Sept. 3, 1930 – Nov. 26, 2022.
It is with sadness that we announce the death of Donald Peter Gunn. Predeceased by his brother David Gunn, Donald leaves behind wife Mona, sons Kevin and Roger, and nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Born in Vancouver, Don was raised in Wells, B.C. next to historic Barkerville. It was here where he got a start in the mining industry working at the family’s placer operation.
Being a natural athlete, Don taught himself (with input from the local Norwegian community!) how to ski the old-fashioned way, by trudging up the area’s hills and mountains. At the end of high school, he was winning competitions in downhill racing and ski jumping.
After completing Grade 13 in Prince George, he found himself drawn to a career in mining, working at various locations, including Canex in Salmo, where he met his future wife. Flying lessons were also part of the program, and Don eventually obtained his private pilot’s licence.
Britannia Beach was the next stop, where the family lived from 1965 to 1979, until finally relocating to Squamish.
Don’s passions included hiking, skiing and any racquet sport. He picked up his first squash racquet at the age of 52 and never looked back, eventually winning tournaments in his age category and attending World Masters tourneys in Portland, Melbourne and Birmingham.
Don helped convey his love of the sport by coaching a juniors’ program at the squash club. Dad was also involved in coaching ladies softball for many years, mainly with the team from Britannia Beach, which eventually became the Chieftain Bluejays.
When not helping to coach league games, Don and the family logged many miles travelling with the team to tournaments played from Lillooet to Hope, and many locations in between.
In their post-retirement years, Don and Mona enjoyed travelling the province and the Pacific Northwest in their camper.
Don had a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh. He created ties in whatever community he lived and believed the greatest connections were made through the friendly competition and camaraderie found through participating in sports.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Alzheimer’s Society or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
