Comments on: Journal for 3 Oct 2007: Kelly Dunks, RIP

By: Dimitri

Dimitri — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 06:22:42 +0000

I too found this site when searching for info on Kelly’s passing. I was a friend of his when we both lived in San Diego. Unfortunately we lost touch when he moved away and I will always regret not making a stronger effort to stay in touch with him. I found him on Facebook a couple of months ago and added him as a friend but never got around to calling him. I saw a sad comment someone left there and that’s what tipped me off that something had happened. Kelly was such a unique, big-hearted person. I loved him and will miss him deeply. He was funny, intelligent, and quirky. I know that he was troubled in SD but the last I heard from him things were going well in Minnesota. I wish I knew what happened. Regardless, I miss you Kelly and will never forget you my old friend.

By: Reggie

Reggie — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 03:01:03 +0000

I will be speaking about Kelly tomorrow at his memorial service. I remember some of the best times of my life were with Kelly. He was generous, loving, sweet, curious, and very intelligent. I am very sorry to see him go, but i am very happy to have known him. Good bye old friend.

By: amy (wold) reed

amy (wold) reed — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:06:20 +0000

I knew Kelly from the age of 5. We suffered together in grade school all the way to high school graduation. I will always regret not staying in contact with him. I am glad to see that he stayed the same loyal and caring person. He told me that when he grew up he wanted to be a “snob”… I don’t know that he quite achieved that but I am so glad to know of all his accomplishments. He told me we would survive the school bullies and that we would have lives that would take us far beyond them. I love you Kelly Jo and I will never forget skiing down the Silver Bow run at Discovery peeing my pants because you had me laughing so hard. My God grant you peace.

By: Jen

Jen — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 19:03:35 +0000

Kelly and I went to Hamline together and were roommates for awhile. We had some wild, exciting and turbulent times together. I was so shocked to hear of his death. Hours before hearing about it, I was cleaning out a closet and came across a bunch of pictures of us and friends from Hamline, our trip to Cancun, our wild summer trip in an equally wild car….
I will forever regret not staying in closer contact these last several years. I take comfort in the fact that he knows he was loved and is being remembered for everything beautiful.

By: Maria

Maria — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:40:19 +0000

I also have fond memories of Kelly’s laugh and his whispering-under-the- breath quick wit. I remember taking him and another good friend to W.A. Frost in St. Paul back in the summer of ‘94. (Yes, Kelly, I’m telling this story on you.) Anyway, when it came time to pay the bill, Kelly absolutely refused to contribute his portion of the tip. Yeah, he was a tightwad. I’ve since teased him about that memory…may we always remember your laugh, Kelly. Rest in peace, my friend. Maria

By: Kacey

Kacey — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:35:59 +0000

I too came across this site when I was searching for more information about Kelly. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He was such a kind, intelligent, and humble person with a quick wit that would always make me laugh. I remember one Halloween when we dressed up at work together, he was a monk and I was Queen Victoria, we had so much fun taking pictures. I still smile when I look at them. Kelly I will miss you. I hope you are at peace.
Kacey

By: Friend of the family

Friend of the family — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:58:46 +0000

I met Kelly through his family and enjoyed his company at several functions. He was a friendly, fun-loving person. I hope he is at peace.

By: L

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:40:52 +0000

Dear Kel Bel,
I loved you like a brother. I told you this once, on one of your darkest days. I hope you heard me. I hope you knew.
Lis Patrice

By: Friend of Kelly's

Friend of Kelly's — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 23:12:59 +0000

This message, regarding Kelly’s passing, was delivered to the Hamline campus community Thursday afternoon…

We’ll all miss him tremendously. He was intelligent, kind, caring, fun, and energetic, and his spirit will carry on in the minds of those who knew him well.

—————————

Dear Hamline Community,

Today we mourn the loss of a member of our Hamline family. Kelly Dunks, senior financial aid counselor, graduate student, and Hamline alumnus, passed away. He was found deceased in his home yesterday afternoon. The cause of his death is unknown at this time.

Kelly has been a member of the Hamline community for many years. He graduated from the College of Liberal Arts in 1997 and began working at Hamline as a financial aid counselor in 2004. He was currently pursuing his MFA in the Graduate School of Liberal Studies and was also a campus colleague for a FYSEM. For those who knew Kelly best, I know you will agree that his kindness, his generosity, and his friendship will never be forgotten.

Please do not hesitate to reach out for support in our caring community of Hamline. Counselors are available to students through the Office of Counseling and Health Services at 651-523-2204. The Religious and Spiritual Life Office is offering spiritual support to all students, faculty, and staff members. You may contact the chaplain, Janet Wheelock, at 651-523-2315.

Kelly’s family has not yet informed us about funeral arrangements. We will get that information to you as soon as we receive it. We will also be planning a memorial service here on campus to honor Kelly, and we will advise you when those arrangements are made.

President Linda Hanson

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 21:41:53 +0000

Kelly was the brother of my husband’s childhood best friend. He was at our cabin in Montana during the 4th of July and was very proud of himself for successfully completing a long rode bike ride. I can still see and hear his laugh.

I was googling his name to try to find more info about his death in Minnesota. I happened upon your journal and am happy to know he had some close friends. Kelly was a great guy.