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Gunnar Blanke Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gunnar Blanke
Sponsored by friends, J&CW.
Rich Golish
March 29, 2025
Gunnar. Still think about you all the time!
Rich Golish
March 29, 2024
Gunnar. You are still in my thoughts. Still talk about you often.
Rich Golish
March 30, 2022
Hey Gun,
Still think about you all the time. Jim Levy and I had a chat about you yesterday.
Tom BAHL
March 29, 2022
Soar on my friend updrafts abound.
Tom Feliu
March 29, 2022
Not a year goes by that I don´t share several tales of Gunnar Blanke with people who never even knew you. Your light, wit, and wisdom lives on.
Tom Bahl
March 29, 2021
It's been a while and in the meantime we've had another election.......surely God has plenty of mud now......Rest on my friend.....
Christine Pizio
February 6, 2021
Gunnar, I am David Pizio's wife, Christine. I never met you, but I visited your home with David after you passed. I could always tell how much David respected you when he spoke of you. David too has passed, and as I come up on the 4th anniversary of his passing (Feb, 8th) along with prior anniversaries I always seem to remember you and Rose and I wonder how she is doing with your loss. I hope you and David have found each other and are reminiscing about the industry that you both loved so much. God Bless
Rich Golish
March 29, 2020
Gunnar, Wonder how you would have handled the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cindy & Steve Merlyn-Machado
May 11, 2019
Gunnar, We did not know you personally but I know how much you meant to your little sister Tana. She was kind enough to take us to school each day in her VW bug.
Tom Bahl
April 1, 2019
Gunnar when i think of you I still am reminded of the day of creation when there wasn't enough mud..... We lose our friends but our creator was kind enough to give us memories.
TL Blanke-Allen
March 31, 2019
Gunnar, Today you'd be excited by all the new tech gadgets,
you'd say "ugh" to politics, you'd be looking for the next thermal,
and you'd be surprised by the number of people who still miss you.
Glide on Big Brother.
Tom Feliu
March 30, 2019
Still a soaring presence in so many wonderful memories. Fly on.
Rich Golish
March 29, 2019
Gunnar. Still have you in my thoughts.
TL Blanke-Allen
March 30, 2018
Ten years gone and still remembering the good times, look out for lightening bolts. Keep soaring. Love LS
TL Blanke-Allen
September 22, 2017
Another birthday without you, September 23, happy 71st.
Carolyn and Jerry Whitlock
April 1, 2017
Miss you, Gunnar!
TL Blanke-Allen
March 31, 2017
Your Remembrance Day. RIP
TL Blanke-Allen
September 23, 2016
September 23, 1946.
#70, Happy Birthday Gunnar.
Keep soaring.
TL. Blanke-Allen
March 31, 2016
March 31, the day you left, rest in peace.
TL. Blanke-Allen
September 22, 2015
Gunnar, Remembering you on what would have been your 69th Birthday. You are missed. Your LS.
TL. Blanke-Allen
March 31, 2015
Gunnar, there are so many funny things I could tell you but can't. I still miss you. Your, LS
October 1, 2014
HI Gun,
Didn't know you had the same birthday as my Mom.
R.Golish
TL. Blanke-Allen
September 23, 2014
Gunnar, another birthday, another candle. Missing you as always. Your, LS
TL. Blanke - Allen
March 31, 2014
Gunnar, you are missed each day.
Carolyn Whitlock
September 24, 2013
J & CW missing you but your smiles are forever! I will always remember Long's Peak from the glider cockpit. Also having you and Rose by my side when I needed you! Life continues to enrich us because of you, putting us first! Taken too soon!
T.L. Blanke-Allen
September 23, 2013
September 23, 2013. Happy Birthday! Remembering you with a smile and a tear. Your, LS
Gunnar taking off in Manhattan Ks.
T.L. Blanke-Allen
September 23, 2013
T.L. Blanke-Allen
March 30, 2013
Five years gone, but not forgotten.
