The company provided the following obituary:
Energy Suspension is saddened to announce the passing of Don Bunker, the esteemed founder, president and CEO of the company. Don was a true visionary and trailblazer in the automotive aftermarket industry, leaving an indelible mark that will continue to shape the industry for years to come.
Hailing from the heartland of the Midwest, Don’s passion for Rock and Roll was ignited during his late-night rendezvous with the AM radio waves. Determined to chase his dreams, he made his way west in the early 1970s, finding himself amidst a thriving culture of surfing, skating, and hotrods. Embracing the exciting scene, Don seized the opportunities it presented.
In a bold move, Don sold his work van to purchase the initial batch of materials to manufacture polyurethane order. From his humble garage, he poured his heart and soul into crafting polyurethane components for bicycle and skateboard parts. Building upon his automotive background, Don ventured into designing and utilizing polyurethane for aftermarket suspension bushings, giving birth to Energy Suspension.
Throughout his four decades at the helm of the company, Don’s unwavering commitment yielded remarkable achievements. His innovative prowess and design expertise earned him eleven patents in areas such as transmission, motor mounts, and suspension bushings. Fueled by his dedication and unwavering vision of delivering superior suspension parts to the aftermarket, Energy Suspension developed an extensive catalog comprising over 15,000 part numbers. Today, these parts grace the shelves of automotive retailers and distributors nationwide, while adorning vehicles and equipment across the globe.
Energy Suspension, headquartered in San Clemente, California, remains a family-owned and operated enterprise, with a passionate team of over 125 members dedicated to serving aftermarket customers worldwide. Don Bunker’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide the company as it forges ahead, building upon his remarkable achievements and commitment to excellence.
