Karen Hamilton Gunther

Karen was born on June 1, 1944, in Bolton, England, the daughter of Samuel and Joyce Jones. At the age of 3, Karen and her family emigrated to Benoni, South Africa, near Johannesburg. Karen developed a love of animals and sports from a young age; one of her greatest passions was horseback riding including competing in gymkhanas. Karen also had a great wanderlust, leaving South Africa in the late 60s to travel and work in London. Karen’s travel bug took her to Canada where she met and married John in 1968/1969. Despite establishing roots in Canada from that time, Karen made many trips back to South Africa to visit the country that she grew up in and her friends and family. Karen was especially close to her older sister, Barbara, and her brother-in-law, Anton as well as their three children.

Karen and John spent the first couple years of their marriage in Whitehorse, Yukon where they welcomed their first child to the world. In 1972, they bought acreage in South Langley, built a house and farm, and added two more children to the family. Karen and John raised their three children in Langley, immersed in country life that included generations of horses, dogs, cats and various other farm animals. Karen loved life in the country and had especially fond memories of the early days of rural Langley and Thoroughbred horse racing at Hastings (Exhibition) Park.

Karen and John’s shared love of horses led to a life concentrated around the equine world. Karen fostered a love of horses and riding in her children and put great effort into supporting the family horse endeavors including horse racing and equestrian competition taken up by her two daughters, Nicole and Tanya. After her children left the nest, Karen’s love of sport grew to include hockey and tennis, and she became an avid fan of both sports.

Dogs were another constant in Karen’s life. From taking in neighborhood strays in early childhood to caring for all the family dogs over all the decades of her life, Karen was never without a canine companion. Her latest canine love was a cockapoo named Charlie (or ‘Charlie-girl’) who will now be lovingly cared for by her granddaughter Sofia.

Remaining to cherish Karen’s memory are her children, Nicole, Tanya and John (Spud); grandchildren Sofia, Alexis and Axel; spouse John; lifelong friends Allen Payne and Donald & Marianne Winton of Langley; and numerous friends and relatives from Karen’s extended South African family including nephew Steve Vercueil and several great-nephews and nieces.

Karen was kind, generous and compassionate as well as candid, strong-willed and spirited. She was known for being able to talk to anyone and make them feel welcome and at ease with her down-to-earth demeanor and ready sense of humor. She left an impression on all who met her, and the earthly world will be less for her having passed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Karen’s name may be directed to Langley Animal Protection Society or The Endangered Wildlife Trust South Africa and/or another animal welfare charity of your choice.

A small family service will be held in September. Condolences and memories may be shared by clicking on the link “Show Your Support” at the bottom of this page.