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
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