Gregory Paul Kunkel PhD

May 15, 1950 - August 11, 2021

Greg Kunkel, resident of Livermore CO, passed away on August 11, 2021 due to complications resulting from his struggle with cancer. Greg was born in Seattle WA on May 15, 1950. He was preceded in death by his father Paul Spencer Kunkel in 2011, and his mother Beverly Elaine Kunkel in 2018.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend and a lover of dogs. Greg was an avid skier and angler, a world traveler and food enthusiast, and a scientist and political activist. Greg was a philanthropist with strong ties to the Thai community. His good nature, intelligence, strength, humor, kindness, optimism, and decency will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Greg earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He received his doctorate in Botany from the University of California at Davis.

As Vice President of Environmental Affairs for Tenaska, one of the largest independent energy companies in the United States, Greg supervised Tenaska’s corporate environmental team to assure compliance with environmental requirements. Greg led environmental permitting and development efforts for Tenaska projects throughout the United States and internationally. He was also engaged in carbon capture and storage development activities. Greg had more than 30 years of experience as an environmental scientist, manager, analyst and advisor in the energy industry, and testified before the United States Congress in this capacity on several occasions. He previously worked for ENSR Corporation and Camp Dresser and McKee Inc. Greg was a member of the Air and Waste Management Association, represented Tenaska on the Electric Power Supply Association Climate Change Committee, and served as President of the Fontenelle Forest Conservation Board in Nebraska.

He was a devoted and loving husband of Jit.

He was a beloved and caring father to; Louis (Leslie) Kunkel, Byron Kunkel, Clorisa (David) Van Matre, and Aeh (Matt) Smith.

He was the proud grandfather of Otto Kunkel, Molly Kunkel, Kyle Kunkel, Kira Kunkel, and Gavin Van Matre and Aiden Smith.

He was the dear brother of David (Gale) Kunkel and Jim (Marlene) Kunkel, and the fond uncle of Ben Kunkel, Erin Kunkel, Lisa Kunkel, Brian Kunkel, and Lindsay Elmore.

A Memorial Gathering will begin at 10am until time of Memorial Service at 11am at Allnutt Funeral Home, Drake Chapel, 650 W. Drake Rd., Fort Collins, CO on Saturday, September 11, 2021.

Memorial contributions can be made to Doctors Without Borders.

Doctors Without Borders, is an international humanitarian medical non-governmental organization (NGO) of French origin best known for its projects in conflict zones and in countries affected by endemic diseases.

Address:

40 Rector St., 16th Floor

New York, NY 10006

https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/