Al Strunk - 2024 Citizen of the Year!
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : To the Los Osos Citizen of the Year Committee,
I am honored to write this letter in support of Al Strunk’s nomination for Los Osos Citizen of the Year. Al exemplified the very best of what it means to be a member of this community—his kindness, dedication, and tireless service have left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Al was more than a neighbor; he was a cornerstone of our town. Whether through his involvement in community projects, his willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need, or his unwavering support of local events, Al consistently went above and beyond to make Los Osos a better place for all of us. He approached every endeavor with humility and a selfless spirit, inspiring those around him to do the same.
His contributions were not limited to visible acts of service; Al was also a quiet encourager, lifting up others with his words and actions. He believed deeply in the power of community and worked tirelessly to nurture the connections that bind us together. His legacy of care and compassion will continue to influence Los Osos for years to come.
It is fitting that Al be recognized for his extraordinary contributions to our community. While his loss is deeply felt, honoring him as Citizen of the Year would be a meaningful tribute to the life he lived and the love he shared with all of us.
Thank you for considering this recommendation. I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for this honor. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide further insights into Al’s remarkable character and impact on Los Osos.
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Deceased on Thanksgiving. Long overdue 🙏❤️🎄
Nominee: Alan Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Al Strunk was a former local President of our Kiwanis chapter, as well as a former Lieutenant Governor of the CALNEHA Kiwanis International. After his official capacities he continued to volunteer and mentor. His tireless dedication with his affable demeanor made his presence a welcome sight for new and seasoned volunteers, be it a pancake breakfast or Tri tip cookout, manning the See’s candy booth or organizing speakers for Wednesday meetings he was an invaluable community source and with his passing on Thanksgiving Day 2024, I can think of no better way to give thanks to Al.
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Dedicated member of Kiwanis. Author.
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : I have only known al for about a year or so. Upon meeting him I was immediately struck by how many people knew him and cared so much for him. I have discovered he was a theater person for years, an author, a sailor, and a proud son of the Central Coast. I know he was active in the Kiwannis among other enterprised here in Los Osos. I looked forward to his posts every day about what was happening in our community. He is sorely missed by an ecclectic and wide range of people in our town. I can think of no one more deserving for this honor than Al Strunk.
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Al was an amazing person with the biggest heart. Being part of the Bay Osos Kiwanis for many years. Always helping out our community, for years. No person deserves this more posthumously. Please vote for Al
Nominee: Al Struck
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Al Strunk sent many hours serving the community of Los Osos, leading and corralling the Kiwanis group. Always thinking globally and acting locally… a stellar person in the community.
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Al was a much loved member of our community. His dedication to the Kiwanis and helping those in need is truly to be admired. With his death occurring on Thanksgiving, it gives us all pause and makes us think about the thankful feeling we had to be able to call Al our friend. We will all feel his absence and want for his generosity and kindness to be acknowledged and honored. I can think of so many people who benefit our community; but I definitely want to see Al Strunk given this honor for all his work in our community. Thank you for the opportunity to nominate this deserving human!
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored?
Al Strunk was a former local President of our Kiwanis chapter, as well as a former Lieutenant Governor of the CALNEHA Kiwanis International. After his official capacities he continued to volunteer and mentor. His tireless dedication with his affable demeanor made his presence a welcome sight for new and seasoned volunteers, be it a pancake breakfast or Tri tip cookout, manning the See’s candy booth or organizing speakers for Wednesday meetings he was an invaluable community source and with his passing on Thanksgiving Day 2024, I can think of no better way to give thanks to Al.: ❤️
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Always a cheerful volunteer either barbequing, flipping pancakes or selling See's Candy.
He was a big promoter of Kiwanis and the great work they do. He was also a great man, a kind person, and a true friend.
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Well I guess if this is a local thing.Then most people here hav been affected in a positive by this man!Weather you knew his name or not. His accolades have been listed here. Echo their comments!
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Kiwanis local, local philanthropist, daily community writer, chamber member, extraordinaire human
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Volunteer supreme and quality human being.
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : His life long dedication to this community as well as being president of the kiwana's and always showing up when needed.
