Ross Emil (Bing) Gunnarsen
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.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kamloops Community Living Society or RIH Foundation for ICU.
We are so sorry to learn of Bing’s passing. We had many laughs and joke exchanges with Bing when he and Bernice lived on Richmond. When he had his hip replacement done he used to walk up and down the alley behind our house. Our house is the last one in the alley – his house was the first and every trip he made, he’d wave usually with some comment. He’ll be dearly missed. We’re away at the moment and won’t be able to attend his service.
Our condolences to the entire Gunnarsen family and Marlene. We’ll miss him as a great neighbour and a true gentleman. Conversations with Bing usualy included a wee bit of humour. We’ll miss that also.
It is with sadness that we send our condolences to Marlene and the Gunnarsen family. I was raised in Revelstoke and Bing was a big part of my High School Years. He was a dear friend to myself as well as my Mother and Father. After I left Revelstoke, Bing would still spend time at our home drinking coffee and talking to my Mom (Dodie Connolly.) It meant a lot to her.
He leaves a legacy of good times. We will miss his jokes and friendly emails.
Our condolences To to the Gunnarsen Family and Marlene.
We were members of the Juniper Sam Chapter,Bing And Bernice were very active members and a pleasure to have around. Sorry we are unable to attend the service, will have him in our prayers.
My sincere condolences to the Gunnarsen family and Marlene. Bing was a very generous and kind man, and a devoted father. He will be missed by family and friends.
We are Marlene’s cousin’s.Even though we have not had the chance to meet your Dad,we heard so much about him from Marlene.
We are very sorry to hear of his passing.
On Sat. when we go to mass we will remember your Dad in our prayers.
Dear Marlene & Gunnarsen family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Bing was such a wonderful person and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. I was heartbroken to hear the news, and I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I will fondly remember Bing for his fun loving spirit and silly sense of humour.
There is a great void to be filled by Bing’s passing, but I know the outpouring of sympathy you have received since his parting has been of some consolation. Hopefully it will serve as a reminder to you of how well-loved and liked he was.
Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
Doreen
Dear Leanne and the Gunnarsen Family
I had the privilege of meeting Bing through my work at KSCL. I found him to be a kind, caring, generous man and a dedicated parent. I fondly remember his quick wit and wonderful sense of humour- having many days blessed by one of his entertaining stories.
I was so sad to hear of his passing, he was a great man and will be truly missed.
Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
~Author Unknown
You are in my Prayers
Deb