Gordon Ernst Kuniss

Surrounded by his loving family, Gordon (Gotthard) Ernst Kuniss, age 88, of Vancouver, British Columbia, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2020 after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s. Gordon was born in Schwarzbach, Germany on Oct 6th, 1931 to Willi and Herta Kuniss. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen; sons, Gerry and Allan; grand-daughters, Melissa, Kimberly, Brittany and Jaymi; step-grandchildren Griffin and Aidan; daughters in-law, Deirdre, Lesley and Jennifer; step-brother Manfred (sons Daniel and Thorsten); step-sisters Karin ; and his large extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins and close friends. Predeceased by father, mother and his brother Harold.

After completing a mechanic’s apprenticeship at Mercedes Benz in Germany, Dad embarked on a journey to Canada landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1951. He made his way to the West Coast, settling in Vancouver where he met and married the love of his life Helen. Dad rarely stood still – he worked for International Harvester from 1955 to 1985 and then opened his own business, Midtown Trucking, with his workmates. After retirement from Midtown Trucking, Dad and Mom embarked on journeys around B.C. in his red truck and camper and his special getaway, Birkenhead; where he bought land and built a cabin which was to become his family’s retreat for the next 50 years.

Aside from his love for his wife and family, Dad had many lifelong passions including hunting, fishing, coaching soccer, those infamous Canuckleheads, and of course, countless hours off the grid at Birkenhead. Dad was generous, humble and kind. He always had a smile and warm greeting. He put others before himself; from fixing his son’s cars and renovating their homes; to helping his friends and assisting his neighbors; but most of all, doting on his grandchildren (who lovingly referred to him as Opa or Opie). We have all been blessed to share the many remarkable facets of Dad’s 88 years and we will miss him dearly.

Dad’s service will be held at St Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1573 East 18th Ave. at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 26th to be followed by a brief internment at Ocean View Cemetery at 4000 Imperial St Burnaby. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer's Society of BC (https://alzheimer.ca/en/bc).

A special thank- you to the many personal care givers and staff at the German Canadian Care home who treated Dad with dignity and respect for the last portion of his life.