DON GUNTER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DON GUNTER
January 8, 1947 - May 21, 2020

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Don Gunter on Thursday, May 21, 2020.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Brandy Wruck (nee Gunter); son-in-law Darryl Wruck and grandchildren, Justin Wruck and Emily Wruck. Many of Don's wonderful friends will also miss him dearly, Dar Anderson, Don Gange, Howard Manshein, Lucie Marcq, Jim Maxwell, Lane Orr, Murray Strang, Joel Warhaft, Kim Zayac, just to name a few. Yes, I (Brandy) put you in alphabetical order, just like Dad has his albums....
Don is predeceased by his dad Ernie Gunter; mom Irene Hanson; stepdad Peter Hanson and his once beloved, Kathy Gunter.
Don's wishes were to not have a service, but has been cremated and will be laid to rest with Kathy.
Music was Don's passion from an early age. He was the front man and lead singer in Donnie and The Footprints and Justin Tyme. In the late 70s, Don's musical journey took him from Winnipeg to Vancouver to work for CBS Sony Music. He spent his free time with many wonderful new friends on the West Coast, but always held his deep Winnipeg roots.
If it didn't involve music, it was sports (especially hockey). Don was a fabulous goalie in his younger years and played into his late 40s in a North Vancouver men's league. Shout out to the "Friends of Jesus."
In the summer, Don played in the Vancouver Media Softball league two or three times a week and couldn't wait to play every year. Shout out to all the "Diamond Dogs." Let's not forget, Don also played in golf tournaments here and there.
But it was really all about the music. Don loved a good song, learning new ones that were special to him. In his later years, he would often entertain friends at intimate gatherings, never craving the spotlight, and mimicking cartoon voices perfectly; no one was more talented or funnier than DG!
He shared his unique versions of every song, sang beautifully, and was so humble about his amazing gift.
Don often reminded his family that he and David Bowie shared the same birthday (day, month and year!). The love of music was always present. He was still attending concerts, hanging out at the used vinyl shops, learning to play new songs that he loved, and playing the classics that we all wanted to hear again. These were things that were present in his life right up to his passing.
Don touched many. We are better people for having had his presence in our lives.
If you wish to make a donation in Don's name, please consider CNIB as your first choice. Years back, Don required a cornea transplant. As he would put it, "Dr. Holland saved my life."
How do you even conclude Don's obituary? This is a real struggle, so with what his good friend Murray Strang said Don would say (in Porky Pig's voice)….

"That's all, folks!"

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2020