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A former Glasgow student allegedly murdered in Los Angeles has been laid to rest after being returned to Scotland. Former University of Strathclyde student June Bunyan, 37, was remembered as “one of a kind” at her funeral. Ms Bunyan was allegedly killed last month after moving from Scotland to California several years ago to pursue her dream of becoming a defence lawyer. Ms Bunyan, who grew up on Arran, moved to Glasgow to complete a creative writing and English degree, before completing a paralegal qualification at the University of Strathclyde in the city. She died on September 11. A man, understood to have been her husband, has been arrested and charged with her murder. 25-year-old Jonathan Renterias is currently behind bars after being arrested and charged in connection with the death. Ms Bunyan’s body was repatriated to Scotland following a fundraising campaign by family and friends. Her funeral was conducted by Rev Knowledge Zinduru, minister of Isle of Arran Parish Church. Addressing Ms Bunyan’s family and friends who had gathered to celebrate and mourn her tragically cut short life, he said: “From the very start, she was a bright spark – curious, sharp and full of life. “From playgroup through primary school, she was a constant and keen learner. June loved to tell a story – often one that got her into a bit of trouble.” The minister said Ms Bunyan was always growing and learning and tried to find humour in every situation to make them memorable. He said: “June was an excellent speaker who began reciting (Robert) Burns at a very young age. “She possessed a natural gift for the distinct tongue and rhythm required for such performances.” He told mourners her love of learning took her from Arran to Glasgow, where she completed a creative writing and English degree, a business degree in Inverness and finally to Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Dr Zinduru said graduating with a law degree with distinction was her “proudest academic moment”. He added: “In 2021, while studying for her law degree, June was thrown an unexpected curveball – a brain tumour. “Something which she kept relatively private, not wanting any fuss, yet she approached surgery and recovery with her signature mix of fearless determination and humour – even arriving late for her operation, much to everyone’s disbelief. “That was June through and through, brave, unflappable and impossible not to admire.” Ms Bunyan worked at the homelessness charity Shelter during this period of her life, he said.The minister said Ms Bunyan had a lifelong friendship with Vicky Tulika, which continued after she moved to Los Angeles. Dr Zunduru said: “June had an incredible ability to connect with people wherever she went. This was evident in the many floral tributes left in LA along the trail she had planned to complete, the heartfelt poems shared in her memory, the wonderfully chaotic photos sent by friends, and even a touching acknowledgement from Robert Gordon University. “It’s truly heart-warming to hear how deeply she touched so many lives. June was one of a kind – clever, brave, determined, and beautifully mischievous, filling every room with laughter and every mind with stories. “Though she’s no longer with us, her spirit will always live on – in every story told, every book unopened, and every laugh that escapes when we remember her. “Knowing June, she’s probably up there right now, telling stories and causing chaos, just as she always did.” Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here to receive news and features direct to your inbox.