Rick Shipley
November 16, 2012
Gunnar, you were a friend, a colleague, a mentor in the TV business. Always smiling, always willing to share your wealth of knowledge. You touched my life like so many others with your positive attitude and your willingness to take on any challenge and make beautiful pictures as a result. Thanks for your life and blessings to your family. You are still missed on this earth today.
September 24, 2012
Hey Gun,
Still think about you all the time.
T.L. Blanke-Allen
September 23, 2012
Happy 66th. Sorry there was never going to be enough time. Keep flying Gunnar. Your LS.
T.L. Blanke-Allen
March 31, 2012
Thinking about the past and remembering all the laughs. You would write my name 3 times, then draw lines through the names and tell me how you were taking me off your list. Or you would make me sit in the back seat of the car so people wouldn't think we were together...in a VW Bug! Really? Keep flying Big Brother. Love, your LS
T.L. Blanke-Allen
September 22, 2011
For your 65th you will be gliding on YouTube. Keep soaring Big Brother. Love, your LS.
TL Blanke-Allen
April 1, 2011
Is the chain of forgetfulness getting longer or shorter? Carry on soaring Big Brother. Love, LS
J&CW Whitlock
September 24, 2010
Memories...We miss us -- we will never lose you.
T.L. Blanke-Allen
September 23, 2010
Today would have been Gunnar's 64th birthday. I think about him everyday. Keep soaring Big Brother. Love, your LS.
Richard Golish
April 1, 2010
Gunnar still thinking about every time I set up the jib.
C W
April 1, 2010
Thanks, friend, for safe landings and for being my best friend's best friend and for being front and center when called upon. That look at Long's Peak the glider took us to is forever, as are you, forever friend.
TL Blanke-Allen
March 31, 2010
Gunnar, another year passes and the world is still not the same without you. Keep flying. Love, your LS.
Jeffrey Wainscott
January 30, 2010
I'm in total shock to read this. It's been more than 40 years since I've seen my best friend from grade school in Atchison. We'd lost track since he was an usher in my wedding in 1968, and I thought it about time to look him up. I'm deeply saddened that I will never get a chance to catch up and relive the memories - the "valley bed" on the sleeping porch, our incredible canoe trip to Canada driving up there in his grandfather's Cadillac, that amazing smile, and so many, many more. I can't believe I let it go so long without trying to find him. I am so, so sorry.
Jeff Wainscott
TL Blanke-Allen
September 23, 2009
Gosh Gunnar, another birthday without you. It doesn't seem possible. Still missing you. Keep on soaring. Love, your LS.
May 30, 2009
Just did a shoot with Tom Feliu in Kansas City. Gunnar was a big part of our lives and we talked about him all during the shoot.
Michael Conti
May 28, 2009
As his assistant on a few shoots, I still vividly recall that old challenge of keeping slack in the cable between the record deck and the Beta SP camera in Gunnar's solid hands. He was a Bear of a man. His Cub will miss him.
Richard Golish
April 7, 2009
It's been just past a year and Gunnar remains a part of out lives. Last week at the end of a big Food Network shoot, Laz gathered the crew of about 14 people together to to toast and remember Gunnar Blanke. Love you, Man...
T.L. Blanke-Allen
March 31, 2009
While driving to work today the radio was playing the theme from "Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines", I looked up at your picture, Two Gunnars in the Sky....smiled and thought "how appropriate". As I post this note, the tears are beginning to flow. Gunnar, we miss you. I miss you, your LS.
You see part of the man behind the rig that made him famous...
Rich Raney
January 28, 2009
Truly one of the finest souls to traverse the universe.. he touched many leaving a legacy few will equal. Sorely missed - but never forgotten....
judith kuper (sweney)
November 4, 2008
Gunnar, i remember when you lived next door in McCook.Tana, my deepest sympathies...he was quite a guy. sincerely, judy kuper
T.L. Allen
September 23, 2008
Happy Birthday Gunnar. 62 years was not enough. I shall miss you forever. Love, your LS
Katy James
May 9, 2008
It was an honor to have known him. He made me laugh.
