[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 48 (Thursday, March 22, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E422-E423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO DR. CHARLES EDWARD GUNNOE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2012

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a 
good friend of mine, Dr. Charles ``Chuck'' Gunnoe. Dr. Gunnoe passed 
away March 10, 2012, in Corona, California, with his wife Becky and his 
family at his side. Chuck was a pillar of the community in Corona, 
California, and he will be deeply missed.
  Chuck was born September 25, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of 
Andrew Benton and Anna Gunnoe. After honorably serving in the United 
States Air Force, Chuck earned his medical degree from Indiana 
University. Chuck worked as a family physician for 54 years. Chuck, and 
his wife Becky, were known throughout the community and Dr. Gunnoe was 
the longest practicing physician in Corona. Chuck considered himself a 
country doctor and was inspired by his hometown doctor in Indiana who 
would make house calls. Dr. Gunnoe moved to Corona in 1956 after 
completing his residency at Riverside General Hospital and took over 
the practice of a local doctor.
  Chuck was a visionary in Corona; he immediately saw the need for more 
medical services in the community and purchased land that would become 
the site for the second hospital in Corona. After many years of work, 
that hospital would become part of the Corona Regional Medical Center. 
As a physician, Dr. Gunnoe never rushed with his patients, would visit 
some at home if they were unable to come to the office, and gave many 
his home telephone number. That kind of service and commitment to the 
health of his patients is rare today. Dr. Gunnoe retired in 2010, 
having been a doctor to three generations of Corona residents. He would 
still see some patients in his home after he retired; his dedication to 
his patients as steadfast as ever.
  It is hard to imagine that Chuck would have any free time on his 
hands yet he always found time for his community. He was past president 
of the Corona Chamber of Commerce, its Citizen of the Year in 1996, 
founder of the local Jaycees, and owner of Deerfield Station, a gourmet 
restaurant. In his free time, Chuck enjoyed spending time with his 
family, traveling in his motor home, playing tennis, golf and bowling.
  Chuck is survived by his wife, Becky Gunnoe of 35 years; daughters, 
Dawne (David) Malone, Janis Tedesco, Laura Leigh (Michael) Gunnoe-Pass; 
sons, Bryan A. Gunnoe, Charles E. (Susan) Gunnoe, Jr.; sister, Mabel 
Pugh; seven grandchildren, Dylan and Nicolas Tedesco, Jessica, Danielle 
and Jake Gunnoe, Michael Benton and Sean Christian Pass, and three 
great-grandchildren, Sienna, Jonah and Sebastian.
  On Friday, March 16, 2012, a memorial service was held celebrating 
Chuck's extraordinary life. Chuck will always be remembered for his 
unwavering care for his patients, incredible work ethic, generosity, 
contributions to the community and love of family. His dedication to 
his work, family and community are a testament to a life lived well and 
a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to

[[Page E423]]

Chuck's family and friends; although Chuck may be gone, the light and 
goodness he brought to the world remain and will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________