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : This would be a posthumous award. Al passed away on Thanksgiving Day this year. This nomination is a collaborative effort on behalf of past COTY's Cheri Grimm, Warren Lilly, George Janeway, Bob Schwenoha, Joe Asire and Peter Starlings.
Although most of Al's service to our community was accomplished through the Kiwanis Club of Bay Osos, the impact of his service benefitted many other organizations, businesses and nonprofits including Memorial Day and Veteran's Day events at Los Osos Memorial Park, Easter Egg Hunt at the SBCC, Special Olympics, Boy Scout troops, multiple kids sports teams and events, Raise a Reader program, Project Surf Camp, Partners in Equestrian Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters, AAUW; Al's service has directly impacted all of these groups and many more.
Another example of the impact of Al's service - In 2020, as Lieutenant Governor of the San Luis Obispo County Kiwanis clubs, Al garnered $17,000 in donations for the purchase of a dental chair for the Tolosa Children's Dental Center in San Luis Obispo. That wonderful clinic provides free dental care to thousands of underserved children in San Luis Obispo County.
This is in addition to the many kids impacted by Al's service through Kiwanis - including many scholarships to MBHS kids, and the support of programs and events at Baywood & Monarch Elementary, Los Osos Middle School.
Al's participation and leadership in the Kiwanis Club has resulted in very impactful service to our community, and we believe he is deserving of the COTY recognition. Thank you for your consideration.
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Al Strunk should (post-humously) be the Los Osos Citizen of the Year. He was a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Bay Osos chapter and supported any local event/charity he could. Al supported the SLO Pickle Festival (my event), which supported Meals That Connect, which benefits many Los Osos Seniors with free meals and home delivery. He lived for a few decades in Los Osos with his beautiful wife Myra, whom he was a caretaker for. The Los Osos/Baywood Park community will miss him greatly!
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Alan E Strunk lived in Los Osos from 2004-2024. He grew up in Santa Maria, and spent many of his summers in Morro Bay, and felt fortunate to call Los Osos his home. He was a cherished member of the Kiwanis Club of Bay-Osos where he served as president in 2018, and served the local chapter as Lieutenant Governor not only once, but twice!
When he wasn't in an official leadership role he would take positions on the board of directors, or as committee chair for committees such as Spiritual Aims, Program Chair, Social Media, and much more. In addition he acted as a mentor to many of the clubs younger members. Teaching and guiding other club members into leadership and the importance of volunteering in our community.
He was instrumental in getting our local, MBHS Key Club up and running again. In addition, he created a new scholarship for students going into the trades, because he strove for inclusion and support of underprivileged or economically challenged students. Kiwanis is a special part of supporting our youth here in Los Osos, and Al made sure the kids always came first.
His impact on our local Kiwanis club will be felt for generations to come. Al made our community a better place, and was always a silent warrior for doing what was right and needed. His kind spirit has taught many current and active community volunteers. Without his guidance our volunteer community would be a very different world. His accomplishments are many, and his memory deserves an honor as esteemed as the Los Osos Citizen of the Year. Thank you for your time.
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Al has been a member of the Bay Osos Kiwanis Club for many years. He's dedicated his life to his community, his friends and his family. All passed away last month but his legacy lives on.
Nominee: Alan "Al" Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Al dedicated his life to the Bay Osos Kiwanis Club, all the way up to the time of his passing on Thanksgiving. The community is much better because of this dedication.
Nominee: Alan Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Hard working, dedicated and such a local icon. So very kind ❤️❤️❤️
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : I hope you'll consider Al Strunk as Los Osos' Person of the Year.
Not sure how long he lived here before his passing in Nov. His community contribution continues even after he has gone. His involvement & dedication with Los Osos Rotary is well-documented & impressive, along with other local youth programs & scholarship efforts.
Personally, I originally felt Al's impact during COVID when he started writing a personal note on social media to sort of check in with our town's neighbors, essential news & events. His humor, poignant storytelling was a welcome light in dark days. I think this honor would be a fitting tribute to his legacy. Thank you.
Post-pandemic I grew to check in with Al's news with coffee each morning
Nominee: Al Strunk
Does this person live or work in Los Osos? : Yes
Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored? : Al Strunk was an inspirational person dedicated to serving the children, youth, young adults, and communities at large. Kiwanis was enriched by his tireless efforts! He will be deeply missed!