William Allen Nunn

Memories of Allen By Leni Ortenburger I knew Allen from the time I was 15, an age which gave Allen a lot of raw material for teasing, which he loved to do; as Joy's two sisters, we of course needed nicknames – we were collectively dubbed ?the sisty uglers', and my personal nickname was ?Linus', a name he continued to call me most of my life. Allen had funny nicknames and wacky pronunciations for many things, not just people, and some of them I have now incorporated into my daily speech, the sincerest form of flattery. Allen was a card, that's for sure, I would go so far as to call him impish, as he delighted daily in making and having fun. I have no idea how/where he got this trait, but in my experience it's a rare quality, and makes life and its troubles a little lighter for everyone. He was also a deeply caring person, with a big heart. Every time I came to visit Joy and Allen, he would drag me around town on various errands, and I was amazed at how he seemed to know everyone, and would joke and laugh with every individual he came in contact with, from the butcher, to the store clerk, the hostess at the restaurant, the bank teller, the person at the gas station, I mean EVERYONE! Their faces lit up when they saw him; they all seemed to know him and be happy to see him. I think this was because he really SAW them, and treated them as individuals he appreciated, not just someone confined to a role and there to serve him. And of course he teased and joked with them too, as he did with everyone. Allen was amazingly knowledgeable about all things medical, and for years was the go-to medical advisor for our whole family. When my mom suffered a stroke and needed to be closer to family, he opened his heart and his home without reservation to welcome her, and he and Joy cared for her for 11 years, keeping her in excellent health and spirits for the last years of her life. My stand-out fond Allen memory is a letter he sent me when I was devastated by a wrenching break-up. I opened it as I stood in the rain waiting for a train that would take me from California to Utah, where I would lick my wounds for a few weeks. I still have the letter, and will always treasure it – it was the most caring, heartfelt, beautiful, consoling letter I have ever received. In it he revealed that generous and loving heart I will always remember and love him for. His passing is a void in the life of everyone who knew him. I think the best way to honor him is to emulate him – to love the people who surround us, and try to lighten their load in the ways he showed us. God speed, my brother, and thank you for being a part of our family. I love you. Lynn ( Linus)

Memories of the Life & Times of Allen William Nunn, My Dear Brother-in-Law By Janet Bondi Allen first appeared in my life in 1969 when I was a junior in a high school in Alexandria, Virginia. He walked into the high rise apartment building where I lived with my family. My mother, who was the resident manager, rented him an apartment. As a young man in his early twenties, he made such an impression on her that she introduced him to her own precious daughter, and my sister, Joy. Impressing my mother was a major feat and my father, who was an Air Force pilot and Congressional Medal of Honor WWII hero was also impressed in particular with Allen's many military accomplishments and they became fast friends sharing stories of their military ventures. So Joy and Allen fell in love and I was honored and very excited to be a maid of honor at their wedding. In a few years they had a beautiful baby girl named Meghan and they settled down in Salt Lake City in the very house where Allen had been born. During this time Allen also took care of his mother and father until their passing. The years flew by and on occasional visits with Joy and Allen; I learned that Allen had to go away from his young family for a while to pursue a doctorate in Naturopathy in Portland, Oregon. Upon returning home with his hard earned ND, Allen soon set up his practice and began seeing patients while Joy worked full time as a paralegal. During this time Allen also ran for public office as a representative of Salt Lake City, substitute taught at the local high school and donated his time to work at a clinic for the poor. Life was good and soon Meghan graduated from high school, married and started a family of her own, blessing Joy and Allen with their first grandchild, Eisha. The time came when Allen's father and his mother passed away. Then my father passed away and my mother suffered a severe stroke that left her unable to care for herself. So Joy and Allen stepped in and provided her with a newly refurbished home next door. For over 13 years, they provided dedicated and loving care for her, the woman who had brought them together from the beginning. I personally witnessed almost 4 years of Allen and Joy's dedicated care for our mother and I saw how Allen exhibited the qualities of a most loving son-in-law and personal physician for my mother. He was also a helpful and supportive brother-in-law to me and my husband, as he helped us locate to Salt Lake City from California following the Dotcom Bust. I also know Allen was a fine brother to all his siblings. When his sister needed a bone marrow transplant, he flew to her bedside and valiantly went through the painful procedure of donating his own marrow in an effort to save her life. You didn't have to be lucky enough to be related to Allen for him to help you. The numerous times I accompanied him on errands throughout the community: to the grocery store, the Christmas tree lot, the assisted care facility of his patients, to his neighbors, I saw him share his special kindness and good humor as he talked with and counseled whomever he met. It was indeed a privilege to have known this gentle giant, this hero of the many battlefields upon which he gave of himself, not only for our freedom, but for our hopes, dreams, our health and harmony. And now I can only give wholehearted thanks for the precious time Allen walked this earth with us, his family of brothers and sisters. And so, here's looking at you, dear Uncle Al. You called yourself ?the kiddies pal? and indeed you were and until we meet again, I will forever be your adoring sister-in-law whom you nicknamed, ?Fatty Acids?. Although we must return your body to its source, you will have eternal life in the hearts and minds of all of us here, the multitudes that have experienced the beauty of your kind heart and loving spirit. Your loving sister-in-law, Janet

