GUNTHER, Harry - (September 17, 1936 - August 14, 2021) -
On September 17, 1936, a boy named "Harry" was born to a German couple, Adele and John Gunther, on the outskirts of Wodz, Poland. Little did anyone know at the time that this baby would go on to become a world traveler and builder of lives.
Shortly after relocating to Germany in the years following the Second World War, a 19 year old Harry set off across the Atlantic Ocean for Canada. In Montreal, he met his beautiful wife, Karin, and the young couple -- kindred spirits -- packed up their green Volkswagen Beatle (that would eventually be covered in stickers of all the cities, landmarks and sites they'd visit) and drove across the Continental United States. During these early years, they lived and worked in Los Angeles but also spent time in Mexico, Europe and Montreal, before settling in Mississauga to raise their three children.
Harry was a carpenter by trade and a natural builder and tinkerer at heart. Fixing anything mechanical and remodeling all aspects of his homes was second nature. And these talents along with the couple's inexhaustible determination soon led them to establish businesses in construction and real estate, which suited his yearning to transform houses into homes, businesses into flourishing lives, and his colleagues into so many, many friends.
Outside of work, he relished watching documentaries, spending time at the family cottage and, of course, traveling abroad. Over the last five decades, Harry and Karin visited every continent on this magnificent earth and never stopped planning trips to destinations they'd never before been.
Sadly, on August 14, 2021, at the age of 84 years young, Harry's travels came to an end.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife Karin, his son York, his daughters Kim and Stephanie, his sons-in-law Paul and Ila, his daughter-in-law Thicha, his five grandchildren, Rhys, Graham, Caedon, Casra and Stella, and so many other friends and family. He has made each and everyone one of us travelers and builders in our own right.
Public visitation will be held at Scott funeral home, Mississauga chapel from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Monday, August 23rd. A private service will follow at 12:30 p.m. Due to COVID, attendance numbers will be capped. A short burial service will follow at St. John’s Dixie Cemetery (737 Dundas St. E. Mississauga) at approximately 1:30 p.m., where all are welcome to attend. After the burial service, a reception will follow in the Willow room of St. John’s Dixie Cemetery office building.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local food bank.
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