Gunnar Dinsdale

Celebration of life will be on Monday August 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

The family invites you all to participate to Pot Luck Lunch, which was Gunners favorite meal.

If you are able, please bring a lawn chair.

Walter George Gunnar Dinsdale passed away peacefully, March 21, 2025, with his loving wife Jewel, holding him. (Erickson Personal Care Home.) Gunnar was the first born to Walter and Lenore Dinsdale, November 23, 1948. His parents, being musicians and scholars, taught him from early on the love of music and learning which kept with him throughout his life. He had a wonderful voice, boy soprano developed into a rich baritone. He was a great asset to several bands as euphonium player: Ottawa Citadel Band, Dinsdale Band, High School Band. Music was his priority along with studies. Christmas Eve 1965 Gunnar was rushed to hospital in Ottawa, then off to Montreal Neurological. There Dr. Branch, a new surgeon performed over 24 hours of surgery on Gunnar for a mid-brain tumour wrapped around the brain stem. It was experimental, to save his life. Six months in a partial coma with family and friends by his side he was transported in a hearse by his parents to Ottawa. The last part by police escort as they were caught speeding. Who would think that of his parents? After being in hospital, there, he came home. Friends, mailman and relatives helped Lenore transport Gunnar when necessary. Gunnar finished grade XII and XIII, He had rehabilitated from being blind, immobile, speech not happening to seeing the stars outside a railway car window and walking with a cane, a brace on his left leg. It was a recovery only Gunnar could do. His perseverance and determination inspired all who met him. He enrolled in Brandon University. Here he studied, diligently, with friends, relations and strangers reading his courses to him and oral examinations majoring in Religion. I believe his minor was music. He could mark better times than conductors. Writing was a slow process, too slow for timed exams. His tenacity resulted in: B.A., B.Ed., and a Special Education Certificate. He was hired by Brandon School Division, in Special Education for Fleming and then George Fitton. Mr. Dinsdale was an inspiration to all his students and his colleagues as a man to respect. Whenever his students met him, they stood up straighter, talked more clearly, and smiled brighter. He had one rule, they had to get to the room on their own, but after that, they were in for learning FUN! He worked at Camp Woodlands summers, as Camp counselor; while autumn, winter and spring saw him in school. This was an important time to enjoy the sunshine, get a tan, and teach children to enjoy their summer as well as Bible experiences in a fun way. Gunnar and Jewel reconnected again after knowing each other at Bethel Smorgasbords, family functions, as well as university. Jewel was working at South Gate. Gunnar would stop and chat. A letter with bluebirds came, asking Jewel out to supper at the Old Hotel Café. Driving along the lakeshore enjoying the autumn colours created a change in the lives of two people. Summer of 1988, they were married at Danvers, in a rainbow wedding. Gunnar had ridden in the Rockies, but did not do much riding since his illness, although his mother and Uncle Leonard had him up. He began riding with Jewel and then Andrew, first on Jewel’s Stormy and then on Harold. When Andrew came, Jewel was usually on young horses, so Gunnar took Andrew with him. Shadow arrived and Andrew stole him from Jewel. (Lots of fun times.) After a trip through the States with a trailer we settled in Erickson, Gunnar’s choice. Andrew finished school and went to Neepawa. With Covid, Andrew returned home. Gunnar from a young age had a strong faith and was well respected for it. He did not force it but lived it. For the Salvation Army, he was in the Band and rode the bus to pick up people to take to the service. First Presbyterian saw him as Head of Sunday School, Erickson Lutheran Church saw him as inspiration for all as active member and baritone in the choir. Gunnar’s last years showed reduced mobility and into a wheelchair, the last three years he needed 24 hour care by Jewel and Andrew. He was still an inspiration. Jewel had to have an operation so care was arranged for the interim. Gunnar signed the papers himself to say. Things in his health went array and he was in Palliative care in addition to his wife and son for his remaining days. He has no more pain. He is in HEAVEN now with all those who have predeceased him including animal friends: Sasha, Gadjet, Stormy and Harold. Gunnar never complained. He always supported those around him with “You can do it!!” He was predeceased by his parents Walter and Lenore Dinsdale. He is survived by his brother Greg (Linda), sister Beth (Doug), brother Eric (Fran) and brother Rolf. Mourned by friends and relations, he was well loved by all who knew him. Donations may be made to the Erickson Lutheran Church, Bethal Historical Society or National Wildlife. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. from the Bethel Historical Church, Danvers, off #10 highway between Onanole and Erickson. Smorgasbord following. (Everyone bring food. This was Gunnar’s favourite event!).