Major Alan Osborne "Sam" Dunkin

Astoria - Astoria-Sam passed on August 30 at home with his wife Judith "Ann" Dunkin and support from Hospice. Sam is survived by his wife; his two children, Brad Dunkin and Dr. Jess Hamlet; his brother, Carter and his wife Cathy Dunkin; and cousin, Sally Dunkin. Sam is also survived by a league of caring brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and grands. Also in the group of caring relations are a step brother-in-law, step-sons and their wives, step-nieces and nephews, and 4 step grandchildren (who called him "Sampa"). A new great-niece has been added to the clan of people who loved and cared for Sam.

Sam was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Nerenberg Dunkin; his parents, Delbert and Lonita Dunkin; his sister, Angela Dunkin Nance; his cousin James Dunkin; and his niece, Carrie Nance.

Sam was born in Independence, Missouri. He was raised and educated in Columbia, Missouri.

He earned a B.A. in Physical Science from the University of Missouri and signed up for service in the Air Force in early 1960s. He was trained as an officer and continued his education while serving. Не earned an M.B.A. at Southern Methodist University. Sam earned his nickname in college after dressing up as "Bad Sam the Cowboy" for a Halloween party. In the mid-1970s, he met his first wife, Nancy, while they were both stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Warrensburg, Missouri. Sam and Nancy had two children, Bradley and Jessica, in the mid-80s. Sam served in the Air Force for twenty years, earning rank of Major. In 1986, Sam and Nancy left the Air Force and moved to Astoria to raise their children near Nancy's family. After relocating to Astoria, Sam worked as a bookkeeper for the family business and later worked as a pharmacy technician.

Sam was a devoted volunteer, giving 30 years to the Boy Scouts of America. He was himself a Cub scout through Eagle scout. He led many young people through those ranks in the Astoria area and helped to start the first co-ed BSA groups in Clatsop County. In addition, Sam was a mentor in many aspects of scouting. Sam volunteered for many years at Astor Elementary School with the Start Making a Reader Today (SMART) program, as well as at the Astoria Middle School library.

Sam's hobbies included knife and weapons lore. He was a dedicated fencer, winning several medals at the Oregon State Games in the '90s and early '00s. He was an avid reader and enjoyed an eclectic interest in books. Sam enjoyed music and live theater.

Sam attended the St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Astoria, Oregon, and the United Methodist Church in Grays River, Washington. Sam and Ann met on a blind date in 2003 and married 4 years later. They built a retirement home in Rosburg, Washington in 2018.

A military interment will be held on Friday, October 24th at 11:00am at Fort Steven's Cemetery. A Celebration of Sam's Life will follow at Camp Rilea, both in Warrenton, Oregon. Everyone is welcome. Memorial gifts should be given to the Boy Scouts of America or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.