Vernon Everett Gunter was born on May 10, 1929, on the farm at   Hillandale, SK to Roy and Cuba (Isaacs) Gunter.  Vern started his schooling at Hillandale and then after moving to the Silver Park area in 1937, he went to Windigo school. The family bought Clifford Olsen’s general store and moved into the hamlet of Silver Park where Vern continued his schooling in Pleasantdale until graduation.

Times were tough when the Gunter family moved North to this area, it was the ‘dirty thirties’ and the years of trying to farm down South had taken its toll.  Although money and food were scarce, determination and hard work ethic was strong.  The family worked hard to make a better life and Vern always had a strong work ethic.

After school, Vern went to Prince George, BC and worked in a lumber camp for a winter and loaded ships in Church Hill for a fall.  He also worked for Seismic drilling in Alberta.  When he was 50, he started working in Libya for Superior Oil Services.

However the job Vern loved most was cattle farming, it was in his blood and heart. He started with purebred Herefords and eventually would have purebred and commercial Black Angus.

Vern also had a love for horses and there was always a horse or  several roaming about, as well as most other farm animals. Vern bought the Vern Hetchler farm in 1962 and moved his family there. He farmed here at this location until he retired at the age of 92.

Vern married Margaret (Gessner) in 1956. They had six children: Faye, David, Patti, Susan, Lois and Glen.

Vern had an unwavering love of sports right from a young age until his passing. Many hours were spent with his siblings playing softball, boxing, track n’ field and curling.  He was an avid curler most of his life.  He also enjoyed watching most sports…hockey, tennis, basketball, golf and the Blue Jays.

Music was also close to Vern’s heart.  He played local dances with his guitar and beautiful singing voice.  There was always music in the house and yodeling was his specialty.

Magic was also a true love of Vern’s.  He had the brilliant mind of a mathematician and magic intrigued him.  There were always puzzles, tricks and trivia to entertain and often stump his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In 1983, Vern moved back to Silver Park and lived with his mother until her death in 2001. Vern would live an enjoyable bachelor life  until his health faltered and he could no longer live on his own.  His daughter Patti moved back home to Melfort to care for him.  They lived together for about a year. It was a loving harmonious    relationship that benefitted both greatly.

Vern moved to Parkland Place in January of 2024 until his passing on October 17.  His son Glen and granddaughter Chanell were with him often during his last days.

Vern is predeceased by his parents: Roy (Cuba) Gunter; brothers: Wayne, Mervin, Austin and Ellis (who passed away two days after Vern); sisters: Lois and Maude; daughters: Faye and Patti; sister-in-law Evange; brother-in-law Ed Williams.

Vern is survived by his children: David (Rhonda), Susan (Pat), Lois and Glen; grandchildren: Clay, Meg, Angella, Shane, Jenna, Nicola, David, Chanelle and Lexi; great grandchildren: Emmett, Brett, Ty, Ryker, Lily, Kaceyn, Izabel, Tyton, Ariannda and Hazel; sister Artis; brother Elwood (May); sisters-in-law: Betty and Marilou and numerous other relatives

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Silver Park Community Hall, Silver Park, SK. Memorial donations can be made to the Silver Park Community Hall.

Those wishing to leave condolences for the family can visit the online guestbook at www.fedusiakfuneralchapel.com.  Arrangements entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium Ltd., Melfort, SK  (306)752-3838.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Date : 2024-10-17
• Location : Silver Park, SK