on your own good luck. I won my first wally in g-ville,it was only class but that wally means as much to me as my national.The next race we blew up,the end of my s/s. career,I went from my happiest to saddest moments at that time.It killed me to see the disappointment in his eyes,i left right away that day and i dont think i slept for days after that,john called said he was sorry if i was upset that he was proud of me, & lets go to lunch,as we did a thousand times.I realized after that weekend it was more than a race to both of us.For me it was a lifelong goal,an obsession if you will of the sport and i finally meet somone who truly understood excactly what i was feeling.Theres so many people i meet thru john the memories,stories,times, we spent together,and something tells me that my favorite ones will be the next time we see each other.It will be then i will tell him how much he meant to me,even though i think he already knows.I miss him so much already.And one thing for sure when we do meet again,I will still ask to drive for you!!but not before he will come out with one of his favorite lines,O.M.G. the dead do walk!!..I just hope that they also race too.,im sure your setting records, winning races. With your family and friends who've been waiting for you.R.I.P. my friend,thanks for everything.. John Smith