Gunter Pauly

Günter was born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, where he began his apprenticeship in 1948 as a sign painter.

He later worked in a machine shop, developing technical and practical skills that would define much of his working life.

While living in Frankfurt, he met Anna Reichenbach, and they were married in February 1958.

Later that year In May, Günter and Anna emigrated to Canada, landing at Montreal before settling in Ottawa.

He continued his trade as a sign painter, drafting and painting neon signs.

In 1960, he opened his own business, “Pauly Signs”, designing and painting many well-known signs throughout the Ottawa area.

After three years, he closed the shop and went to work at the aerospace company Sperry Gyroscope (later part of Honeywell Aerospace), first as a silkscreen printer and later as an Instrument Technician, working on navigation instruments for the military, found in Hercules planes, helicopters and submarines.

Günter and Anna separated in 1970 and in 1982, he met Monique Demers, who became his loving partner and companion.

Günter had a deep love for life, adventure, and the outdoors. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, skiing, and spending time on the water aboard his boat, “Sophia.”

A passionate motorcyclist, he continued riding well into his late 80s and was a proud member of the “Old Bastards” motorcycle club, where he rarely missed a Sunday breakfast with his group of friends.

Günter was predeceased by his first wife, Anna (2021), and by his partner, Monique (1999).

He is survived by his son, Aron (Marlene), their children Emma Pauly and Dylan Pauly; son Robert (Susan) and their children Shannon Pauly (Matt), and Justine Pauly (Rahim); his extended family, Don and Ginette Goneau, Sylvie Demers and her children Léa and Samuel, Luc Goneau (Brittany), and Daniel Goneau (Véronique).

He will be remembered for his independence, craftsmanship, adventurous spirit, kindness and love for family and friends.

A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date.