Jeff Kelty
May 9, 2008
Gunnar was the kind of guy you liked as soon as you met him. He had that effect on a lot of people. He was a hard working consummate professional who was always fun to be around. He'll be greatly missed. Condolences to Rose and Family
Stuart Keene
May 8, 2008
Almost 30 years ago, I was a newcomer to the business shooting some weekend bike race at City Park for a local station and this big burly guy ambles up carrying a CP-16 newsfilm camera from Ch.4, with this big, friendly smile and affable manner and strikes up a conversation. Our lives have intertwined since, both on jobs and off, and it’s left the greatest of memories. Here’s to ya, Gunnar! You left the hugest of impacts on the hugest amount of people. You were loved and your big, affable presence will be sorely missed.
Kit Lammers
May 8, 2008
I remember meeting Gunnar for the first time when I was a student at Metro State College while he was working on a film. He always had time to answer a question and he will be missed.
Scott Sheriff
May 7, 2008
Sad to hear about Gunnar. A huge loss to the freelance world. I would only work with him occasionally, but he always remembered the last gig we worked on, the next time our paths crossed. Funny, talented, and just an all around good guy.
David Kintzele
May 7, 2008
I knew that this guestbook would be full, and the wonderful tributes would be rolling in. I never met anyone who didn't like Gunnar. Everything everyone has been saying about Gunnar is true---that he was friendly, humorous, helpful, talented. But when we were visiting our dying mothers in separate nursing homes, we compared notes often and felt a special bond. I am going to miss you terribly, Gunnar. Sail on, brother.
Doug & Janie Houston
May 4, 2008
For over 28 years I had the pleasure of working with Gunnar on countless broadcast remotes and as pilots we shared the love of soaring the rockies. Gunnar was the best. Our deepest condolences to Rose.
Charles Maldonado
May 2, 2008
Warm, calm yet expressive, talanted, professional, and “you’re in my shot” are some of the words that come to mind when I think of this gentle man. Between the field producing, which in many cases was needed, to helping a handheld or hard camera operator trouble shoot, he completed the circle in all the remotes I’ve worked--with him. He always asked “how are you doing” and now I ask that he, our angel, look after us, as we think of him and carry him in our hearts and memory. It is hard to believe that he is gone—yet he will live on—in and through all of us. Adios mi gran hermano.
Louis Westfall
April 24, 2008
Gunnar was (and will always be) my uncle. While I am still personally reeling at this loss, it has been comforting to read everyone's beautiful expressions. He was a mountain of a man in every way imaginable. I have many fond memories: working on an animation shoot in his basement, chasing him up and down the sidelines of a WAC football game carrying his equipment, and the many phone conversations about his numerous projects and travels. I will definitely carry his memory with the deepest of affections and he will always be an inspiration to me.
I would like to thank each and every one who has contributed to this guest book.
stephanie two eagles
April 20, 2008
*what a loss -- but how lucky we've been to have had such a talented and generous man a part of our film family.... from my heart, my condolences....
Daniel Bourgeois
April 18, 2008
I have flown gliders with Gunnar over the last 4 years, since I moved to Colorado.
One spring day 3 years ago, I was planning an attempt to earn my 'silver badge'; awarded for a flight to a point 50km away from the start of the flight. I had one nagging concern: I didn't have anyone to to come get me if I didn't make it back to my home airport.
Over walks Gunnar.
He asks what my goal for the day is, I tell him the course I'm thinking of. He gives some advice, ending with, "Great, call me if you land out, I'll come and get you."
I completed my declared task, but didn't make the return flight to Boulder. Gunnar drove my car w/ trailer up to Ft. Collins, we disassembled my ship, and had it back home in Boulder by 8:00.
