Obituary of Kenneth Edward Dunlap

Kenneth E. Dunlap, born in Oakland, CA on December 29, 1950, lost his battle against pancreatic cancer on February 6, 2015. He spent a lifetime of service to his community, earning his retirement from law enforcement in California after serving in Oakland, Napa, and finally San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department. During his career he earned numerous commendations and awards for his conduct and shooting abilities, including Officer of the Year twice from Napa PD. He then moved with his family to Milligan, Nebraska and then to Rathdrum, Idaho, finally settling in Priest River, ID. He returned to college at the age of 52 and began a new career in Respiratory Therapy, continuing his service to the public. Ken loved being in the outdoors with his horses, mounted cowboy shooting in which he won three state titles, cowboy action shooting with his son, watching his daughters play softball, and teaching his grandchildren the skills he learned throughout his experiences in life. His life, though tragically cut short, was one full of enjoyment and experiences that would fill a life that lasted twice as long. He is survived by his mother and step father Barbara and Skip Cooper, brother and sister in law Rob and Robin Dunlap, sister and brother in law Janice and Elwood Bode, former wife Beth, his daughter and son in law Tracy and Brian Sommerfeldt as well as grandchildren Ashton and Elianna, daughter and son in law Erica and Lance Briggs and grandchildren Hadley and Raylee, his son Brian, numerous nieces and nephews, and some Dynamite friends who were chosen by Ken as extensions of his family. He was preceded in death by his father Edward.