Obituary of Mike Dunn

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on April 15th in Capitola for Dr. Michael Dunn, who passed away with his family at his bedside following a valiant, year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri to Bruce and Jean Dunn, Mike moved to Santa Cruz as a youngster with his family. He graduated from Harbor High School in 1980 and began his undergraduate studies at UC Davis, later completing his degree at Creighton University.
He went on to attend The University of New England  College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he worked to earn his D.O., and ultimately completed his training at the highly respected residency program of USC at the Los Angeles County Hospital, where he specialized in emergency medicine.
Mike was a cherished and well-respected physician for 30 years in Santa Cruz County. His colleagues and the many patients he treated were the benefactors of his knowledge, skill, kindness and friendship. In addition to his work as a doctor, Mike proudly sat on the Board of Directors at both Lighthouse Bank and the Sienna House. Mike believed in serving others. As an accomplished Eagle Scout, his skill set was expansive and he was prepared for everything. From volunteering as a missionary doctor in Ghana, Mexico, and across California, to repelling out of helicopters as a volunteer physician with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue Team, Mike was always eager to lend a helping hand. He was a member of the Medical Reserve Corps, and enjoyed contributing his time and expertise to our community. Mike volunteered his services at the CZU Fire Evacuation Center, Wharf to Wharf races, and local community health clinics. Mike loved being outdoors. Any time spent camping, hunting, hiking, skiing, sailing, scuba diving, and visiting new places brought a smile to his face.
He was passionate about sharing his interests with others, and teaching his children important life skills. Mike also enjoyed watching old Westerns, stamp collecting and making wine with his fellow “Block Heads” at Blockhouse Winery.
Among all of his passions, his love for God and his family were of paramount importance. Mike is survived by his three children: Katherine, Jillian, and Christopher, who were quick to move home and take care of their dad since his diagnosis last year. They were his Angels on Earth.
Mike also leaves his parents, Bruce and Jean Dunn, his brother and sister-in-law John and Janine Dunn, his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Chris Schaeffler, sister Nancy Young, and his many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and Godchildren.
The Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Saturday, April 15th, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (435 Monterey Ave) in Capitola. A kind act of charity in memory of Mike can be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Community Ministries, or to the Sienna House in Santa Cruz, CA.