Dearest Joy and Family, I was heartbroken to receive your letter this week with the sad news about Allen. Although I hadn't seen Allen for more than 40 years, I'm sure, I enjoyed being reminded of his wonderful humor every year when I received your Christmas newsletter. He had such a way with words and always brought a smile to my face. You were so fortunate to have such a loving relationship for such a long time. Few are so lucky, but I know your special bond makes this loss even more painful. I am so deeply sorry that you have lost your dear Allen. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Berit Dronenburg

I had the honor of following Dr. Nunn in clinic for an afternoon during my first year of medical school. I was incredibly impressed by his generosity and devotion to his patients. He was patient, kind and cared deeply about his patients' well-being. I am saddened that I won't have another chance to learn from him. He certainly remains an inspiration to me.

My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. I know that you are happy to have had your life together and wish the eternities for you both. He was such a jolly good natured individual. God bless and comfort in you time of need.

My Uncle Al (the Kiddies' Pal) was bigger than life. His humor, playfulness, and storytelling-ability were second to none. Whenever I would come to visit, he would load me up with tons of vitamins, swab my nose and ask if I wanted a shot. (Where will we get our Green Cream now?!) Uncle Al, if not reading spy novels (I think that's what they were), was whipping up juicy hamburgers and wrapping us up in one of his many unbelievable stories. Laughter was in abundance when Uncle Al was around (or groaning, in Aunt Joy's case ... as she had heard these stories at least 100 times). Uncle Al loved his community. Every time my family and I would visit, he would take us out to his favorite, long-established food spots. He was very proud and excited to introduce these gems to us. Knowing all their names, he would talk to the servers and owners like they were family. It brought him such pleasure to connect with people. Knowing my uncle after all these years, what came through more than anything, was that he truly cared about people and that he enjoyed life. May we all live life with as much passion and love. I will miss your big bear hugs, Uncle Al.

Allen was one of kind. So full of life and cared so much for humanity. We loved him and his wit, awesome stories and jokes. He was a good listener for those of us who needed the a boost to our life's. I will miss him greatly as a friend and doctor. Joy and family you have our prayers and thoughts for your loss! Allen new also how much we cared. Sincerely, Alice and Jim Larkin

Joy, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved, Allen. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs! 

Joy, You have been through so much these last several years and I know that this passing is but one more phase in your life. I am so sorry for your loss and wish all the best for you and your family.

It was a pleasure to have an office next to Dr. Nunn for many years. Visiting with Dr. Nunn professionally, and with Oleg socially, allowed me a glimpse into his greatness. His love for the USA and his fellow man was endless. Dr. Nunn's passing is a great personal loss for us all. Humble condolences to the family.

Joy, I'm sorry to hear about your husband's passing. I remember sitting at the same table with the two of you at one of the firm Christmas parties. We had so much fun talking with you and Allen. He had us all in stitches with his funny stories, making the evening very memorable. He and his wisdom will missed by many. Take care.

Joy, we are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My dad is an MD (now 89 years old) and the only physician I ever trusted until I met and became a patient of Dr. Nunn's. I am deeply saddened by this news because Dr. Nunn's commitment to healing (not what passes for "medical care" but real healing), his humor and good grace remind me of my dad. I'll miss him just as much. God's Speed wherever you are Dr. Nunn!

Joy, Sue and I enjoyed knowing you both. We miss not being able to see you guys at the gym. He was a fun person to be around and will be greatly missed.

I loved Dr Nunn, his full of life personality will forever be missed. So sorry for your loss. A forever thanks to him and his family for taking my daughter Crystal and treating her like a family member. Until we meet again......