Alan Osborne "Sam" Dunkin

Sam passed on August 30 at home with his wife Judith “Ann” Dunkin and support from hospice. Sam is survived by his wife, his two children, Brad Dunkin and Dr. Jess Dunkin Hamlet, his brother Carter and his wife Kathy Dunkin and cousin Sally Dunkin. Sam is also survived by a league of caring brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and grands. Also, in the group of caring relations are a step brother-in-law, stepsons and their wives, step-nieces and nephews and four step-grandchildren (who called him “Sampa”). A new great niece has been added to the clan of people who loved and cared for Sam.

Sam was preceded in death by his first wife Nancy Nerenberg. Dunkin, his parents Delbert and Lonita Dunkin, his sister Angela Dunkin Nance, his cousin James Dunkin, and his niece Carry Nance.

Sam was born in Independence, Missouri. He was raised and educated in Columbia, Missouri. He earned a B.A. in Physical Science from the University of Missouri and signed up for service in the Air Force. He was trained as an officer and continued his education while serving. He earned an M.B.A. at Southern Methodist University. Sam acquired his nickname “Sam”, his first wife Nancy(also in the Air Force), 20 years of active duty in numerous states as a Missileer. His highest rank while serving was Major. They had two children, Brad and Jess and retired to Astoria, Oregon to be near Nancy’s family.

Sam was a devoted volunteer giving 30 years to the Boy Scouts of America. He was himself a cub scout through Eagle Scout. He led many boys through those ranks in the Astoria area. In addition, Sam was a teacher of leaders and a mentor in many aspects of scouting. Sam was a SMART volunteer, giving many hours to the Astoria Elementary School as well as the library at Astoria Middle School.

Sam’s hobbies included knife and weapons lore, he actively fenced and had a love for Formula 1 racing. He was an avid reader and enjoyed an eclectic interest in books. Sam enjoyed music (also eclectic) and live theater.

After retirement from the Air Force, he worked part-time as a bookkeeper for a family furniture store and later worked as a pharmacy clerk in Astoria.

Sam attended the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Astoria, Oregon and the United Methodist Church in Grays River. Sam and Ann met on a blind date and married four years later. They built a retirement home in Rosburg.

A military internment will be held on Friday, October 24th at Fort Steven’s Cemetery. A Celebration of Sam’s life will follow at Camp Rilea, both in Warrenton, Oregon. Memorial gifts should be given to the Boy Scouts of America or the Alzheimer’s Association. Everyone is welcome.