Brian H. Cunninghame

Published 9:41 am Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Brian H. Cunninghame

July 16, 1945 – August 2, 2024

Brian H. Cunninghame, Age 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep due to complications of cancer. Brian was born July 16th, 1945 to Dwight and Cora Hayward in Vallejo, CA. He graduated from Utah State University and began his career working for the Bureau of Land Management. His passion for the outdoors, the beautiful Deschutes River, and protection of the environment continued to be a focus during his life and career. One of his greatest accomplishments was the hard work and dedication he championed for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Native American rights. Later in life, Brian purchased the historic Hood River Hotel in Hood River, OR. As he did with his prior work, he committed to a renovation that brought the Hotel back to its original glory. Because of Brian’s leadership and participation in a number of projects throughout the Pacific Northwest, our Oregon landscape and environmental health has forever changed for the better.

Brian loved to be outside and go on long walks and hikes. He traveled extensively throughout the years and enjoyed the warmer climates later in life. His broad and deep knowledge of history entertained and educated many people throughout his life.

Brian is preceded in death by his granddaughter Carlie and sister Kaye Hall (Cunninghame) and leaves behind his wife Sharol, daughters Nickole LaFontaine (Todd) and LeAnn Wood, brother Bill Cunninghame (Steve), Granddaughters Selena, KayLynn, Faith and Grace, and a great-grandson Waylon.

At Brian’s request, there will not be a public memorial service. He will be buried in Redmond, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in Brian’s name to The Chuush Fund: Water for Warm Springs (https://www.seedingjustice.org/the-chuush-fund-water-for-warm-springs/)