Troy Dunkirk, 48 years, formerly of Concord, CA, died April 30, 2016. Troy graduated Concord High School Class of 1985. After high school, Troy attended community college from 1995 to 1999 in California. He received a Journeyman Automotive Mechanic Certificate from Chabot College and Journeyman Auto Technician from Las Positas College.
Survived by his daughter Briana "Bree" Holmes and son Dylan Dunkirk; Mother Judy (Frances) Cassady and step-father Francis Cassady of Elk River, MN; Father Dennis Dunkirk and step-mother Maridee Dunkirk of Lake Havasu, AZ.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sunday, June 12, 2016, 3:30 PM
Moose Lodge, 1805 Broadway St., Concord, CA
Open floor memorial stories following eulogy. We know there are hundreds of stories with and about this glorious, hilarious, talented man, so "bring it." Potluck dinner following service with chicken provided by the Moose Lodge of Concord. Feel free to bring a dish to share.
Written by Francis Cassady, May 2016
It was June of '81 and Francis Cassady and Judy Hooker-Dunkirk said their I-Do's at the Crown of Glory Lutheran Church in Chaska Minnesota. It wasn't long after that Judy Cassady, Troy Dunkirk, and Francis Cassady were on there way to Concord, California. We were transferring within the Telephone Company, as all the Baby Bells were affiliated in June of '81. We drove cross country and arrived in Concord on a 98 degree day. Tippy and Elvis, our dog and cat, were under extreme duress. Troy had to pour cold water on them to cool them down. It was not a favorable arrival, because of the heat, and because the people who lived at 1871 St Philip Court, were still there and weren't moving for three days.
I think Troy adjusted fairly well as a new teenager. He made friends easily, and before we knew it there were always Troy's friends at the house. There was Cliff, Jeff, Dave, Mike, Tim, and Garrett. When Jud and I left to go on long California drives or trips, the boys were immediately there, modifying the furniture arrangement and doing what teenage boys do. I believe you'd say our house turned into the neighborhood party house, until of course Jud and Cass got back, and the house was back to normal, save a few butts in the ashtrays. We settled into California life, Jud and I had to commute into San Francisco to Pacific Bell, a 35 mile commute.
Troy entered Concord High School in 1981. He was always musically inclined as he played the french horn and trumpet early on,but played mostly the guitar in California.He was particularly adept at getting in front of Judy's new camcoder and recording himself doing standup comedy. He also did exceptional soliloquies and even some A capella songs. He and I always had a good laugh even to the chagrin of Jud. One night watching a late night TV show a drunk came into a bar and asked the bar tender for a "cuf of cuppy", we always laughed at that one, as we repeated that phrase liberally around the house. He was a huge fan, like his uncle Bruce, of Saturday Night Live.
Troy's first love was Sandy a petite lovely Concord HS red head. But ultimately Bonnie Holmes caught his eye at Concord HS and evenually a relationship developed into love and marriage, that produced two wonderful kids Briana now 22, and Dylan now 17.
Troy developed one of his interests into becoming a master mechanic and working for Fitzpatrick Chevolet in Concord California. Troy stayed true to all his friends as he raised the kids, worked at Fitzpatrick, and got into the leadership of the Concord Moose Lodge.
The glioblastoma hit hard in November '13 and surgery was immediately required. But the surgery and cancer took its toll, and Troy had to move back to Wahkon, Minnesota in August of '14. Troy missed his children Briana and Dylan more than you can imagine, as he struggled with the cancer and the subsequent accompanying strokes. Briana and Crystal visited Troy in Wahkon in February of '16, also, Dylan and Bonnie visited in March of '16. Denny Dunkirk, Troy's father, visited in February of '16.
The disease progressed, and in March of '16, the family met with St Cloud hospital personnel and decided to put Troy back in the Onamia long term care unit. Troy passed on April 30 at 10 AM.
