Carl James Dunlap
On Tuesday, September 3, 2019, Carl James Dunlap passed away suddenly from complications of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Beloved son of Tracey and James Dunlap, Carl was born on August 22, 1998 and had recently celebrated his 21st birthday in Las Vegas.
Carl was about to start his senior year at the University of Washington Foster School of Business. He attended Wellington Elementary, Leota Junior High (where he was student body president), and Woodinville High School (where he played in the drumline). He was DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, Technology) Scholar and intern at UW. Carl loved hockey and had a wonderful experience as the debut Executive Track Internship Program intern for the Everett Silvertips. He was completing an outreach internship with the City of Kirkland at the time of his passing. He aspired to work in sports management and dreamed of being the youngest General Manager in the National Hockey League.
Carl had a wide circle of great friends that he loved to hang out with and his passions included sports, video games, going to raves, and his dog Amy. He had a wicked sense of humor and an overwhelmingly positive approach to life. He said recently that this was one of his happiest times. Carl lived every day to the fullest and never let his physical challenges stand in his way. He had visited 16 countries and 17 states.
Carl was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Jean Porritt and uncle Richard Porritt, grandmother Josephine Dunlap, and cousin John Lanspery. He is survived by his parents, Tracey and Jim, his grandfather William Dunlap, and by many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A quote often attributed to Abraham Lincoln reads “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years.” Carl and his family lived by this axiom and inspired others to do the same. A celebration of Carl’s life will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at 1 pm at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland WA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Carl’s memory at www.cureduchenne.org.