"My prayers go out to the Lun's. family.Speaking for my deceased brother Irwin and myself.Irwin was the Luns back-up in goal for three years.We both enjoyed playing with the Lun.He was one special man in his own ways.He a very generous ,he would give you his shirt of his back.The Lun and I partied alot together.He always had a smile on his face.All in all ,he was a great friend, I loved the dude, and you will never be forgotten by me.Miss ya Bud.Gota love ya Lun.I tears in my eye;s as I;m trying to type.Later my friend. Lil Brass"
In loving memory of
BRIAN LUNNEY
October 27, 1942 - July 13, 2010
George "Brian" Lunney, 67, of Green Bay, died at Aurora Bay Care Medical Center on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 of natural causes. Brian was born on October 27, 1942 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to the late George and Edith (Moore) Lunney.
During his life, he was a goalie for a number of professional hockey teams, including the Canadian Nationals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Knoxville Knights, and Marquette Iron Rangers. While playing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he played with legendary goalie, Johnny Bower. In 1966, Brian moved to Marquette, MI, where he joined the Marquette Iron Rangers. During his years with the Iron Rangers, he was a well-known and respected goalie throughout the United States Hockey League who won the Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) on several occasions. Brian was an all-around athlete who also excelled in baseball, golf, and football. While playing hockey, he also played football for Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League, under the famous coach, Bud Grant.
In 1986, Brian moved to Apollo Beach, Florida, where he had a successful career in sales for Elsberry Greenhouse. In 2004, he retired to Green Bay to be closer to his family and grandchildren, and to enjoy the perk of never having to miss a Packer game.
Brian is survived by four children: Jeff (Sandra) Lunney, Bobbie Jo (Richards) (Jon) Bleser, Cliff (Leslie) Lunney, and Brett Lunney; and ten grandchildren.
Friends may join in a celebration of Brian's life at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Monday, July 19th from 4 to 7 p.m.
Tributes
"I met Brian when he was living in Apollo Beach. I was a total stranger to him, a friend of a friend. He opened his home to me and was incredibly welcoming. Brian became my friend."
"Dear Lunney Family and Friends, I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Gods Promises of Everlasting Life, and That He will wipe out every Tear from their eyes, and Death will be no more, neither will Mourning nor pain be anymore. have comforted me many times, may they comfort you as well. May the Peace of God, be with you at this time. Sincerely. SamPeter.12@Gmail.com and Family, dav, usmc;"
"Love ya Big Guy,Many happy memories of bringing the Florida boys to Tampa and catching a few hockey games with you."
"We were saddened to hear of Brian's passing. We have spent the last few days remembering all the fun we had together over the years. Wish we could have been with all of you today. I'm sure there were tears but I have a feeling there was lots of laughter too. Brian always had the best stories. He will be missed greatly by many."
"Having played hockey with Cliff as kids, and knowing the Lunney family for so many years, I was saddened to hear of the loss. Sometimes you learn more about people when they go, than you ever did when they were alive. I hadn't realized Brian was the goalie that he was. It sounds like he lived an exciting life-and was fortunate to be able to enjoy his kids and grandchildren. Please accept my condolences on behalf of the Satterlund Family."
"Although it's been many years since I played a number of rounds of golf with Brian and his many friends at Marquette Golf Club, the good times and fun outings bring a smile to my face. Brian did love to have a good time. He will be missed."
"Wow, where to begin. I played Iron Ranger hockey with the Lun for many years, I was one of his defenceman. Lun once said my back gets sore from holding Beerman up, of coarse thats not true. I could go on for hours reminisceing about the Lunner. God rest, your in a better place now."
"Those of us who had the pleasure to work with Brian at Elsberry Greenhouse remember him for his great wit and his creativity. He was a kind soul. My condolences to his family whom he loved dearly. Sharon Shepard"
"So many fond memories, of fun & happy times with Brian & watching him play hockey. Sad to think those years passed so quickly. I also remember sharing many birthday party times, being Brian's birthday was a day before mine:-) Brian will always be loved and will always be remembered with many smiles."
"It was great working with Brian at Elsberry Greenhouse. The poems that he wrote for his co workers birthdays were wonderful. He had a great gift of words. Remembering the great times shared, and sending condolences to the family."
"Brian Lunney was, arguably, the top hockey player in the history of Marquette. He anchored the Iron Rangers for many seasons and was the primary reason for their success during their early years. If you are old enough to be able to say you saw the Iron Rangers play, then you know Marquette lost a hockey icon."
"Shared many great times with Brian and his family. I shared this passing with some of his friends in Florida....they felt he was a great guy and will be missed."