Alan Spalding Cunningham

On November 23, 2023, Alan Spalding Cunningham passed away at his home of 40 years, surrounded by his family. He was a good man who lived a rich life. Born in Brooklyn, NY, on May 3rd, 1941, his family moved to Maryland a few years later, and it was there that Alan’s enduring love of nature was born. At 18, Alan joined the Marine Corps and served his country as a telegraph operator from 1959 to 1963. His service took him to Vietnam and other parts of southeast Asia, and after the service, he moved to Germany. It was there that he met the love of his life and eventual wife, Janet. Alan and Janet would go on to move back to the states, first living in D.C. before settling in Seattle in 1973, where they would have three children, beginning with Ivy in 1975, followed by Eric (1978) and Anna (1983).

Alan was a devoted husband and father, dedicated to supporting his wife, children, and community. Using his incredible work ethic, talented hands, and ability to connect with others around him, he built a successful carpentry business serving the community of Queen Anne. Over time, his clients became friends, and it was rare to walk the neighborhood with him and not see something he knew or something he’d built. But as successful as his business was, it always came second to something much more important to Alan – his family. He was unwaveringly devoted to his wife and deeply present in his children’s lives – making them breakfast every morning, attending sporting events and recitals, staying up late to help with homework, playing games and more than anything, just spending quality time together.

As he was building his family and his business, Alan also spent time giving back to the community. Over the years he volunteered with the Queen Anne Soccer Club as the equipment manager, donated his time and carpentry skills to the Art/Not Terminal gallery, helped restore the Andrew Morrison murals at the Indian Heritage School after they were defaced, and donated artwork each year to the Seattle Animal Shelter auction, along with many other acts of service. He drew great joy from helping others and loved to see people have a good time.

A lifelong artist, Alan played his guitar daily, never learning to read music but instead teaching himself to play by ear. He also created one-of-a-kind leatherwork, and after winning the grand prize at the Puyallup Fair multiple times, he was inspired to begin showing his art at the Art/Not Terminal gallery. The gallery community welcomed him with open arms and many fellow artists became dear friends to him, which was a source of joy for Alan. After retiring, Alan further dedicated himself to his leathercraft and in 2015, he fulfilled a long-held dream of building an art studio in his backyard where he continued creating beautiful art until his passing.

Some of the words used to describe Alan were humble, wise, kind, thoughtful, and extraordinary. He had a keen and curious intellect, a passion for life, and a never-ending desire to learn more. He was truly grateful for the life he built for himself, and that happiness showed through in his interactions with others. He had an inviting way about him that made everyone feel included, and was especially able to connect with those who might need an extra father figure. He was always looking for common ground with others, regardless of any differences, and offered kindness and respect to everyone he crossed paths with.

Alan is survived by his wife Janet, his three children Ivy Cunningham, Eric Cunningham (Sondra Segundo) and Anna Cunningham (Brian Jones), and his grandchildren David Moses and Sadie Alan, all of the Seattle area. He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law, Elaine Boc of Duxbury, MA and Kathleen Kloss (Carl) of Carlsbad, CA and nieces Katherine, Jennifer, and Amy. He is preceded in death by his father Joseph, mother Margaret, sister Elizabeth, brother Richard, and his beloved nephew Derek.

Alan’s family is deeply grateful for the love and support from the community that Alan helped build. His life and art will be celebrated in the spring; details to follow. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you share your memories of Alan here, or make a donation to the Art/Not Terminal gallery or non-profit of your choosing in his name.