Arlene Ruth Dunlap
Arlene Ruth Dunlap, beloved musician, teacher, aunt and friend to so many, passed away peacefully at home on November 27, 2024, at the age of 87.
Arlene was born in Everett, Washington on Nov. 22, 1937 to Hugh Flynn and Ruth Evans. After graduating from Queen Anne High School in Seattle, Arlene attended the University of Washington, obtaining her B.A. in music education in 1960. She married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Dunlap in 1964 and moved to Santa Barbara in 1969.
As a musician, Arlene performed widely across the globe, including cities such as Paris, Berlin and Antwerp. In the states, Arlene performed in locations across the country, in places like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as the rest of the west coast. She recorded extensively as a keyboardist, vocalist, and conductor, while also composing music for film, video, and dance.
Arlene was also known as a caring, kind and passionate teacher who found great joy in sharing her love of the piano with students at every level in her adopted home town of Santa Barbara, CA. In her over 50 years of teaching, she touched the lives of countless pupils and it would be impossible to estimate the impact her teaching had on the music world.
Arlene was an avid beachcomber who loved to collect things that found their way to shore, be it a piece weathered driftwood, an abandoned shell or a gorgeous rock and loved to display them around the house. She also loved to travel and her keen eye behind the lens allowed her to capture many a stunning photograph throughout the years. .
The family wishes to thank Arlene’s dedicated caregiver, Inna Shilo for the incredible work she performed to improve the quality of life in Arlene’s final few years. Arlene loved her and they had a bond that will never be broken, even in the absence of a physical connection.
Arlene is survived by her husband, Richard Dunlap, Goddaughter Molly Nawrocki, nephew Glen Casebeer Dunlap and numerous other nieces and nephews. Honoring Arlene’s wishes there will be no services.