Victor John Guenther

Victor John Guenther of Surrey, B.C. passed away peacefully June 16, 2023, following a brief illness. He was born January 13, 1937, to John and Anna Guenther in Steinbach, Manitoba. The family moved to Abbotsford (then Clearbrook) B.C. in 1946 where his father raised livestock, grew cash vegetable crops as well as ministered in local churches and City Gospel Mission in Vancouver.

Like his father, Victor instilled in his children the value of hard work and getting a solid education. He took pride in his teaching, research and writing abilities and enjoyed keeping busy with numerous music pursuits, outdoor hobbies and sports such as golfing, skiing and hiking. Victor was particularly enthused by the B.C. Lions football team and his family recalls that he was always present to watch the team play on game days and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to watch a team practice. Victor passed on his love of music and aptitude for learning and education to his children and stepchildren as well as to the many friends and loved ones in his retirement years.

Victor enjoyed 57 years of teaching and lecturing high school, college and university students at Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, Kwantlen and Douglas Colleges. He served on several teachers’ executives and as the president of the British Columbia Adult Education Professional Association. After retirement, due to the teacher shortage in B.C., Victor also taught adults in day and night school.

In 1971 Victor completed writing a manuscript which was published by J.M. Dent, “American Investments – Development or Domination?”. This book was added to the grade 11 social studies curriculum. Much of his study centered on the 1957 report of the Gordon Royal Commission on Canada’s economic prospects and the brief to follow resulting from the Watkins task force study.

Later in life, Victor found a renewed joy and personal fulfillment with his partner of 25 years, Evelyn Cyr (Evita) in tending to their lush collection of potted plants, including roses, geraniums, hydrangeas, and a flourishing vegetable garden, which neighbours often came to admire. Maintaining health and wellness achievements throughout his life, Victor continued to focus on personal health goals through to the end of his life and whole-heartedly shared these activities and aspirations with Evita, Michelle and Franshesca.

Victor is predeceased by his parents, and brother, Allen Guenther of Fresno, California.

He is survived by Esther Guenther (Kroeker) and their two children, Leonard Guenther of Vancouver, B.C. and Cheryl (Guenther) and her husband Robert Laroche of Mukilteo Washington, his brother Harvey and wife Gloria of Abbotsford, B.C. and sister Helen and her husband Dan of Surrey, B.C. along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by grandson, Aidan Wanamaker and wife Jordan and great grand daughter, Harper Quinn Wanamaker.

Victor is survived by spouse Evita Cyr and stepdaughters, Michelle Sarah and Franshesca Kimberly.

A private viewing was held for Victor John Guenther at Dignity Memorial Fraser Heights Chapel on June 23, 2023