Brian Bunnell, a life well-lived

Brian Bunnell, August 19, 1978 - December 26, 2022

Brian Bunnell, of Lakewood Colorado, died Monday, December 26th, at the age of 44 after a tragic avalanche accident. Brian leaves behind his wife of 20 years and the love of his life, Kelly Bunnell, and three cherished sons, Estin, Dade, and Curran Bunnell. Brian also leaves behind a life truly well lived. He was a man who loved adventure and family over all else. He lived for both of those each and every day.

Brian earned his degree at Duke University and chose a career in teaching to give himself a life of helping students, balanced with ample time to spend with his family. As a chemistry teacher at Conifer High School, he was respected for his skill in explaining complex concepts and was beloved by both students and staff. They admired his zest and great personality coupled with his humor and generous spirit.

He loved watching his kids excel in sports and playing family games. Brian was an avid mountain biker, snowboarder, and water sportsman. He never met an adventure that he wasn’t ready to share with his brave sons and adoring wife. He took his family snowboarding in Austria, surfing in Mexico, geocaching in Vietnam, hiking in Peru, backpacking in Alaska, whitewater rafting in Colorado, water-skiing in Minnesota, and exploring sites all over the world. Many of these adventures included his extended family — brother, Dan, brothers-in-law, Brad and Charlie, father, Ron, and many many others.

Brian lived the life most of us can only aspire to, he truly put his passions and priorities first and lived those each and every day. For those of us who knew him, each moment was a precious gift that we will cherish forever.

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his brother Dan and father Ron. He is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Estin Bunnell.