John Cunningham Tribute Set For September 18 In Heisler Park

LAGUNA BEACH, CA—Everyone is welcome to join in a day of remembrance for John Cunningham on Saturday, September 18. The Laguna Beach High School science teacher, summer lifeguard and co-founder of the 50-year-old Pacific Marine Mammal Center will be celebrated at Picnic Beach in Heisler Park starting at 11 a.m. The tribute begins with a paddle out to spread his ashes in the Pacific Ocean, followed by a picnic and story sharing.

John and Stephanie Cunningham moved to Laguna Beach in 1965. Six years later, he was helping Jim Stauffer and Dr. Rose Ekeberg save stranded pinnipeds. The three launched Friends of the Sea Lion, which was eventually renamed the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in 2005 to reflect its expanding scientific research mission through collaboration and conservation.

“Like many fledgling groups, we were unsure of what would happen or what was really needed to make the center a reality. Our foremost goal was to save marine animals that had been hurt from natural causes or had run afoul of the 20th century,” Cunningham told the Los Angeles Times in August 1988 about Friends of the Sea Lion. “We wanted to rehabilitate, then release, our patients back to the sea in a healthy, playful condition. These are wild animals, not pets, and part of the natural resources that contribute to the beauty of Orange County.”

In the 21st century, the center's mission continues to be to rescue, rehabilitate and release ailing marine mammals with the help of volunteers, dedicated staff and the community. Its education programs reach across the country. And the center has evolved into a hub for collaboration in ocean research and stewardship.

The legacy of John Cunningham is in good hands.

Join the tribute to a mentor, teacher, scientist and pioneer on Saturday at Picnic Beach in Heisler Park. If not, there are ways to participate virtually.

Whether you were a student of Mr. C's infamous "Survival" course decades ago or a recent visitor to PMMC who got a chance to meet him, add your remembrances to an online memorial by emailing artlrc@outlook.com.

"We are so appreciative and grateful for all the beautiful flowers and arrangements we have received," said Stephanie, "but in lieu of flowers, John would rather you buy a bucket of fish or make a donation in his memory to PMMC. We know this is what he would have wanted."

Rest in peace.