Brian C. Dunn

Brian Clifford Dunn of Glennie, Michigan, passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 89, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 19, 1935, in Plymouth, England, and was the son of William and Edna Dunn.

Devoted husband to Myrna for 65 years. Loving father of John (Le Ann) Dunn, Susan (Carter) Richards, Julie Elgie, and David (Lisa) Dunn. Cherished grandfather of Tyler (Leah) Dunn, Dylan (Lauren) Dunn, Matthew Ashline, Devin Dunn, Emma Elgie, the late Sean Ashline, Sophia Elgie, Ian Dunn, and Angie Elgie. Brian also leaves behind a large extended family that he loved dearly.

Brian was born in 1935 on Durnford Street in Plymouth, England, ‘with sea water in his veins’. As a baby he accompanied his mother and Royal Navy submariner Robert Johnson to Malta, where he lived for six years, and survived the island’s siege during the Second World War. In recognition of his courage, Brian became a recipient of the George Cross, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the British government. Edna and Brian returned to Plymouth in late 1943, following the loss of Robert Johnson. There she met William Dunn, an American soldier and Brian’s beloved adoptive father. They married in England and moved to Norwood, Massachusetts. Brian crossed the Atlantic on the USAT Zebulon Vance and immigrated through Ellis Island on October 12, 1946.

After excelling at football and track, Brian was recruited to play football on scholarship at Eastern Michigan University, where he became a four-year letterman as a fullback for the Hurons (‘57-60). He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in education, and later completed a Master’s Degree at Eastern. It was at Eastern Michigan that he met the love of his life, Myrna Frizzle, a fellow teacher-to-be. The couple were married on December 17, 1960, at the Presbyterian Church in Drayton Plains, Michigan, and began a family that would grow to include four beloved children and nine grandchildren.

Brian dedicated thirty-six wonderful years to Livonia Public Schools, teaching elementary and driver’s education, inspiring countless students throughout his career. He had a passion for teaching and was beloved by students for always encouraging them to reach for their dreams. He also served as a police officer in Northville and spent time as a truck driver after retiring from teaching.

Residing in Glennie, Michigan, Brian cherished his home on Vaughn Lake, surrounded by nature, where he found peace and tranquility. Winters were made warmer as he and Myrna would escape to sunny Florida, relishing each other's company and time with their best friends – Herb and Mary Valentine. Over 65 years of marriage, the couple created a haven of love and laughter, a true testament to their bond.

Brian and Myrna lived a life of joy. They enjoyed travelling, returning to England multiple times and renewing their vows during their twenty-fifth year of marriage in his hometown of Plymouth. Additionally, they visited Germany and Austria and often went out to visit Brian’s mother and father in Ogunquit, Maine. Brian and Myrna competed in the Au Suable canoe race and spent countless hours relaxing and looking out over the lake. He made a habit of relocating chipmunks from his property and was always happy to catch a ‘critter’. A tireless worker, Brian would always find things to do around the house and, if he didn’t, Myrna would tell him what needed to be done. His response would always be the same: ‘yes dear’.

There was nothing Brian loved more than spending time with his family and friends. Brian loved telling stories, especially ones about his childhood, his time as a teacher, and being a dad. He built an English-style pub in his basement – ‘The Nag & Bull’ – where he could hold court for hours. He also enjoyed sitting in the ‘Maine Room’ for wine before dinner, listening to instrumental music and looking out over the lake. He was diligent about teaching his children and grandchildren to save their money, instructing them to fill envelopes with money to set aside and put away into savings. He cherished going to his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, graduations, and parties, and danced the night away with Myrna at his two grandsons’ weddings.

Brian was proud of his English heritage, referring to himself as the Duke of Devon, while also joking that he was kicked out by Queen Elizabeth. He begrudgingly accepted his Irish heritage. Although he lived near water his entire life, and even became a lifeguard, Brian never really enjoyed being in the water. After making himself sick on chocolate en route to the United States, he never was a big fan, but he did pass down his love for ice cream (butter pecan if he could find it) to many of his children and grandchildren.

Brian was not just a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and educator, but also a joyful pet grandparent. He had a special place in his heart for his great-grand dogs, who brought joy and laughter to his final years. He endured much throughout his life, surviving World War II, beating cancer multiple times, and constantly overcoming the odds. Family meant everything to Brian, and he lived a life that made everyone proud to be his wife, son, daughter, grandchild, and friend. ‘We shall not see his like again.’

In celebration of Brian's life, a visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm with a prayer service held at 7:00 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154. Additional visitation will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 am at Bell Creek Community Church, 30000 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154 with a luncheon to immediately follow at church.

Memorial Contributions can be made to: The Sean Brian Ashline Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association in Brian’s honor.