Scott Allan Cunningham

Scott Allan Cunningham, age 94, passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, just 54 days after his wife of 68 years. Some say he died of a broken heart. He was born on December 3, 1928, in Williston North Dakota, to Clarence and Helen (McGee) Cunningham. Scott was a 1946 graduate of Missoula County High School and then attended the University of Montana in Missoula. Here he met Jerry Joan Huhn. Scott was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and Jerry was a Kappa Kappa Gamma. They were married on April 3, 1954, in Calgary, Canada. After graduating from the University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in geology, Scott was commissioned as an Ensign and later promoted to Lieutenant in the United States Navy. He was assigned anti-submarine warfare at the Norfolk Virginia naval base. Upon completing his armed services commitment, Scott began a remarkable career as an exploration geologist in the oil and gas industry in Calgary. From there he and Jerry moved to Texas, back to Calgary then ultimately Denver Colorado in 1970 where he became Executive Vice President of Global Exploration for Hamilton Brothers Oil company and all its subsidiaries. Although he found oil and gas fields all over the world, perhaps his most notable discovery was one of the first large oil and gas discoveries in the North Sea for which he was recognized by Queen Elizabeth II.

Scott and Jerry began spending their winters in La Quinta California in the early 1990s. Here, he loved to play golf with his son, Scott, and all his local and visiting friends. Scott was an elite golfer. He was a member of several world class golf clubs including Cherry Hills, Castle Pines, Calgary and The Plantation golf and country clubs. Scott won numerous tournaments at these clubs and others throughout his lifetime. His two most memorable golf experiences were winning his 70-74 age group flight in the US Senior Masters Amateur Open and becoming friends with Arnold Palmer after being his partner in a pro-am tournament which they won! In addition, Scott was a very accomplished hunter and fly fisherman. He practiced both all over the world and was well known as a true sportsman. He also was a significant donor to the University of Montana and Ducks Unlimited. Scott will be best remembered as a great husband, father and friend. He was always generous, always positive and always willing to help. He is already sorely missed.

Scott was preceded in death by his wife, Jerry Joan, parents, Clarence and Helen, brother, Jim, sister, Nancy and grandson, Casey Cunningham. He is survived by his children, Scott Emery Cunningham (Laurie), Cathy Cunningham Geiger (Steve), Helen Cunningham Corrigan (Mike) and Kelly Cunningham Stoneburgh as well as nine grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Scott’s family are deeply appreciative for all the care givers and staff in The Carillon at Belleview, as well as the hospice nurses and physicians who provided so much during his care.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life Service at Christ Church Denver 2950 South University Boulevard Denver on April 11 at 10:30 am, viewing at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please honor Scott by donating to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org).