By Tempo staff

Brian Gunther, who has died at the age of 84, was a long-time resident of Knowlton, and active in the community, from volunteering for the House and Garden Tour and other theatre-related events to being a member of the local Masonic Lodge.

Passion for Bouviers

But Brian was best known for his dogs, the beautiful bouviers he bred and showed.

“He took two dogs to the Westminster Dog Show in New York City,” said his daughter Alexandra. “And he was proud that recently his dogs were named in the top 20 list of Bouviers in North America.”

Life and Career

Brian Gunther was born in Winnipeg on May 29, 1941. His father was a pilot for Trans-Canada Airlines, later Air Canada, and the family moved to Quebec. Brian studied architecture and went to work for Eaton’s department stores.

“He worked designing, layout and renovating stores and the opening of new stores in eastern Canada from Ottawa to PEI,” said his daughter.

Alexandra says the family always had dogs, but her father got his first bouvier, named Shandy, in 1987, though he did not breed her. Brian took early retirement at 55 and moved to Knowlton. Shortly afterwards he started breeding bouviers. At one time he was president of the St. Francis Kennel Club. He volunteered for a reading program for grade school students among other activities.

“Brian was a true gentleman and was loved in the community” said his long-time friend Leah Curley.

Family

Brian is survived by his daughter Alexandra and his son Timothy.