Charles W. Fundis, known as Pete Fundis, died March 10, 2013, at an area hospital following a brief illness.
He was born in Maud, Oklahoma, in October 1933 to Walt and Mollie Fundis, and spent the early years of his youth in Oklahoma. After a brief time living in Colorado, his family moved to Lovelock, Nevada, in 1942. He graduated from Pershing County High School and attended Oklahoma State University. He joined the Army and after his military service he returned to Lovelock.
He met the love of his life, Gloria Urriola, during her student teaching assignment at Pershing County High School, and they were married in 1959. Pete's father had started a hay and grain hauling business, Fundis Company, in 1947. Over his career, Pete transformed it into a successful trucking company with operations in Lovelock and Reno. Fundis Company continues today as one of Nevada's oldest businesses. Pete was active in the Nevada Motor Transport Association, serving on its board and as its president. He was particularly proud of his role and that association's leadership in creating Nevada's first privatized option for workers' compensation. The effort continues today as Pro Group.
Following his retirement, Pete and Gloria moved to Reno. This meant he would move on from his Lovelock coffee group, although they always welcomed his return visits. The transition was smoothed when Pete found his way to the coffee group that meets daily at Reno's Gold-N-Silver Inn.
Pete was a man of many interests. He was an avid hunter, and his experiences included hunting trips with friends to other states and countries. Yet, his passion was hunting in Nevada and, especially, chasing the elusive chukar. For Pete, hunting was more about being in and exploring the hills and wide-open spaces of Nevada.
He enjoyed history, politics, travel and cooking. Over the years, he adopted the Basque culture of his wife Gloria and came to know that culture's history and cooking about as well as any Basque. Together, Pete and Gloria were active and involved in their community, providing support and financial assistance to families and organizations, most often anonymously.
At the center of his life was his family. Pete was a devoted, incredible husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by Gloria; his children Jane (Ryan) Tors of Reno, Kay (Joe) Neal of Seattle and John (Laura) Fundis of Dallas; his sisters Cora (Robert) Rix of South San Francisco and Ann Kolman of Lovelock. His cherished grandchildren are Pete and Erin Neal and Kate and Reid Fundis.
His was a life well lived.
A memorial service will be held Friday, March 15, at 1:00 p.m. at Ross Burke & Knobel Mortuary, 2155 Kietzke Lane in Reno. Gifts may be made in Pete's memory to the Veterans Guest House in Reno, 880 Locust Street, Reno 89502, or online at www.veteransguesthouse.org.
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