Steven Mark Gunther

Steve is survived by Lisa, his wife of 46 years, his three sons, Michael (Mary), Mark (Katie) and Kevin, and his six grandchildren, Charlie, James, Jude, Adeline, Grace and Sam. Steve was predeceased by his parents, Mark and Gloria, and his brother Ron.

Steve’s childhood involved many family moves to different forest industry towns. He was born in Vancouver, but moved with his family to Nanaimo, Burnaby, Powell River, Rothesay NB, and Prince George. After taking a year off to travel the world by freighter, he met the love of his life Lisa while at UBC in the Bachelor of Commerce program. He graduated with a B.Com in Industrial Relations in 1980. Steve and Lisa married in 1980, and he followed his father’s footsteps into the forest industry with MacMillan Bloedel at Alberni Pulp and Paper. He remained a self-proclaimed “pulp mill guy” for his entire career until he retired in 2012 from Catalyst Paper.

Steve loved being outside and was constantly in motion. He spent many hours working in his garden and keeping a meticulous yard. He loved camping with the family at Rathtrevor and Miracle Beach, carving turns on the ski hill, and spending time at the Whistler cabin. To the chagrin of his boys, Steve’s idea of a Whistler getaway often meant hard work. One summer at the cabin, Steve noticed that the hillside was eroding into the lake. His solution was to gather a ton - actually 2 or 3 metric tonnes - of the biggest pieces of BC mountain granite he could carry, and bring it piece by piece, wheelbarrow by wheelbarrow, 100 feet down a steep incline to anchor the slope. Next down the hill was a pallet of 2x4s, then dozens of bags of concrete, each one mixed and poured until he triumphantly declared that “this should do the trick”. Suffice it to say, the hillside never moved another inch.

Steve loved his family deeply and was happiest spending time with Lisa and the boys. He traveled with Lisa to Hawaii, throughout Europe and the United States. He cheered on Mark’s football and other sports, and took long road trips with Michael. When Kevin took classes in the Lower Mainland, he drove him from Port Alberni and back just to spend extra time together. He cheered on the Vancouver Canucks and the BC Lions with whoever would join him. Steve loved geocaching. He spent many days exploring Vancouver Island - and traveling the world - finding geocaches and discovering unexpected places.

Although Alzheimer's started taking his memory in his late 50’s, his legendary wit and sense of humour remained nearly until the end. Most who knew Steve can share a funny comment, Dad- joke, or dry observation attributable to Steve. He was humble, kind and genuine, liked by all who knew him, and loved by his family. He will be deeply missed.

Steve’s family wishes to thank the staff at Arrowsmith Lodge for the kindness, respect, compassion, and greatest quality of care provided to Steve.