Norman Lloyd Gunning
Norm Gunning, a well-known radio and tv broadcast journalist, passed away on March 18, 2026 in Salt Lake City from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Nampa, Idaho to Bill and Elaine Gunning on March 26, 1945, Norm grew up on a dairy farm in Kuna, Idaho, milking cows and bucking hay bales. He was an excellent student, a star of the Kuna High School track and field team and played baritone in the band. His love for radio began at an early age and as a teenager, he would produce radio shows in his basement bedroom, aided by his younger brother and sisters.
He met his wife Paula at Idaho State University, where both were journalism students, and began his professional broadcast news career at ISU’s 10-watt campus radio station. Norm and Paula married in 1967 and Norm joined the Air Force and was an air traffic controller both in the U.S. and in Vietnam. After his military service, Norm worked for radio and tv stations in Boise, Portland, and Seattle in various roles as an anchorman, reporter, producer, and, for most of his career, as an assignment editor in charge of newsroom logistics. He was an “old school” broadcast journalist known for his wit, kindness, and support of his colleagues.
After retirement in 2009, Norm volunteered at Oregon Public Broadcasting and as a driver for Ride Connection. After 30 years in Beaverton, Oregon, Norm and Paula moved back to Idaho, where he volunteered at Boise State Public Radio.
He loved his family, 50s and 60s music, working in his garden, collecting old radios, camping, travel, advising his daughters about home repair, ice cream, and a good hamburger and beer. He remained passionate about good journalism and freedom of the press until the end of his life. “News is News.”
Norm is survived by his wife of 58 years, Paula. He is also survived by his daughters, Kim Gunning (Linda Gwilym) and Karen Gunning (Nathan Leavitt); his sisters Lynne Yankey and
Colleen Mathisen and their husbands; grandson Will Leavitt and granddaughter Allison Leavitt; several nieces and nephews, and by his much-loved miniature schnauzer, Miles. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Tim Gunning.
Norm’s family would like to thank his caregivers at Legacy of Sugarhouse and the hospice team at Inspiration Hospice, especially lead nurse Jolene, for their care for Norm and support of the family.
The family requests that donations in his memory be made to Boise State Public Radio, 1910 University Dr., Boise, ID 83725-1916. Please designate your gift as in honor of Norm Gunning.
A celebration of Norm’s life will be planned at a later date.