In 1979, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada as a "scientist and educator, who has achieved an international reputation for chemical research".
[1] Gunning attended the University of Toronto, and there he earned three degrees in physical chemistry; a BA Honors, an MA, and a PhD.
In the next ten years, Gunning's work achieved the University's chemistry department international recognition and it became a rapidly evolving center for chemical studies.
In 1973, a new wing was added to the Chemistry building to accommodate for the rapid growth of the department, under Gunning's supervision.
He was active in provincial, municipal, and federal commissions and boards, one of them being the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority.