Robert D. Gunnip

GILMAN - Robert D. Gunnip, 85, of Commercial Avenue, died suddenly at his home, Monday evening, December 19, 2016, after a period of failing health. Mr. Gunnip was born in Stamford, CT, on February 23, 1931, the son of James P. and Sarah (Higgins) Gunnip. He and his brothers were raised in Concord, VT, by his grandmother Louise Hallett and he was a 1949 graduate of Concord High School. During the Korean Conflict he served for four years with the US Navy. Returning home he married Freda L. Priest and they made Gilman their home for 50 years. For 42 years he was a millwright at the paper mill in Gilman. He was employed with the various companies operating the mill including Gilman Paper Company, Georgia Pacific, and Simpson Paper. Bob and Freda enjoyed camping with close friends John and Bev Wilkinson along with their family and grandchildren. Bob enjoyed his retirement, taking trips with Freda to the casinos. He enjoyed his grandchildren and was an avid fan of theirs during their high school years. He took several trips with Freda visiting their boys in Alaska and her sister in Reno, Nevada. Their son Jonathan took them to San Diego, CA to visit the aircraft carrier USS Midway, the ship Bob had served on. Bob loved his family and friends and had a kind heart. From his "Sweet Pea" she sends her love. He was a longtime and active member of the Gilman Methodist Church and for many years was a Free and Accepted Mason with Moose River Lodge #82 in Concord. He was Past Command and Adjutant for the Moore-Fox American Legion Post #41 of which he belonged for 50 years. Surviving family members include his wife Freda of Gilman; three sons Robert M. Gunnip of Anchorage, AK, David A. Gunnip of Hyannis, MA, Jonathan F. Gunnip of Anchorage, AK; grandchildren, Kyle, Connor, and Cullen Gunnip of Florida, Samuel Gunnip and family of San Diego, CA, Meredith Frazier and family of San Antonia, TX, Jasmine Gunnip of Anchorage, AK; great grandchildren, Nabi, Jooha, and Sooha Gunnip, Samuel, Addison, Ava Grace and Emmalyn Frazier; a special daughter-in-law Dina Gunnip of Lunenburg; a brother Donald Gunnip of Brattleboro; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, James Patrick Gunnip and Ted Gunnip. A graveside service will be held in the Spring at Riverside Cemetery, Lunenburg, at the convenience of the family. A service notice will be posted at that time. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to the Gilman Methodist Church, c/o Linda Streeter, 676 Main Street, Lunenburg, VT 05906.

Robert D. Gunnip

February 23, 1931 - December 19, 2016