Gunnar submitted my paperwork and I received my badge the next month.
I'd never be where I was without Gunnar, and I'll never forget it. From these posts I realize he was a friend and a teacher to all of us, and he will be missed greatly.
Kerry Deignan Roy
April 17, 2008
I can remember a time when a colleague took ill at the last moment and I was thrown into directing a multi-camera shoot - for which I was completely unprepared. As soon as I realized Gunnar was on the crew, I knew it was in the bag. He made all of us look good - all of the time. Gunnar was an icon in our community and his talents and smile will be greatly missed.
Kate Goldsworthy
April 17, 2008
I will never forget how friendly and helpful Gunnar was when I first got into the business in Denver. Always smiling and happy and a joy to be around. I worked with him last summer in Aspen after many years and it was as though we'd just seen each other the day before.
My condolences to his family and to Denver's media community. God bless.
Dan Wood
April 15, 2008
Twenty some years ago I had first started at Ch. 9. and Gunner was working at Ch. 4. We were both out on the same story. Gunner saw that his reporter was purposely getting in all my shots and he politely told her, like only Gunner could, to get the hell out of my shot. I gave him a camera battery to use because he ran out of power and we were friends from that day on. Gunner your great smile and warmth will be missed. Take care my good friend and we'll see you on the other side.
Kennneth Mizell
April 14, 2008
Gunnar was a friend and classmate and will be missed.
Duke Hartman
April 13, 2008
I have nothing but sincere appreciation and gratitude for the way Gunnar would elevate any program on which he worked. His abilities as a DP and jib operator gave every project a big, polished, national look and his contributions were significant to our success. A true professional, he graciously passed his knowledge along to everyone that was lucky to work with him. I'll miss his friendship, warmth, humor and outstanding stories. My condolences to Rose and family at such a sad time.
Mark Weiler
April 12, 2008
I first met Gunnar as a hand-held camera op for Nuggets games in 1984. He and I would sit cross-legged at opposite ends of the court for 3 hours at a stretch. I remember Lou Personett as the director would be all over me (the newbie) for my shots being too tight, too wide...all good critiques of course. BUT.. I knew I could watch Gunnar's replays in return in my viewfinder and I was always amazed at how perfect his shots were and thinking "Who IS this guy?" Lou would say "Nice, Gunnar!" and that was my cue to check out the replay! What a pro! I learned tons from Gunnar...not just from replays but also just chatting casually wherever we may have been. We shared many stories about flying and he would gesture wildly with his arms as he described his latest adventure, the whole time with a grin he couldn't let go. I am saddened to never have had the chance to soar with him. But I will never forget that grin.
You are missed, my friend.
Steve Thomas
April 11, 2008
Gunner was one of the first freelancers I ever worked with in Denver. At the end of a Nuggets game while I was coiling up cable during strike I remember this bear of a mountain man walking back and forth giving me the eye. I was working on the same cable as he walked by the third time saying only “my grandmother can coil cable faster then you” and walked off. Now I WAS intimidated and thought if I was ever to make it in Denver I had to impress people like him. Over time, I got to know Gunner and realized he was one of the hardest working, kindest, and most sincere people I had ever met. Not just by me but we will all miss Gunner, as he was a pleasure to work with and to know. I hope his spirit is gliding along in the clouds with a strong tailwind and the perfect updraft with that big grin on his face……..
Sharon (Kuhlmann) Huegel
April 11, 2008
I distinctly remember the last time that I actually saw and visited Gunnar Blanke "in the flesh." It was at our fifth year high school class reunion in 1969. Generally, Gunnar was such a quiet person in our Spanish Classroom in 1963, but he had already developed into an incredibly articulate and interesting person. Conversation at that reunion proved to me that Gunnar would go far in life. The comments from his friends and loved ones in this book indicate that Gunnar continued on just as generous and kind as I had always presumed him to be when were kids. The perception of him as a "Teddy Bear" fit the picture that I will always retain in my memories of him. May the Lord comfort his wife and other loved ones.
