Dakota Nunn

Dakota Nunn was a deeply loved son, partner, and friend whose life ended far too soon. Dakota’s sudden and tragic passing on Christmas Day has left unanswerable questions and an immeasurable emptiness in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Dakota and his partner, Colson, shared a loving life out on their farm, caring for their many rescued animals, their many friends, and honestly anyone else in need—living examples of people who would give the shirts off their own backs to help someone else. Together, they were strong advocates within their LGBTQIA+ community, known for welcoming, accepting, and creating spaces where others could feel safe, seen, and fully themselves.

Dakota was also a vital part of our Oregon country fair recycling crew community. The love of the TrashPanda family runs deep and enduring—a stronghold, an island of misfit toys who finally found where they belonged. These are bonds forged in care and loyalty; bonds that hold tight, protect fiercely, and do not let go. Both the LGBTQIA+ and Oregon country fair recycling crew communities are built on love, resilience, and chosen family, and both will have been forever changed by the absence of Dakota’s kind, accepting presence.

All who met Dakota quickly grew to love him, but none loved Dakota more than his partner, Colson, or his mother, Laura, and brother Austin.