Dr. Gunter Mensch

April 20, 1926 – June 3, 2011

Dr. Gunter Mensch, 85, quietly passed away in his sleep in the early morning of Friday, June 3, 2011, after a determined struggle with ongoing health issues.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Gertrude Mensch; daughter and son-in-law, Ursula and Harry Pelissero; grandson Adam Pelissero; brother, Peter, of Koln, Germany; and sister-in-law, Heidi Botzke of Batavia, Ohio. He will be profoundly missed.

Born in Leipzig, Germany, and uprooted by the war as a teenager, Gunter brought his family to Canada in 1955, to offer them a safe and secure life. Working at Stelco, he saved and was able to build a home in which he and Gertrude raised their daughter, and lived until his passing.

At age 36, he went to university and, with the help of his ever-supportive Gertrude, graduated from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry, with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the age of 42. His successful dental practice was located on the Hamilton Mountain.

Ever mindful of the opportunities and blessings Canada had afforded to him and his family, he wanted to give back to society. As a Charter Member of the Hamilton Mountain Rotary Club, he found his chance to serve by actively volunteering, traveling to numerous International Rotary Conventions and using his questionable wit to write the monthly newsletter. It was a proud day when he became a Paul Harris Fellow.

Gunter’s primary focus and joy in life was his family. In addition, he was an avid sailor, scuba diver, photographer, football fan, lover of classical music and was “chosen / owned” by several superior cats over the years.

In keeping with Gunter’s request, cremation has taken place. His family will receive friends for visitation at the Cresmount Upper James Chapel, 1020 Upper James St. on Tuesday June 7 from 7-9 p.m. A celebration of his life will take place at the chapel on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 1p.m . As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Hamilton Mountain Rotary Club or the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, would be appreciated by the family.