Christopher Dunn – ‘one of the best’
Our province suffered a loss on Nov. 7, with the passing of Memorial University political science professor Christopher Dunn.
A professor, mentor, editor, contributor, husband, and father, Dr. Christopher Dunn’s untimely death came after a lengthy battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (AMS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
With tributes pouring in to celebrate his life, and everything he accomplished within it, it is obvious that Dunn has left a profound impact on those who knew him. “It is with a heavy heart and soul that I wish to let you all know of my Dad’s passing away. He bravely fought with ALS, never complaining,” his son Christopher Dunn shared on Facebook on Nov. 8.
“This brilliant man has touched so many lives across the country through his extensive work in political science. My whole life is, and will be spent in awe of his work ethic,” Dunn said, detailing his father’s impressive life’s work and his dedication to his role and his students at Memorial University, where he taught since 1987.
“Yes, we will miss the man many know as Dr. Dunn. And my family and I will miss our Dad,” he wrote.
“I am who I am and will be because of him.”
He will be greatly missed by many students, present and former, like Zoiey Cobb, Emma Huang and Karen Moores.
“I can honestly say that had it not been for him, I probably wouldn’t have pursued a career in public service, and I still use the knowledge and skills he taught me on a daily basis,” Cobb shared.
“He was one of the best at MUN,” Huang wrote. “He was a wise and knowledgeable scholar. A dedicated and responsible professor. A caring and helpful mentor. A kind and sweet friend. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
“This province, and policy and political related institutions around the world that employ his former students, are better and stronger because of his influence,” Moores added. “Our own province and the political, public service and policy community is richer, and more equitable because of his impact.”
Dunn’s colleagues also shared their memoriams.
“Chris regularly shared his measured insights with eager students and through media interviews,” friend and colleague Alex Marland wrote in a MUN news release. “He was always a calm voice of reason. Above all, he was a kind and caring man.”
Stephen Tomblin, a fellow professor in political science, summed up the loss of his friend in the final notes of a lengthy moving tribute:
“He is truly an inspiration to us all and generations of students, decision-makers, and academics are thinking fondly these days about his many accomplishments and life of dedication to the community, Memorial University, and most of all his family. He certainly will be missed but always remembered fondly by those who were blessed to know him.”