Written by Briana, April 30, 2016
2016 has taken its fair share of legends. But this morning we lost the biggest legend of all, my dad. He is in a better place now, I know God wanted him to come home. You will forever live on in my heart. Thank you for being both a mother and a father to me when I needed it most. For always putting me first and making sure I was fed, had clothes, and a roof over my head. We went through so much together. We were homeless together, we slept on couches and floors and in rooms that we rented. You sometimes even slept in your car. You weren't afraid to be blunt or tell people what they needed to hear. You were a man of honor and loyalty and did everything you could to fight through life. I know you're much happier in heaven and I hope we will meet again someday. I love you so much. I hope you're rocking out with all the music legends up there. Say hi to Great Grandma for me. Rest in peace.
Written by Dylan, April 30, 2016
1967-2016. We lost a great one. A musician, a chef, a comedian, a father. My dad was a good guy, he didn't care about anything more than he cared about his kids. We shared some tough love. He always set me straight when I was wrong and I'm thankful for it. He wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed in. He always knew what to do in every situation. He taught me a lot about life and hopefully he can still guide me in my times of need. RIP Dad. Gone but never forgotten.
Written by Laura Debardeleben, May 31, 2016
Thinking of you...Forget me not flower. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you in some small way. Seeing the color purple when it comes in my path, a classic rock song that comes on the radio, or the picture hanging on my wall that I walk by 100 times a day. I love you my dear friend. Forget you, I will never, love you, I'll do forever. I hope mommy and daddy checked in on you and y'all are taking care of each other.
Love you always, Shorty
Survived by his daughter Briana "Bree" Holmes and son Dylan Dunkirk; Mother Judy (Frances) Cassady and step-father Francis Cassady of Elk River, MN; Father Dennis Dunkirk and step-mother Maridee Dunkirk of Lake Havasu, AZ.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sunday, June 12, 2016, 3:30 PM
Moose Lodge, 1805 Broadway St., Concord, CA
Open floor memorial stories following eulogy. We know there are hundreds of stories with and about this glorious, hilarious, talented man, so "bring it." Potluck dinner following service with chicken provided by the Moose Lodge of Concord. Feel free to bring a dish to share.
Written by Francis Cassady, May 2016
It was June of '81 and Francis Cassady and Judy Hooker-Dunkirk said their I-Do's at the Crown of Glory Lutheran Church in Chaska Minnesota. It wasn't long after that Judy Cassady, Troy Dunkirk, and Francis Cassady were on there way to Concord, California. We were transferring within the Telephone Company, as all the Baby Bells were affiliated in June of '81. We drove cross country and arrived in Concord on a 98 degree day. Tippy and Elvis, our dog and cat, were under extreme duress. Troy had to pour cold water on them to cool them down. It was not a favorable arrival, because of the heat, and because the people who lived at 1871 St Philip Court, were still there and weren't moving for three days.
I think Troy adjusted fairly well as a new teenager. He made friends easily, and before we knew it there were always Troy's friends at the house. There was Cliff, Jeff, Dave, Mike, Tim, and Garrett. When Jud and I left to go on long California drives or trips, the boys were immediately there, modifying the furniture arrangement and doing what teenage boys do. I believe you'd say our house turned into the neighborhood party house, until of course Jud and Cass got back, and the house was back to normal, save a few butts in the ashtrays. We settled into California life, Jud and I had to commute into San Francisco to Pacific Bell, a 35 mile commute.
Troy entered Concord High School in 1981. He was always musically inclined as he played the french horn and trumpet early on,but played mostly the guitar in California.He was particularly adept at getting in front of Judy's new camcoder and recording himself doing standup comedy. He also did exceptional soliloquies and even some A capella songs. He and I always had a good laugh even to the chagrin of Jud. One night watching a late night TV show a drunk came into a bar and asked the bar tender for a "cuf of cuppy", we always laughed at that one, as we repeated that phrase liberally around the house. He was a huge fan, like his uncle Bruce, of Saturday Night Live.
Troy's first love was Sandy a petite lovely Concord HS red head. But ultimately Bonnie Holmes caught his eye at Concord HS and evenually a relationship developed into love and marriage, that produced two wonderful kids Briana now 22, and Dylan now 17.
Troy developed one of his interests into becoming a master mechanic and working for Fitzpatrick Chevolet in Concord California. Troy stayed true to all his friends as he raised the kids, worked at Fitzpatrick, and got into the leadership of the Concord Moose Lodge.
