Michael Robert Dunn, age 63, of Livonia, passed away February 23, 2020. Loving father of Michael Thomas Dunn and Cierra Elaine Dunn. Dear brother of Richard (Robin) Dunn, Thomas (Trisha) Dunn, James (Jodi) Dunn, Cheryl Ann Dunn and Joseph (Sheila) Dunn. Former Spouse of Tina Zatsick. Michael had a special connection with the Campbell Family. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews, and numerous other family and friends.
Michael Dunn was known by many and loved by all whose lives he touched. Foremost, he was a husband and father. Michael cherished his two children, Mike and Cierra, instilling love for family and friends, joy for the simple things in life, gratitude for the gift of faith, and belief in themselves as beautiful human beings.
At a young age, Mike picked up a guitar, taught himself how to play, and never stopped playing until his dementia impeded his ability. As a young adult, Mike brought musicians together from the Detroit area, playing in bars, clubs, and private parties. His pride as a lead guitar was with the infamous band, “Blue Kings.”
Later in his adult life, Mike started playing the banjo alongside his father, Addison Dunn, and became a much loved and appreciated member of the Banjo Club of Michigan, of which Addison was a founding member. Mike and Addison, together with Addison’s friend, Vern Nelson, formed a banjo trio and played at numerous nursing homes in Oakland and Wayne counties.
Mike was also a gifted athlete. For a brief time, while living in Kalamazoo, Mike began playing rugby. However work took Mike to Texas where he found another rugby team. As “scrum half,” he became proficient at receiving the ball and scoring numerous “try’s” (touchdowns). Upon returning to Detroit, he joined three of his brothers on the newly formed Detroit Tradesmen Rugby Club. Mike became an integral part of the club’s early development.
When not playing music or rugby, Mike worked in the building construction industry as a member of Pipefitters Local 636 of Metro Detroit. He specialized in “instrument controls:” trouble shooting and solving difficult technical problems in air handling and HVAC systems.
Around 2010 various family members noticed changes in Mike’s behavior and personality. However it took several more years before Mike was diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer’s. He spent his final years in assisted living and memory care facilities. Michael’s family will be forever thankful for the loving care he received to make his transition in life comfortable and peaceful.
Memorial Service - POSTPONED
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