Lawrence K. Dunkirk

1935 - 2021

ESCONDIDO — Larry was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to parents Lawrence Omar and Linnea Christine Dunkirk. He loved the West Coast and spent most of his adult life in southern California, with forty-six of those years in Escondido. Larry was an accomplished organist and played for services in several local churches. As A.K.A. Larrier Dee “Keyboard Artist,” he provided music and entertainment for a variety of venues, bringing pleasure to many with his love of music, sense of humor, and own personal style.

Larry’s musical interest began on the accordion as a youngster playing “oompah” music like Roll out the Barrel for parties in “Nord East” Minneapolis. Later he played “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” for the Minnesota Twins as well as other game accompaniment music. He also entertained for various clubs and dinner houses in the Twin Cities region, and after moving to the West Coast, he continued to provide music and entertainment from Los Angeles to San Diego County. Early years In Escondido, he played dance music for the local Elks Lodge and volunteered for their special events. In the early 80’s Larry brought his Hammond organ to the “ballpark,” and from his homemade stage on the back of his truck entertained for the Continental Little Leagues district tournament in “Big League” style. In 1982, the little leagues minor team, the Yankees, won the city championship for that year.

He was preceded in death by his loving daughter Laurie (2003), sister Pauline (2013), and followed in death by his brother Lance (2021).

Larry is survived and greatly missed by Tanya, his loving wife and best friend of 53 years. Also, by his children: Scott (Julie), Todd (Sandy), Sean (wife Maggie), Kellie Lenahan (Brad); nine grandchildren: Ryan, Lindsay, Nolan, Sean, Andrew, Camille, Michael, Amanda, and Mikaela; brother Dennis (Maridee), and sister Tracey Rusinyak (John, deceased).

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