Guenter Alwin Max Klinkow

Guenter passed away peacefully in his 90th year at the Richmond Hospice. He was predeceased by his loving wife Sedora and brother Lothar. Survived by son Mark and wife Jacklynn. Member of the Shriners and Melrose Lodge.

Guenter was born in Recklinghausen, Germany. As a late teenager, Guenter loved flying, including acrobatic biplanes. He was also an avid athlete, playing European handball and soccer, the latter which he continued to play through the Alpen club in Vancouver during his early 30’s.

His initial work experience in Europe was in the chemical industry in a logistics and transportation role. There he managed a fleet of trucks and drivers and enjoyed developing efficient systems of shipments and vehicle flows. He loved working with people and this passion continued throughout his career.

Guenter immigrated to Canada in 1955 and became a citizen in 1960. He was a proud Canadian and advanced his English language skills through the YMCA/YWCA, where he met Sedora. As a Canadian, he loved watching hockey on TV and was fortunate to attend several games in the Canucks inaugural season.

He was a true gentleman, kind and a man of integrity. Those who knew him in business were aware of his credo that his word was his bond. His handshake simply reinforced his honor. Guenter had a strong work ethic but also recognized the importance of time with his family. He loved to laugh and others found his laugh contagious. He found British comedy particularly entertaining.

In Vancouver Guenter’s career was in the ocean-going shipping industry, working first as a shipping agent with various global companies and concluding with 18 years of service at Neptune Terminals in North Vancouver. For several years thereafter he ran a home-based consulting practice. Many of his clients were from Asia, especially Japan, and he enjoyed remarkable long-term relationships and friendships.

In his spare time, he loved working with his hands and in particular, carpentry and landscaping. He also loved music, including jazz, gospel and symphonic pops. Guenter also loved to dance with Sedora and it seemed he was a partner in great demand given his smooth style whenever on the dance floor at Harrison Hot Springs.

Following Sedora’s struggle with cancer in 1998 Guenter became her primary caregiver for 10 years. They were together for over 50 years and remained deeply in love.

Guenter’s family wishes to thank all those involved in helping and caring for him over the past year as he bravely and courageously battled melanoma. He remained a strong fighter to the very end, at all times with a positive attitude. There were so many people that made him comfortable and cherished. This amazing group of dedicated individuals included Dr. Kim Barnett, the staff at Gilmore Gardens, Volunteer Richmond including Pamela and Eric, Ron Oh and Kai Kan of Vancouver Coastal Health, Dr. Graeme Duncan and Dr. Michael Mamacos of the BC Cancer Agency, Marta and her team at West Coast Care On Call including Rosalie, Maricelle, Melany and Perla, Guenter’s dearest and longest serving caregiver Dayanara, the ER and palliative teams at Richmond Hospital including Dr. Hudson, Nurses Chris and Doreen, Dr. Alexiadis as well as Dr. Sharma, Jane, and all the nurses and team at the Salvation Army Rotary Hospice in Richmond where Guenter ended his life in peace and with dignity and grace.

Guenter’s family also want to especially acknowledge the long and outstanding care provided by Dr. Robert McKenzie and his team at the Westminster Medical Clinic in Richmond. To say that Dr. McKenzie is an amazingly dedicated and caring physician is an understatement. Both Sedora and Guenter were blessed to have Robert in their lives. He went above and beyond the expectations of a doctor in today’s world; this included home visits, regular contact with family, accessibility and simply a good nature and high level of compassion. Guenter’s quality of life was made the best possible due to Dr. McKenzie with whom he shared a similar sense of humor and a laugh at every visit. Our family is forever indebted to Robert.

A private service for family and friends will be held in June. Donations in lieu of flowers would be appreciated in respect of the Canadian Cancer Society – B.C. & Yukon Division.