Gene Bunnelle, pictured during his induction to the CHSAA Hall of Fame in 1996. (CHSAA file photo)
AURORA — A legendary figure in the Colorado High School Activities Association from 1965 until his retirement in 1988, Francis “Gene” Bunnelle had at various times during his tenure the primary administrative responsibility for each of the sports and activities sanctioned by the CHSAA.
Bunnelle passed away June 7 following a lingering illness. He was 88 years old.
He served as the state’s rules interpreter in baseball and basketball from 1965-88, as well as assisting with football rules interpretations throughout his career. He was a registered as an official in all three sports in both Colorado and Iowa.
Bunnelle officiated in the CHSAA state basketball tournament in 1962 and 1963 and was the state track and field meet games chair for 23 years. Widely respected for his rules knowledge, he worked on the National Federation of State High School Associations rules committees in all three sports, serving nine years on the baseball and basketball committees and one in football.
Of great pride to Bunnelle and the Association was his work with the late Dr. Earl Reum to develop the nationally-recognized student leadership workshops and conferences. Both Bunnelle (1996) and Reum (1990) are members of the CHSAA Hall of Fame.
Bunnelle had few peers when it came to the development of and interpretation of CHSAA rules and regulations. He a unique ability to see what was needed and to write rules to the need.
His work with Colorado’s football and basketball officials’ associations has given the state better officials and strong, leadership-oriented organizations.
A member of numerous organizations, he earned lifetime achievement awards from the Colorado High School Football Officials Association, IAABO Board No. 4 Basketball Officials and the Colorado High School Baseball Umpires Association, the highest honor the three organizations award. He earned the NFHS Interscholastic Officials Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 1995.
Prior to his CHSAA tenure, Bunnelle was an administrator on the Western Slope, serving as a teacher/coach at Fruita Junior High School from 1957-60. From 1950-60, Bunnelle was principal at Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale.
Following his retirement, Bunnelle served as the official starter for several state golf championships, along with assisting the assignment of officials at numerous state basketball championships.
Bunnelle is a native of Rankin, Ill., and graduated from Rankin Township High School in 1945. He received his bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA, in 1950. He earned his master’s degree in 1959 from Western State College in Gunnison.
He is survived by his wife, Vivian, and two children.
Service information
The internment ceremony for Gene Bunnelle will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery (4400 W. Kenyon Ave, Denver, 80236) on June 23, at 10 a.m. All mourners should enter through the North Gate and then take Drive A to the parking holding area for escort to gravesite. Gene was a member of the United States Navy.