Loretta Polizzi
April 10, 2008
I'm speechless...
I'll miss you.
Dan Johnson
April 10, 2008
I was shocked when I heard the news... I've had the honor of knowing the quiet greatness of Gunnar for a couple of decades. He has always been a man that touched many lives and shared his knowledge freeley. He shared his love of flying and always had a story to tell of his many adventures. He had a way of making the most gruling shoots bareable and even fun! His departure has left a hole in this community that will never be filled. My most sincere condolences to Rose and family. Happy soaring my friend...
Stefan Brodsky
April 10, 2008
From commercial TV news, to Public TV, to national cable sports, I've worked with Gunnar at all levels. He knew the drill, and made sure you knew the drill, but by all means, you had better be prepared to laugh along the way.
All of us will miss him.
Hans Ulrich Maerki
April 10, 2008
I have only the fondest memories of Gunnar when we both went to McCook Senior High in Nebraska, in 1963/64. I was the Schools first foreign exchange student with a funny Swiss/German name and I kidded Gunnar all the time that he was probably the most 'European' among all my friends at school. Not only by virtue of his name but demonstrated through his interest as to what the world was like outside of the US. I will keep him in my memories just like that.
Dave Zur
April 10, 2008
Gunner was a great guy to be around, always postive and enthusiastic, no matter how long or nutty the shoots were. I'll always remember his leatherman antics and easy going, hard working, farm-boy nature.
Bob Pusatory
April 10, 2008
A great person, a good friend and a very talented professional. I'll miss him.
Peace, Gunnar.
Sam Allen
April 9, 2008
I will miss Gunner not only as a co-worker, but also as a friend. I have been blessed to have worked with him on a variety of projects over the years and I have always admired his talent and his love for people. I am sure his soaring now is amazing.
My condolences to Rose and family
Neil and Betty Wold
April 9, 2008
Gunnar was a good friend and great to fly with! We'll miss him.
George Panagos
April 9, 2008
Anytime I hired Gunnar I never had to worry about a thing. He is one of the classiest guys I have ever met and will leave a lasting impression on me forever. His Jib moves were butter and he would always go that extra mile to get the shot. Denver has truly lost one of the greats from our production community. I am really going to miss him.
Tom Miller
April 9, 2008
Gunnar has been an icon in the Denver film and video industry forever it seems. His sweet smile and generous spirit are part of what makes this community great. He will be missed by all.
Jim Bergstedt
April 9, 2008
Gunnar was always a breath of fresh air on the set ... when you found out Gunnar was going to be there, you knew it was going to be fun! From 30 years ago running on news stories for competing TV News Stations, through the years working together on Music Link Videos, to the current Metro Beat Student Voices series - Gunnar's welcoming smile, dry humor and teddy bear countenance created an ambiance of warmth and camaraderie that will be sorely missed. My condolences to family and friends.
Jeffrey Gruber
April 9, 2008
I've know Gunnar for many years since I started in the business at KUSA in the studios on Bannock Street. I've never met a person in this business with his kind of touch with a camera and jib. He always had something great to say to make you smile during a long production, and his big smile was contageous! There just aren't that many vetrans of the industry like Gunnar, and he was one of best in Colorado. I will miss him very much, and wish the best to his family and friends.
Breck Larson
April 9, 2008
Gunnar was a great friend. He was one of the first people who hired be in the biz some 20 years ago. There was never a time we didn't share a laugh and a smile when we were working. Always a pleasure to work with "the jib master".
Tom Feliu
April 9, 2008
Gunnar was an extraordinary presence: powerful, smart, kind, with a mile wide smile and a disdain for any kind of pretense.
I met Gunnar on my very first shoot as a television producer nearly 25 years ago. He straightened me out in a hurry, and life was never quite the same. After that, we logged 10’s of thousands of miles on shoots across the country and overseas. With his extraordinary command of his craft, I always knew we would “get the shot” with him behind the lens. He was one of the very best.
