Shaun A. Lunt

Shaun, a fellow photographer, doctor, and experienced pilot who enjoyed the thrill of living an adventure, died tragically on June 7, 2008. I haven't been able to write about it until now.

When you passed I do believe a shock went out around the world... through the people you had an influence upon and didn't know it: the friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers. I visited a waterfall last week that we had taken pictures at. Your sense of humor comes through the images so vividly. I remember you going "out on a limb" to get a good shot. Something that I do regularly, but now that I'm a mother I hold back and do try to be more aware of my unstable surroundings. I think that is one thing I've learned from your passing. Though it is not a fact I want to accept. Your adventurous nature let you follow your passions and because of that many admire you, and so do I. You truly will be missed, every day, for the witness that you are.

Below are two e-mails from Shaun's dad, an explanation and a memorial fund information. If anyone is interested in some of Shaun's Alaska photos you can view them at shaunlunt.blogspot.com and http://www.adn.com/western_alaska/story/429996.html

"This is Norm, Shaun's dad. I remember you well and I'm so glad you and Shaun were able to spend some time together and share the beauty of N. Idaho. I would appreciate it very much if you could sent the pics to me -- that would be wonderful! Shaun was a very experienced pilot but he made a simple, fatal mistake. He was flying low and slow, circling a whale skeleton on the beach. I'm sure that he was distracted with taking a picture of the prize when his airspeed dropped too low and he stalled / spun into the beach. He was only about 100' above the beach and that isn't enough altitude to recover, unfortunately. This is based on a report of his friend, Loni, who was flying in another super cub right behind him and witnessed it all. Loni could do nothing to help after he landed beside Shaun's plane because the plane was engulfed in flames and did not extinguish for 2 hours. I will miss him more than heaven and earth will ever know. Thank you for you kind words and gesture of sharing those pictures with us. If the pics are digital you can email them or if on paper please use the address below at my business. THANK YOU!"

"Hello Friends and Family of Shaun, As many of you are aware we have been in process of setting up a memorial fund in Shaun's name at Camp MiVoden. The summers Shaun spent working at this summer camp were his favorite. He loved working outdoors, playing, and sharing God and Camp MiVoden gave him that opportunity. This fund is being set up to allow kids who don't have the monetary funds to come to one of Shaun's favorite spots in the world and enjoy nature, play and learn about God. For any of you interested, following is the information regarding how to make a donation. Thank you to all of you who have written or called and shared memories of Shaun. It has meant so much to all of us. Shaun's Family Donations (checks/money orders/online checks) can be sent to the following address or if the donor would like to use a credit card, they can call the camp at the following number. The donation should be marked on the memo line as "Shaun Lunt Memorial Fund". The donation is fully tax deductible."
Camp Mivoden 17415 E. Hayden Lake Road, Hayden Lake, ID 83835-8509 (208)-772-3484 mivodeninfo@mivoden.com