It is with great sadness that NASBP announces that NASBP Past President Stephen F. Dunlap, 69, passed away on October 12 in Falmouth, ME. Dunlap served as NASBP President from 1989-1990.
Dunlap attended Boston University and in 1963, he entered into the surety industry and became the fifth generation in his family to work for The Dunlap Corporation. He held the title of President of the company from 1973 until 2001 when the agency merged with HRH. At that time, he became Chairman and CEO of HRH of Northern New England and remained CEO until his retirement in 2007. The next year Willis acquired HRH of Northern New England and the agency’s name changed to what it is today, Willis of Northern New England, Inc.
He was active in various ways with many industry organizations, such as President of the Maine Better Transportation Association; Chairman of the Newcomen Society – Maine Chapter; Chairman, Board of Directors of the National Associate Members Council of Associated General Contractors of America (AGC); and Director of the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers. He received many honors and accolades during his personal and professional career including Maine AGC’s ‘MAC’ award and the Maine Newcomen Society Award in 1984.
Curtis Roberts, President of Mills-Roberts Associates, was a close friend of Dunlap and his wife, Sharon, as well as a trusted colleague; the two served together on the National Association of Casualty & Surety Agents before it became the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers. Roberts spoke highly of him and said, “My thoughts run to the ‘gentle giant’ that would do anything and everything he could to help whoever was involved in any situation to which he became exposed. He never expected nor sought any recognition for the part he may have played, and in fact, despite his constant generosity to the little guy, he was almost shy!” “He treated the most powerful and the penniless with the same compassion and attention and never missed an opportunity to assist anyone who could benefit by his hand,” Roberts said.
Dunlap is survived by his wife, Sharon A. Dunlap, his daughters Deborah Dunlap Avasthi and Jennifer Markson-Violette, and his sister Catherine Thorpe. Steve also leaves four grandchildren, Douglas and Ashley Markson and Evan and Elizabeth Avasthi.
A funeral service was held on Oct. 17 in the Kora Temple 11 Sabattus Street, Lewiston, ME.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to:
The Pine Tree Council/Boy Scouts of America
131 Johnson Road
Portland, Maine 04102
Kents Hill Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 257
Kents Hill, Maine 04349
Kora Temple
11 Sabattus Street
Lewiston, Maine 04240.
To view an obituary and picture of Dunlap, visit the SunJournal.com by clicking here.