He could be wickedly funny; and erudite; and a consummate storyteller. And I never had more fun working or learned more about this business than during the time I spent with Gunnar.
I am sure I’m one of a long line of people who was priviliged to get air sick as a passenger in his glider. Returning from a rough flight west of Boulder, Gunnar flipped the craft over and dove over the Flatirons, revealed to me for the first time…upside down.
I was green. Gunnar was in heaven.
He was a GREAT guy. And I am still stunned and saddened by his passing.
He will be missed, but his spirit lives on in all who knew him.
To Rose and family, my very deepest condolences.
Michael Foley
April 9, 2008
Life has many crossroads that intertwine and create a great mosaic of acquaintences. I first met Gunnar about 8 years ago at a meeting of the Lightning Data Center at St. Anthony's Hospital Then several years later I again crossed paths with Gunnar, this time at the Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade, where I am a Parade Marshal and Gunner was running the jib camera for Channel 2 televising the parade. In my brief encounters with Gunnar he was always a pleasant smiling face that greeted me warmly. Each March I looked forward to saying Hi to Gunnar at the Parade. I, and I am sure others too, wil miss that great smiling face. My sincere condolences to his family.
Nelson Goforth
April 9, 2008
I used to work with Gunnar quite a bit, but in the past decade or so only ran into him from time-to-time. It was always a pleasure to see him, though: I don't recall an instance that he was without that big smile of his.
Leticia Wood
April 9, 2008
It was a pleasure knowing Gunner. He was such a sweet and sincere man. He will be deeply missed.
Lou Ensenat
April 8, 2008
My family has known Gunnar for over 30 years, and it is very easy to say that he is the one who got me into working TV. Gunnar couldn't have been a better teacher and friend. He told all the people I met in the business that I was a "good kid." A few years later it dawned on me what a great reference that was when I saw his influence and reputation in the TV world. My favorite memory with Gunnar was shooting a commercial with Patrick Roy. We shot it first with Roy speaking English. Then Gunnar suggested he do it again in French for the French Canadiens who would see it. Seeing Gunnar give a Hockey Goalie direction on how to do a commercial in French- may be the funniest and most endearing things I have ever seen. I will miss you and your wonderful personality dearly my friend!!
Jim Levy
April 8, 2008
Thank you, Gunnar. Knowing you and working together was a joy and a blessing. My most heartfelt condolences to Rose and the family.
Ken Langford
April 8, 2008
By the time I met Gunnar on 5/10/96, I had heard his name plenty in freelance circles in Denver. But he and I hung out in a group called the Lightning Data Center. This is a study group focused on lightning and lightning safety, and Gunnar brought knowledge and footage from his many shoots with Pioneer Productions. Gunnar was always a great presence, and well loved by our group. My condolences to the family and friends who loved him as I did.
Vinny DeBart
April 8, 2008
I had the pleasure of getting to know Gunnar over a period of about 20 years. Sometimes on a KUSA shoot or a freelance job. He taught me much in that time, not just about the industry but about life. Some times months or years would go buy without seeing him but when the time came to work or just hang out with Gunnar it was a real treat. I will always remember Gunnar as a pros. pro. And just a real honest and down to earth man who always made you feel welcome.
When I took my two daughters to see the set of “un wrapped” a couple of years ago shooting was complete for the day and the crew was cleaning up. Gunnar stopped what he was doing and took a good half an hour to show the girls around. He set them up right in the same seat used by the host and shot them with the jib ..What a thrill for them and me. Thanks Gunnar and god bless you.
Tom McCoy
April 8, 2008
Gunnar Blank was my friend for 33 years and, he and Rose have been my landlord for 27 of those 33 years. I first met him when we both worked at Channel 6. He knew more about more things than anyone I've ever known. He was also the kindest person I've ever known. As I grow older, the most important trait I look for is an authentic personality. Gunnar was it. Gifted, smart, egoless; one of those rare people you feel blessed to have known...unique, memorable...and for all the right reasons. The hole in my heart is awfully big.
