Samuel Harvey Kunkle

Samuel H. Kunkle, Sam (87) passed away peacefully on April 4, 2023, in Fort Collins, CO, just shy of his 88th birthday. He lived an exemplary life as a scientist, international conservationist, musician, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, veteran, mentor, and true friend.

After Army duty, working abroad in Europe, and studies at Humboldt State University, University of California at Berkeley, and Gottingen University in Germany, Sam earned a PhD from Colorado State University (CSU) in Watershed Science and Hydrology. His tour of duty and education launched him into a career where he initiated awareness of and support for international forestry and watershed management programs. He worked in Rome, Italy with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on world projects, served on international project in the Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and served as Chief Scientist for the National Park Service (NPS) - Southwest Region, advising parks on natural resource issues. Then after retirement from the NPS, he worked as an international consultant and volunteer for local watershed protection programs. During his career, he authored many studies and reports and mentored colleagues who recall him as professional, knowledgeable, approachable, and fun.

Sam loved guitar playing and music with friends and family in his unique style, dogs, hiking, Italian cooking and spicy food, beer, and telling stories about his work and world travels and appreciation of languages and diverse cultures. He touched those who knew him with his humor, music, mindfulness, and kindness, and he left a legacy of planted trees everywhere he lived.

He is survived by his daughters, Lesli Kunkle Ellis (Bret Ellis) and Stacey Davis, and granddaughter, Amanda Ellis, and many other relatives afar. For 49 years, he was married and devoted to Katherine (2012), who he loved until his passing.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 21, 2023, from 12-3 p.m. at Avogadro’s Number, 605 Mason St., Fort Collins, with an opportunity to share music, photos, and stories about Sam. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Bob and Nedra Dils Watershed Scholarship Fund at the CSU School of Natural Resources or to Pathways Hospice Care Center in Fort Collins – or plant and nurture a tree in his honor.