Tyler C. Dunning, passed away on January 25, 2016, surrounded by his loving family at a Bangor hospital. He was born March 26, 1941 in Bangor the son of John G. and Carolyn (Collins) Dunning.

Tyler attended Bangor schools, Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, and Husson College. He spent 25 years in the family business, R. B. Dunning & Co. then went to work for Forrest H. Grant in real estate and property management. The next 12 years he spent in the restaurant business, both owning in Orono, at Jasmine’s, and managing on MDI, at the Main Sail Restaurant. He loved the restaurant business, dealing with guests and always something different happening every day. More recently he worked for the Maine Tourism Association as a part time counselor. He was active in the Town of Veazie, served as Selectman for a few terms, on the Budget Committee, President of Elderly Housing, a member of the Police Department as well as other committees in the town.

In addition to his dedication to the family business, Tyler’s true love was his family. He was a hard worker, and a devoted and loyal father. Tyler had a saying “blood is thicker than water” and family always came first. Above all else, Tyler will be remembered for his quick wit, his sarcasm, his laugh and his kindness to others. No matter how ill Tyler was, he never complained. He was a truly selfless man and always thought of the wellbeing of his children above his own. Never has there been a man more proud than Tyler of his family, his community service, and his life.

Tylers extracurricular love was for the Anah Shriners in which he became a member in 1981. He was elected Potentate for the year 2007, following in his grandfather’s footsteps who was the first Potentate of Anah Shriners as well as a Potentate of Kora Shriners. He and Frank Jordan founded the Anah Keystone Kops in 1982. Tyler went on to become an Aide, Assistant Chief Aide, Chief Aide, Director, Treasurer, East/West Shrine Hockey, Housing Chairman for Anah and Northeast Shrine Association, Appointed to the Divan by Potentate Rod Pinkham in 1997, and worked up to become Potentate in 2007. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Lodge #83 A.F. & A. M. Tyler was also involved with several Shrine Clubs; the Hancock County Shrine Club, Bangor Shrine Club, and the Tri-County Shrine Club.

He is survived by his best friend and love, Penny J. Fernald of Mt. Desert; children, Michael C. Dunning, and wife Harmony, of Hominy, OK, Bonnie D. Scott, and husband Cecil, of Stetson, Sue A. Dunning of Hampden, James T. Dunning, and wife Michelle, of Orono; a loving sister Jane “Sandy” Shubert; grandchildren, Matthew Tyler Marcoux, Noah James Tyler Dunning, Wynter Skye Dunning, adult grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother, John G. Dunning Jr.

Friends may call from 5-8 PM, Thur, Jan 28, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor, where a Masonic Memorial Service will be conducted at 5:30 PM by the officers and members of the St. Andrew’s Lodge #83. A Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass will be held 11 AM, Friday, Jan 29, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street, Bangor, following the Funeral Liturgy. Interment will be in the spring at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Bangor. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Building of the Future, Anah Shriners, 1404 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.