Mark Koebrich
April 8, 2008
Such a wonderful, friendly,talented man. Gunnar never met a stranger, always offered a smile and made hundreds of friends along the way. We all will hold his memory in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy.
Tom Bahl
April 8, 2008
Gunnar was a classmate of mine in high school I wish I had more contact with him later. I read all the entries in this book and am amazed but why not if you knew Gunnar you liked Gunnar.
Bob Whelan
April 8, 2008
To me, Gunnar was the kid who got struck by lightning atop Pikes Peak (age 13?), the adult kid who lived/breathed/flew sailplanes, and - oh yeah - who operated a camera in the 'real world.' (Not until his passing did I learn what his e-mail moniker "jibpilot' referred to.) A shocking, premature, loss...but somehow heartwarming that someone who loved life as much as Gunnar did, passed doing something he loved. May your streets never end, Gunnar!
jim adler - genesis inc
April 8, 2008
i always thought gunnar was a force, indestructible, lightening proof with a soul that ran deep ... he intensified time and seemed to see the truth wherever he looked ... g'bye gunner, thank you for being and for everything you touched, thank you to his family for lending him to us, and to his family, my heart goes out for your loss ... i just smiled, remembering the long crowded 747 flight on the way to oslo, when gunnar replied to a question of what was bringing him to norway, he declared loudly and with great pride "i'm going to shoot the ambassador"
Pete Ward
April 8, 2008
I met Gunner in the very early 90's and in one afternoon he taught me more about lighting then I ever knew before. I was impressed with his willingness to share his knowledge with me. Most people are too paranoid to be that personal and real. Gunner never lost anything by treating his workmates like friends and people. It was a delight how he enjoyed his work. I rarely saw him grumpy. But most important he seemed like he was for real, and I think that's the best attribute a person can have. There's no doubt he will be missed. Thanks for helping me out Gunner!
Hans von Michaelis
April 8, 2008
My favorite memory of Gunnar was at the Soaring Society of Boulder at the end of a hard day of club equipment maintainance (Workfest) when members stood around drinking beer and relaxing while the hamburgers cooked, all except Gunnar...he'd got towed up in his glider and was a distant speck in the sky over the Boulder Flatirons as the sun set, doing what he enjoyed most. Go well dear friend.
Mike Harrity
April 8, 2008
Gunnar was a great man to work with and I consider myself lucky to have known him personally. He was talented and kind, and left smiles on the faces of everyone around him. Nobody can replace what he brought to the production, as well as peoples lives. He will be missed.
Marci Bay
April 8, 2008
I've only been in the production business 10 years, but Gunnar was one of the first people to train, mentor and tease the heck out of me. He always had a wonderful and welcoming smile. He will be greatly missed.
David Zambrano
April 8, 2008
I first met Gunnar at KUSA and had the joy to work with him many times at the Denver Center. What a great man. He will be missed, but always remembered.
Paula Woodward
April 8, 2008
What a neat guy. We had the kind of humor where we got along. Here's to the days at 9News and to the Avalanche games at McNichols where I sat next to where you were shooting. Gunnar, you are a wonderful man, always a friend, always with a smile. What a change in Heaven as you get used to your wings.
To Gunnar's family - He was the kind of friend to me where we just picked up where we left off, with humor and glad to see each other. I wish you the best.
Paula Woodward
9News
Mitch Dickman
April 8, 2008
This is very sad news about such a good guy. I feel very fortunate to have gotten to know him over the last few years and I believe he exemplified who he was when he was so generous as to donate his time, services, jib and good spirit for our movie on Saturday March 30th. We all know he is great at what he does and it is bittersweet to continue to see the footage that he shot that day. Love and best wishes to his family.
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We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gunnar Blanke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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