I am very sorry to hear this. Mr. Gundaker was a great shell enthusiast. I remember the day my husband, George, and I were visiting Stetson's in Wanchese. We stay a week in Kill Devil Hills every year in May. He invited us into his home to look at some shells. I thanked him for letting me see them and he asked if I was interested in buying them. Without hesitation, I said yes and did so. He explained that his passion had turned to NASCAR and showed us the memorabilia he had acquired. He and Elena had one of the biggest kitty-cats I have ever seen. On a previous trip, he asked if I was interested in land snails. My reply gave me the opportunity to "go upstairs" and take a look at the specimens he had for sale. I feel fortunate in being lucky enough to have known him.
Amelia Ann Dick (Amy)
Smithfield, Virginia
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Sent: Friday, July 3, 2020 2:10 PM
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Subject: [CONCH-L] George G Gundaker 1931-2020
Dear Listers-
Oldtimers may remember Boardwalk Rock and Shell on the Atlantic City, New Jersey Boardwalk, owned by Marvin Hume. The specimen shell specialist he employed was George G. Gundaker, who worked there for many years, until incoming casino gambling closed the interesting store. This is where I met George in the mid 1970’s and we have been friends ever since. I visited the store a number of times and will never forget when George finally knew me well enough to give me his well-worn showcase keys, so I could shop to my heart’s content. At that time, George was working with Jerry Walls on his book, Cone Shells: A Synopsis of the Living Cones, and many of George’s shells were photographed for that volume.
George and his first wife Joan moved to Wanchese, North Carolina to work for Stetson Shells, under Woodrow Stetson, and then his son Rusty and wife Caroline, who now run the business. After Joan passed, George traveled to the Philippines with the Stetsons, to purchase items for their business. He was introduced to Elena Mahusay in Cebu, and they were married in 1993. Elena is employed by the Stetsons, as George was. On June 10, George turned 89 years old. Last night he passed away after a long illness, which was mostly spent at home, under the excellent care of Elena.
I will always miss him, his good advice and valued friendship over the years.
Sue Hobbs
Cape May, New Jersey
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