Obituary of GUNTER WILHELM DELFING

GUNTER WILHELM DELFING

It is with sad hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Gunter Wilhelm Delfing. On January 21st, 2019 surrounded by loved ones Gunter left peacefully to join parents Peter and Aurelia, first wife Nellie, second wife Ursula, and brothers Egon and Hugo.

He leaves behind his children Chris (Tom), Rita (Nick), sisters Anita (Gerhard), Helga (Soren), stepchildren Cindy (Gregg), Connie, and Craig (Sandy). Grandchildren Caitlyn, Matthew, Katherine (Steph) Colin, Ryan, Alex, Tyler and Drake. Sisters-in-laws Gisela (Egon), Vera (Hugo) and many nieces and nephews. Gunter also leaves behind his sweetheart Gertrude and many good friends.

Gunter was born in Mayen Germany on August 2 1935. Middle child of five. He was the youngest brother of three, with twin sisters to look after. Growing up during difficult times they moved around the country as necessary before migrating to Canada. 

Carrying on the passion for soccer he'd had in Germany he continued playing for the Germania Kickers along with his brother Hugo. He loved the outdoors, travelling Manitoba and Ontario. In his early years he enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting. Graduating from tent, to trailer and then to the cabin he built in Manigotagan with the help and support of Nellie. He continued to enjoy many years there with family and friends. He became an avid bird enthusiast, watching from the window as they fed on his many feeders. Except for those darn crows...those he chased away with his slingshot. He enjoyed travel, returning to Germany, visiting his sister in Denmark, the other in BC and winter getaways with Ursula.  After parting from Manigotagan he found another outdoor pastime in gardening and enjoyed looking out at the lovely flowers from his sun room, all the while waiting for the chickadees (his favorites) to find a home in his yard. And yes, he was still chasing away the crows. He even managed to fit a little farming in from time to time by helping his friend Bernie dig up POUNDS of potatoes. 

As a young man he worked different jobs, at Swifts as a meat packer, a Barber, and finally settled in the trade of construction as a drywaller for Advance Construction. He did this for most of his life. Funny enough, in his retirement years Gunter went back to the business of meats helping out his good friend Lorenz at Ellice Meat Market. He was a hard worker, strong and a man of many skills. If something needed fixing he could figure it out.

Gunter was lucky to have had three special women in his life. His first wife Nellie with whom he started a life, working hard to achieve and move forward. Together they had two daughters, but too soon in 1981 Nellie predeceased him. He was fortunate to meet Ursula, with whom he spent many fulfilling adventurous years,and through her gained a second family that included three children. Ursula was his introduction to the German Choir where he sang bass. He had a wonderful voice. Here he made many more lasting friendships and shared many happy times. It was in 2013 that he lost his beloved Ursula. His loneliness was tempered by his special friends Lorenz and Brunhilde.  And then he struck gold...in his last years Gertrude has been his dear companion, introducing him to the occasional evening out at the Legion and re-sparking his interest in Hockey, and lets not forget the Costco shopping trips.  

He was a fortunate and well loved man. 

Gunter had a full rich life that he loved. 

He will be missed by us all. 

Please join us in celebrating his life on Monday January 28 at 2:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.

 In lieu of flowers, donations to the MS society of Canada are appreciated.