GUNTER HIRSCH

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GUNTER HIRSCH It is with great heartache and sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Gunter. He was called from earth in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, May 22, 2004 and went peacefully surrounded by his family at St. Boniface Hospital. Gunter displayed such amazing strength, courage and perseverance while battling cancer right to the very end. His quick wit, sincerity and generosity endeared him to everyone who ever had the joy of knowing him. We shall remember him for these virtues; amongst many others, as well as for the way he chose to live his life to the fullest. Gunter was born in 1951 in Bremerhaven, Germany and he immigrated to Canada in 1953. After graduation from River East Collegiate and completion of RRCCs accounting course, working for the Royal American Shows across Canada in the summers, Gunter continued his studies in the C.G.A. program at night school. During daylight hours, he was employed by Sherwin Williams Paint Co. as the Western Regional Auditor. In 1976, Gunter and Manfred joined their father, Alex, working at M & H Cartage. Gunter and Manfred went on to establish M & H Ltd. and PI Ltd. In 1982, Gunter was instrumental in founding the Heavy Equipment Rental Association of Manitoba (H.E.R.A.M.) and was a 20 year Charter Member. Gunter served as President of H.E.R.A.M. from 1988 to 1989 and was very enthusiastic when H.E.R.A.M. instituted the Heavy Equipment Operators Training Program during Jay Knyshs term as President. Through PI Ltd. and M & H Ltd. Gunter was also a member of the Wpg. Const. Assoc. and the Independent Dump Truck Assoc. of MB. Gunter would not hesitate to tell everyone that the greatest achievement of his life was his happy, 27 year marriage to Arlene. Together, Gunter and Arlene had the great joy and privilege of watching Marissa and Stefan grow into wonderful, young adults. These two have both achieved more, in their youth, than either of their parents could ever have imagined. Each of his unique children, not the least of who was his "adopted" son, Quentin, gave Gunter his proudest moments. Gunters greatest joy was knowing them and watching each of ones accomplishments... even if it meant travelling far and wide over Canada for a brass performance, a band performance, a football game or whatever. Our beloved Gunter will be deeply missed by wife Arlene, daughter Marissa, son Stefan. Also surviving Gunter are: parents, Hulda and Alex and the families of his brother, Manfred and partner Mary; sister Ingrid (Russell Dyck) of Calgary; sister Helga (Jake Klassen) sister Rita (Vic Giesbrecht) brother Alvin (Angie) brother-in-law Arnie Wildeman (Romalda). Survived by 18 nieces and nephews, several aunts and uncles, numerous cousins and their families. Last, but hardly least, Gunter had many close friends. Thank you to each and every one of you for all the encouragement and support you gave to both Gunter and myself during his lengthy illness. Gunter appreciated each moment, each kind word, each gift, no matter how insignificant. A very heartfelt thank you goes out to our friend Ron Wally, for his dedication, generosity and "real" friendship. A special thank you goes out to each member of the staff at the St. Boniface Cancer Research Centre, especially Cathy, Dawn, Bonnie and Dr. Ralph Wong. Without you, Gunter would not have been able to continue living comfortably in those last few weeks. Gunter was truly grateful for every moment he had visiting our sunroom at home with his dog, Benny and his cat, Max and his close friends or working in his office at PI Ltd. Celebration of Gunters life: 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 28 at Grace Lutheran Church, 211 Kimberly Ave. Pastor Paul Gehrs officiating. Cremation has taken place. A private interment will take place at a future date. Flowers are respectfully declined. Instead please direct your donations, on Gunters behalf, to CancerCare MB, St. Boniface Unit, 409 Tache Ave., Wpg. It is our hope that research will find some better answers for the type of cancer that claimed our Gunters life. Ironically, Gunters cancer was not smoking related. Arrangements entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM 220 Hespeler Ave. @ Henderson Hwy. 668-3151

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2004