Obituary of George Cunning

George Michael Cunning, beloved father and grandfather passed at 11:32 pm on August 7, 2018 in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Michael, his preferred and confirmation name, was born to Patrick Henry Cunning and Mary Virginia Jacob November 18, 1935 at 8:20 am in Glendale, California. He is survived by his children, Douglas G. Cunning of San Diego, CA, Devin M. Cunning (Erin) of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Sarah Cunning of Baldwin, CA, grandchildren, Nathaniel R. Penrod, Elise D. Cunning, Emily G. Cunning and Maura B. Cunning, twin brother James Cunning (Sheril) of Escondido, CA, younger brother William Cunning (Margaret) of Capistrano Beach, CA and longtime companion Gloria Hendley of Santa Barbara, CA. Michael was the 9th born of 11 children. He grew up in Glendale, California. He excelled in academic, athletic and social endeavors as a football star and senior class president at Hoover High School. He attended UCLA on an athletic scholarship playing football 1956-57 where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with honors in 1959. After college he obtained a real estate license and was a notary public. Most of his life was spent in Santa Barbara, CA where he worked as a contract negotiator at Raytheon. He enjoyed travel throughout the world, particularly to Germany and Japan where he had an affinity. As an avid reader and student of history, he delved into topics of World War I and II. When he was not reading, he was painting. He had an innate talent fostered with years of practice, he was a master with oils, acrylics and pastels with subject matters including landscapes and a specific aptitude for portraits. Classical music filled his life and was entrenched in his soul, particularly Beethoven and Mozart. He took pride in his entire family. He regaled in stories about his mother at 4'11' insisting she was 5'; His father, an attorney who studied law at Notre Dame while playing opposite Knute Rockne in a college production of Mr. Smith goes to Washington; His twin Jim (Big), a dentist and his best friend and the wonderful personality of his younger brother Billy. He took pleasure in his sons, a computer programmer and a physician sharing his interests and insights through the decades, often in a colorful manner. In particular, later in life, he engaged in the lives of his grandchildren, and delighted in their talents as artists, musicians, athletes and thespians. Charming and dynamic, intelligent and artistic, our father will be missed by his entire family and circle of friends. Services will be held at San Roque Catholic Church, Friday, August 17th, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. and Michael will be laid to rest at Santa Barbara Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Arts Youth Theatricals, 3476 McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, where Michael loved watching his family perform. Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.