WARREN LEE DUNN

Warren Lee Dunn 10/24/1941-3/17/2022

Warren was born in Loma Linda, California in 1941 and spent his young years growing up in several Southern California towns, eventually graduating from Chula Vista High School in 1959. His passion for art began at an early age and continued throughout his life.

After high school he worked to save for college and was eventually juried into California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1970. Warren went on to gain a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1972 from the University of Washington majoring in ceramics, cast metal sculpture and glassblowing. Most of his active military service was spent painting murals and instructing in the post craft shops. He was an active member of the San Diego Potters Guild and the Oregon Potters Association in Portland.

Upon graduation, his teaching career in the “fire arts” disciplines began immediately at Lassen College in Susanville. After three years, he secured a full-time, tenure-track position at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. Over the next thirty years, Warren developed the programs and taught ceramics, cast metal sculpture, glassblowing, jewelry, stained glass, drawing, design, computer graphics and film studies. Though never having had children of his own, Warren considered all of his students as his kids and mentored them through a myriad of educational and career choices. Beyond his passion for art, Warren enjoyed maintaining and showing his restored 1940 Oldsmobile coupe, 1940 Oldsmobile convertible and 1958 Porsche coupe. He also supported several environmental organizations and animal rights groups.

During a sabbatical year leave to study the ceramic forms and graphics of the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico, Warren attended a local Christmas sing around the wassail bowl gathering and was drawn to an angelic voice that belonged to his soon to be wife, Marcia. Marcia followed Warren up to Vancouver where they began their 27 year marriage.

Upon retirement, Warren and Marcia moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico and for the next six years, bathed in the artistic ambience of the town. However, the arrival of a new step-grand-child in San Diego prompted a move back to Southern California. Settling into the retirement community of Laguna Vista Estates in Oceanside, Warren voluntarily developed the Laguna Vista Clay Club where, for nearly ten years, senior citizen residents have been exploring the rewarding experience of working with clay.

After fighting pancreatic cancer, Warren passed peacefully in the presence of his loving wife. He predeceases his brothers David and Mike and his sister Tarey, two nephews, two step-sons and four step-grand-children. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 on April 30 at the Laguna Vista Clubhouse in Oceanside. Warren wouldn’t want to see anyone in a tie, so please dress comfortably. Warren encourages everyone to contribute to charities that care for animals and Earth’s fragile environment.