The glioblastoma hit hard in November '13 and surgery was immediately required. But the surgery and cancer took its toll, and Troy had to move back to Wahkon, Minnesota in August of '14. Troy missed his children Briana and Dylan more than you can imagine, as he struggled with the cancer and the subsequent accompanying strokes. Briana and Crystal visited Troy in Wahkon in February of '16, also, Dylan and Bonnie visited in March of '16. Denny Dunkirk, Troy's father, visited in February of '16.
The disease progressed, and in March of '16, the family met with St Cloud hospital personnel and decided to put Troy back in the Onamia long term care unit. Troy passed on April 30 at 10 AM.
Written by Briana, April 30, 2016
2016 has taken its fair share of legends. But this morning we lost the biggest legend of all, my dad. He is in a better place now, I know God wanted him to come home. You will forever live on in my heart. Thank you for being both a mother and a father to me when I needed it most. For always putting me first and making sure I was fed, had clothes, and a roof over my head. We went through so much together. We were homeless together, we slept on couches and floors and in rooms that we rented. You sometimes even slept in your car. You weren't afraid to be blunt or tell people what they needed to hear. You were a man of honor and loyalty and did everything you could to fight through life. I know you're much happier in heaven and I hope we will meet again someday. I love you so much. I hope you're rocking out with all the music legends up there. Say hi to Great Grandma for me. Rest in peace.
Written by Dylan, April 30, 2016
1967-2016. We lost a great one. A musician, a chef, a comedian, a father. My dad was a good guy, he didn't care about anything more than he cared about his kids. We shared some tough love. He always set me straight when I was wrong and I'm thankful for it. He wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed in. He always knew what to do in every situation. He taught me a lot about life and hopefully he can still guide me in my times of need. RIP Dad. Gone but never forgotten.
Written by Laura Debardeleben, May 31, 2016
Thinking of you...Forget me not flower. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you in some small way. Seeing the color purple when it comes in my path, a classic rock song that comes on the radio, or the picture hanging on my wall that I walk by 100 times a day. I love you my dear friend. Forget you, I will never, love you, I'll do forever. I hope mommy and daddy checked in on you and y'all are taking care of each other.
Love you always, Shorty
Troy Dunkirk, 48 years, formerly of Concord, CA, died April 30, 2016. Troy graduated Concord High School Class of 1985. After high school, Troy attended community college from 1995 to 1999 in California. He received a Journeyman Automotive Mechanic Certificate from Chabot College and Journeyman Auto Technician from Las Positas College.
Survived by his daughter Briana "Bree" Holmes and son Dylan Dunkirk; Mother Judy (Frances) Cassady and step-father Francis Cassady of Elk River, MN; Father Dennis Dunkirk and step-mother Maridee Dunkirk of Lake Havasu, AZ.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sunday, June 12, 2016, 3:30 PM
Moose Lodge, 1805 Broadway St., Concord, CA
Open floor memorial stories following eulogy. We know there are hundreds of stories with and about this glorious, hilarious, talented man, so "bring it." Potluck dinner following service with chicken provided by the Moose Lodge of Concord. Feel free to bring a dish to share.
Written by Francis Cassady, May 2016
It was June of '81 and Francis Cassady and Judy Hooker-Dunkirk said their I-Do's at the Crown of Glory Lutheran Church in Chaska Minnesota. It wasn't long after that Judy Cassady, Troy Dunkirk, and Francis Cassady were on there way to Concord, California. We were transferring within the Telephone Company, as all the Baby Bells were affiliated in June of '81. We drove cross country and arrived in Concord on a 98 degree day. Tippy and Elvis, our dog and cat, were under extreme duress. Troy had to pour cold water on them to cool them down. It was not a favorable arrival, because of the heat, and because the people who lived at 1871 St Philip Court, were still there and weren't moving for three days.
I think Troy adjusted fairly well as a new teenager. He made friends easily, and before we knew it there were always Troy's friends at the house. There was Cliff, Jeff, Dave, Mike, Tim, and Garrett. When Jud and I left to go on long California drives or trips, the boys were immediately there, modifying the furniture arrangement and doing what teenage boys do. I believe you'd say our house turned into the neighborhood party house, until of course Jud and Cass got back, and the house was back to normal, save a few butts in the ashtrays. We settled into California life, Jud and I had to commute into San Francisco to Pacific Bell, a 35 mile commute.
