Harald GUNDERSON

"Warm summer sun,
shine kindly here.
Warm southern wind,
blow softly here.
Green sod above,
lie light, lie light,
Good night dear heart,
good night, good night."
GUNDERSON, Harald L.
1929 - 2012
Harald Gunderson, of Calgary, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at the age of 83. He was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on June 18, 1929. Besides Shirley, his loving wife of sixty-three years, Harald is survived by his four children: Eric (Nicola), Lee (Louise), Laurie Watson and Cori (Brent) Paul; grandchildren: Brent, Kristopher, Trevor, James, David, Cierra, Charles, Aidan, Raine and Kindred; and eight great-grandchildren, as well as numerous other relatives and a multitude of close friends. He was predeceased by his parents Mary (Edwards) Cooil; father Oscar F. Gunderson, stepfather Harold Cooil, brothers George and Oscar (Bud) and sisters Eleanor and Gloria. Harald was a man who wore many hats. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1948 and served as Officer Commanding of the South Alberta Light Horse C Squadron (Armoured Corps) Bow Island (Militia) and later the 19th Medium Artillery, Calgary. He was a Canadian Pacific Railway brakeman, worked in the trucking and insurance businesses before writing became his passion. He was editor of The Bow Island Graphic, a journalist with The Medicine Hat News, The Albertan and The Calgary Herald. He was founding publisher of The Limousin Leader, World of Beef, Canadian Funeral News, Network magazine Canadian Emergency Services News, and was publisher/editor of Gunderson Funeral Journal. He authored provincial history books on funeral service in British Columbia, Alberta, Atlantic Canada and Manitoba, as well as the Limousin cattle breed in Canada, and pro-rodeo legend Herman Linder. He operated a public relations firm; served as a trustee and Chair of the Calgary Board of Education; as President of the Alberta School Board Association and Vice-President of the Canadian School Board Association; taught public relations and journalism at Mount Royal University (formerly College). Harald was an Honourary Member of the Calgary Naval Veterans Association, Alberta School Board Association, Canadian School Board Association, Funeral Service Association of British Columbia, Alberta Funeral Service Association. He was also a 63-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 285, the Sons of Norway and the Torske Klubben "Cod Club". He received special tributes from the Ontario Funeral Service Association, the Canadian Funeral Service Association and the Canadian Limousin Association. Harald was a recipient of the Governor General's Medal for Community Service. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERAL HOME on Sunday, September 2, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. A celebration of Harald's rich and remarkable life and his many contributions to his family, community and a number of professional associations will be held on Monday, September 3, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour (8831 Fairmount Drive S.E., Calgary). Graveside committal will follow in the Field of Honour, Mountain View Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations in Harald's memory may be made directly to The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour (8831 Fairmount Drive S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 0Z4). Email condolences to mountainview@arbormemorial.com Subject: Harald Gunderson. Arrangements entrusted to MOUNTAIN VIEW MEMORIAL GARDENS and FUNERAL HOME, 1605 - 100 Street S.E. (17 Avenue S.E. at Garden Road), Calgary, AB T1X 0L4. Telephone: 403-272-5555. www.mountainviewmemorial.ca