BING GUNNARSEN
January 27, 1941 to January 8, 2012
Ross Emil Gunnarsen, known by all friends and family as Bing, passed away peacefully in Kamloops at the age of 70 on January 8, 2012 after a short, courageous battle with cancer. He will be fondly remembered by many for his wonderful humour and caring nature. We rest easy knowing that he is off telling one of his many jokes with great finesse in heaven.
After moving countless times with his family for career purposes, Bing finally settled in Kamloops in 1974. Although Kamloops was his home, he maintained strong ties to his birthplace of Revelstoke, BC. Born on January 27, 1941 to Gunnar and Louise Gunnarsen (deceased), and married to Bernice (deceased) in 1964, Bing is survived by daughters Leanne (in home care) and Lesley (Richard) Sakaki, grandchildren Ryan and Kristen, brothers Jim and Sandy, sister-in-law Lorna Hutchinson, and brother-in-law Art Olson. He is also survived by his cherished life partner Marlene Gizikoff.
Bing will be remembered as the best dad ever, a kind and generous life partner, a dependable and considerate brother, a loyal and caring friend, a wise and professional financial planner, and an outstanding golfer and lawn bowler. In his younger days, he was an active member of the Kamloops Central Lions Club and the Elks, and volunteered with North Shore Community Policing. He was president numerous times for Riverside Lawn Bowling Club and he enjoyed many BC campsites with Bernice and his Juniper Good Sam’s friends. While his interests also included fly-fishing and of course the Kamloops Blazers, his greatest life-long passion was by far golfing. He had very fond memories of the golf trips he took with Jim and Sandy to the States, as well as the sun-filled holidays he took with Marlene in the past few years. Whenever he was in Surrey visiting his grandchildren, he proudly cheered them on at many soccer fields, ball diamonds, and hockey arenas. And, his favourite Monday afternoon activity for many years was bowling with Leanne at Bowlertime.
A service in remembrance will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 2481 Sunset Dr. Kamloops, BC on Saturday January 21, 2012 at 1:00 pm with reception following. Pastor David Schumacher officiating.
We wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional support he received from the nurses and doctors at RIH.
Arrangements in care of Schoenings Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kamloops Community Living Society or RIH Foundation for ICU.
Internet condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com.