Merlin Gunther of Chilliwack passed away suddenly on January 4, 2003 at Surrey Memorial Hospital at the age of 48, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born to John and Mary Gunther of Penticton, on December 28, 1954.
Merlin is survived by his lifelong mate and wife Sandy; and his loving daughter Chelsey; his cousin Don Lundquist; and many cherished friends and family.
He was predeceased by his father John in 1975; mother Mary in 1979; and aunt Esther (Retzer) in 1999.
Merlin had a real love for Volkswagen and over his 31-year career, that began in the fall of 1972 at Beck Motor Co. in Chilliwack, he went from working in the parts department to a shareholder and a partner in Valley Autohouse, and was instrumental in the restructuring of Beck Motor Co. to a second Valley Autohouse dealership. Another one of his passions was his trips to Mexico; building sandcastles on the beach with his daughter and enjoying the sun setting on the horizon with his wife.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2003 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack; tea to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Research Society.