Troy entered Concord High School in 1981. He was always musically inclined as he played the french horn and trumpet early on,but played mostly the guitar in California.He was particularly adept at getting in front of Judy's new camcoder and recording himself doing standup comedy. He also did exceptional soliloquies and even some A capella songs. He and I always had a good laugh even to the chagrin of Jud. One night watching a late night TV show a drunk came into a bar and asked the bar tender for a "cuf of cuppy", we always laughed at that one, as we repeated that phrase liberally around the house. He was a huge fan, like his uncle Bruce, of Saturday Night Live.
Troy's first love was Sandy a petite lovely Concord HS red head. But ultimately Bonnie Holmes caught his eye at Concord HS and evenually a relationship developed into love and marriage, that produced two wonderful kids Briana now 22, and Dylan now 17.
Troy developed one of his interests into becoming a master mechanic and working for Fitzpatrick Chevolet in Concord California. Troy stayed true to all his friends as he raised the kids, worked at Fitzpatrick, and got into the leadership of the Concord Moose Lodge.
The glioblastoma hit hard in November '13 and surgery was immediately required. But the surgery and cancer took its toll, and Troy had to move back to Wahkon, Minnesota in August of '14. Troy missed his children Briana and Dylan more than you can imagine, as he struggled with the cancer and the subsequent accompanying strokes. Briana and Crystal visited Troy in Wahkon in February of '16, also, Dylan and Bonnie visited in March of '16. Denny Dunkirk, Troy's father, visited in February of '16.
The disease progressed, and in March of '16, the family met with St Cloud hospital personnel and decided to put Troy back in the Onamia long term care unit. Troy passed on April 30 at 10 AM.
Written by Briana, April 30, 2016
2016 has taken its fair share of legends. But this morning we lost the biggest legend of all, my dad. He is in a better place now, I know God wanted him to come home. You will forever live on in my heart. Thank you for being both a mother and a father to me when I needed it most. For always putting me first and making sure I was fed, had clothes, and a roof over my head. We went through so much together. We were homeless together, we slept on couches and floors and in rooms that we rented. You sometimes even slept in your car. You weren't afraid to be blunt or tell people what they needed to hear. You were a man of honor and loyalty and did everything you could to fight through life. I know you're much happier in heaven and I hope we will meet again someday. I love you so much. I hope you're rocking out with all the music legends up there. Say hi to Great Grandma for me. Rest in peace.
Written by Dylan, April 30, 2016
1967-2016. We lost a great one. A musician, a chef, a comedian, a father. My dad was a good guy, he didn't care about anything more than he cared about his kids. We shared some tough love. He always set me straight when I was wrong and I'm thankful for it. He wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed in. He always knew what to do in every situation. He taught me a lot about life and hopefully he can still guide me in my times of need. RIP Dad. Gone but never forgotten.
Written by Laura Debardeleben, May 31, 2016
Thinking of you...Forget me not flower. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you in some small way. Seeing the color purple when it comes in my path, a classic rock song that comes on the radio, or the picture hanging on my wall that I walk by 100 times a day. I love you my dear friend. Forget you, I will never, love you, I'll do forever. I hope mommy and daddy checked in on you and y'all are taking care of each other.
Love you always, Shorty
Survived by his daughter Briana "Bree" Holmes and son Dylan Dunkirk; Mother Judy (Frances) Cassady and step-father Francis Cassady of Elk River, MN; Father Dennis Dunkirk and step-mother Maridee Dunkirk of Lake Havasu, AZ.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sunday, June 12, 2016, 3:30 PM
Moose Lodge, 1805 Broadway St., Concord, CA
Open floor memorial stories following eulogy. We know there are hundreds of stories with and about this glorious, hilarious, talented man, so "bring it." Potluck dinner following service with chicken provided by the Moose Lodge of Concord. Feel free to bring a dish to share.
