Gunter Janner

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Mr. Gunter Janner of Calgary, Alberta passed away at the age of 83 years.

Gunter was born in Berlin, Germany on May 5, 1941 to parents Robert and Hedwig (Heddy) Janner. Born 4 years prior to the end of WW2, early life was hard for Gunter and the family, but they persevered. In 1956, Gunter, with his parents and young sister, boarded a passenger ship, landing at the port of entry at Montreal, Quebec. Robert, Gunter’s father, had a dream of moving to Canada, so shortly after the family’s arrival, they relocated to Lethbridge, Alberta where Robert accepted previously arranged work in the farming sector.

Gunter worked hard to help his parents succeed in agriculture, until the decision was made to relocate to Calgary for better opportunities. Once there Gunter was never without a job, until he found long term employment with Goliath Tractor Service Ltd. There he received his licenses to drive all kinds of trucks, including tandem rigs, and drove them to any location. Over the years, he proudly accepted certificates of recognition from Goliath, but driving a truck was not the entirety or end of his career. Eventually, he moved into the office when he became the companies Comptroller, and worked in this position until his retirement. Young family members of Gunter’s co-workers recall how Gunter always seemed to have a special jar of cookies, hidden in his office, just for them, but secretly all who visited knew they were for him too. Everyone who knew Gunter, understood his sweet tooth and his fondness of lemon meringue pie, marzipan, angel food cake, plus a host of other “goodies”. 

Gunter had many interests and hobbies. Though driving was his first love, Gunter also loved music, and many of us remember his impressive vinyl LP collection, entertaining us with not only the Golden Oldies, but music of all genres and era’s, extending from the hits of the 40’s through to the 2000’s. His collection contained records considered rare and unusual, with many unknown artists, as well as a variety of Canadian artists who were not generally considered for the Top 10 list. Gunter loved music of all types, and we all became devoted music lovers because of his influence, and this part of him is in our hearts forever. Loving music eventually led him to entertaining others as a Disc Jockey in his spare time, playing for a wide audience at a variety of events. Because he knew his music so well, he could take any request, and play songs that were favored by the crowd for the evening. 

Gunter’s numerous hobbies also expanded into a love of photography, and eventually, use of video camera. He not only recorded or photographed every one of his daily adventures, but friends, co-workers, neighbors, family, and he memorialized his favorite cars and trucks driven, damaged or repaired. He knew his past and present photography equipment well, and could recite the entire history of the camera to anyone who asked. Since his equipment was always evolving, Gunter had many camera makes and models.... he enjoyed using them all including an old Rolleiflex and Polaroid. 

When not entertaining others, you could find him under the hood of his current car. Gunter was always buying, fixing, and selling a variety of cars and trucks, and looking for the next great “deal”. His cherry find was an old RCMP cruiser he found at an auction, but decided to sell, because he was “pulled over” too many times due to its high-speed state. He not only fully understood the mechanics of all engines, but he was very electronically savvy, and a natural at repairing them, especially when it came to vintage equipment. He was a problem solver and multitalented.

What we will remember above all else about our brother is his underlying sense of humor. He was a prankster at heart, and could tell you a tale with a straight face, only to wait for a reaction before delivering the punchline. He was not only a master at telling a story, but had his own style of reciting them, using his own special sense of timing for delivery. Dan Aykroyd would have been proud. 

His love and generosity extended beyond family and friends to his pets, especially his rather well-fed cats, which were always present. He wouldn’t leave a stray to go hungry, so all were welcomed with water and a free meal, and sometimes a home. Fish, birds, a guinea pig, and a rabbit found their way into his home, and all were appreciated and cared for. 

We thank the 4th floor staff, including Noah, Rosie, and Brad, for all they did to make our brother feel cared for and comfortable. And we give a special thanks to those in the Bistro who provided delicious meals whenever he visited. 

Gunter leaves to mourn the remaining members of his family: Edie (Bob) of Calgary; Rita (Bruce) of Red Deer; Betty (James) Calgary; his stepsons Justin (Adelaide) and Ryan (Amanda); his nephews Darin of Calgary, and Eric (Tammy) of Killam, Alberta, 5 grand nephews, 5 step grandchildren, along with numerous friends, neighbors, and former co-workers.

A funeral service will be held for Gunter at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from Pierson's Funeral Service Ltd., 4121 - 17 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta. Anyone who is interested in paying last respects to Gunter may do so prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed through this link. Interment will follow at Queen's Park Cemetery.