December 3, 1930 – November 20, 2017

Gunnard lived a life filled with adventure and blessed with an abundance of family and friends.

He was born in Chicago and raised by his parents, Carl Gunnar and Constance, in Toledo and Miami, where he received his driver’s license at age 14. This led to his life-long love affair with motor vehicles. Gunnard is documented to have the first Lotus in the USA. He raced many different automobiles and started the Sports Car Club of America in Toledo, becoming a regional chairman. Through his business, Rubini Motors, he was the first VW dealer in Ohio and he sold Porsche, Mini’s, Citroen, Fiat, Honda motorcycles, and Cortez motor homes. As a pilot, he flew many airplanes and enjoyed his fellowship with friends in the Quiet Birdman and the S.E. Bonanza Society.

Gunnard followed his father into Rotary and had over 30 years of perfect attendance at the Rotary Club of Toledo. He also enjoyed Reynolds Corners Rotary, where he had his own guest badge. After moving south, he had memberships in the Tryon, N.C. and Miami Shores Rotary.

Besides being a 32nd degree Mason in Toledo he also was the Commissioner of Police and Fire in the Village of Ottawa Hills. In addition to owning Rubini Motors, he inherited Toledo Auto Electric and Toledo Spring Service from his dad, which he sold to his youngest sons, Mark and Brad.

In the late 1960’s, he ventured out to Rum Cay, Bahamas where he brought power to the island, a landing strip and many homes. His family has many fond memories of their time on the island.

Gunnard also developed Stoneybrook in Columbus, N.C. For more than thirty years his right hand man for taking care of Stonybrook was Tony DiStefano who was like a brother he never had.

He met his first wife, Joan, at Principia College and they had two children, Stan and Janis. His second wife Lynn gave him four children, Mark (Marcia), Brad (Julie), Gail (Christian) and Karla. Then for 38 years he was married to Lou and she brought into his life three step-children, Barb (Tim), Debbie (Marvin) and Jeff. Between the blended they had lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren that brought them much joy in life.

At his request, in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in his honor to one of the mentioned Rotary Clubs or Hospice of Carolina Foothills.

Submitted by Brad Rubini