Written by Francis Cassady, May 2016
It was June of '81 and Francis Cassady and Judy Hooker-Dunkirk said their I-Do's at the Crown of Glory Lutheran Church in Chaska Minnesota. It wasn't long after that Judy Cassady, Troy Dunkirk, and Francis Cassady were on there way to Concord, California. We were transferring within the Telephone Company, as all the Baby Bells were affiliated in June of '81. We drove cross country and arrived in Concord on a 98 degree day. Tippy and Elvis, our dog and cat, were under extreme duress. Troy had to pour cold water on them to cool them down. It was not a favorable arrival, because of the heat, and because the people who lived at 1871 St Philip Court, were still there and weren't moving for three days.
I think Troy adjusted fairly well as a new teenager. He made friends easily, and before we knew it there were always Troy's friends at the house. There was Cliff, Jeff, Dave, Mike, Tim, and Garrett. When Jud and I left to go on long California drives or trips, the boys were immediately there, modifying the furniture arrangement and doing what teenage boys do. I believe you'd say our house turned into the neighborhood party house, until of course Jud and Cass got back, and the house was back to normal, save a few butts in the ashtrays. We settled into California life, Jud and I had to commute into San Francisco to Pacific Bell, a 35 mile commute.
Troy entered Concord High School in 1981. He was always musically inclined as he played the french horn and trumpet early on,but played mostly the guitar in California.He was particularly adept at getting in front of Judy's new camcoder and recording himself doing standup comedy. He also did exceptional soliloquies and even some A capella songs. He and I always had a good laugh even to the chagrin of Jud. One night watching a late night TV show a drunk came into a bar and asked the bar tender for a "cuf of cuppy", we always laughed at that one, as we repeated that phrase liberally around the house. He was a huge fan, like his uncle Bruce, of Saturday Night Live.
Troy's first love was Sandy a petite lovely Concord HS red head. But ultimately Bonnie Holmes caught his eye at Concord HS and evenually a relationship developed into love and marriage, that produced two wonderful kids Briana now 22, and Dylan now 17.
Troy developed one of his interests into becoming a master mechanic and working for Fitzpatrick Chevolet in Concord California. Troy stayed true to all his friends as he raised the kids, worked at Fitzpatrick, and got into the leadership of the Concord Moose Lodge.
The glioblastoma hit hard in November '13 and surgery was immediately required. But the surgery and cancer took its toll, and Troy had to move back to Wahkon, Minnesota in August of '14. Troy missed his children Briana and Dylan more than you can imagine, as he struggled with the cancer and the subsequent accompanying strokes. Briana and Crystal visited Troy in Wahkon in February of '16, also, Dylan and Bonnie visited in March of '16. Denny Dunkirk, Troy's father, visited in February of '16.
The disease progressed, and in March of '16, the family met with St Cloud hospital personnel and decided to put Troy back in the Onamia long term care unit. Troy passed on April 30 at 10 AM.
Written by Briana, April 30, 2016
2016 has taken its fair share of legends. But this morning we lost the biggest legend of all, my dad. He is in a better place now, I know God wanted him to come home. You will forever live on in my heart. Thank you for being both a mother and a father to me when I needed it most. For always putting me first and making sure I was fed, had clothes, and a roof over my head. We went through so much together. We were homeless together, we slept on couches and floors and in rooms that we rented. You sometimes even slept in your car. You weren't afraid to be blunt or tell people what they needed to hear. You were a man of honor and loyalty and did everything you could to fight through life. I know you're much happier in heaven and I hope we will meet again someday. I love you so much. I hope you're rocking out with all the music legends up there. Say hi to Great Grandma for me. Rest in peace.
Written by Dylan, April 30, 2016
1967-2016. We lost a great one. A musician, a chef, a comedian, a father. My dad was a good guy, he didn't care about anything more than he cared about his kids. We shared some tough love. He always set me straight when I was wrong and I'm thankful for it. He wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed in. He always knew what to do in every situation. He taught me a lot about life and hopefully he can still guide me in my times of need. RIP Dad. Gone but never forgotten.
Written by Laura Debardeleben, May 31, 2016
Thinking of you...Forget me not flower. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you in some small way. Seeing the color purple when it comes in my path, a classic rock song that comes on the radio, or the picture hanging on my wall that I walk by 100 times a day. I love you my dear friend. Forget you, I will never, love you, I'll do forever. I hope mommy and daddy checked in on you and y'all are taking care of each other.
Love you always, Shorty
