Obituary of Günter Polivka

Günter Polivka Gone fishing … May 29, 1930 - July 22, 2018 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our husband, father and Opa at the age of 88. Günter is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ilse, daughter Susan Templin (Paul), son Glenn (Darla), granddaughter Anna (Nathan), grandson Patrick (Leah), and granddaughters Echo (Ivan) and Mattea (Louis). Günter is also survived by sisters Hildegard (Ray) Lundstrom and Ilse Haas; by nieces Denise Vogt, Rea Jarrett (Lee) (Jadine, Teagan), and by nephews Brian (Margo) (Taylor, Davis) Lundstrom, Dan (Pam) (Graysen, Ella) Coledi, Axel Haas (Connor, Jonah). In Germany Günter is survived by sister-in-law Irmgard Olmert and niece Elke Olmert Plück (Hans), brother-in-law Günter Bremer, as well as brother-in-law Wolfgang Vogt, nephews Peter (Marion) and Dieter and niece Anette (Elke). Günter is predeceased by his mother and step-father, Else (Franz) Froese and by his sister Eleanor Vogt. Born in Dortmund Germany, Günter began his mining career in the coal mine there. But Canada was calling and he convinced Ilse to build a new life here. Upon his arrival in Canada in 1956, Günter worked at Kino Hill (Yukon) and Mineral King Mine (Invermere). At the closing of Mineral King he moved his family to Kimberley where he began working at Cominco's Iron Plant in 1967, moving to underground operations soon after. Günter had a dry (often not endearing) sense of humor and was a strong, kind and generous man. He told interesting tales about his life as a young man in Germany as well as his adventures here in Canada. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved his pets, hunting, fishing, deep sea fishing and woodworking in addition to many other interests. Günter loved his family and friends and leaves a big void in our lives. He will be greatly missed. As requested there will not be a service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Günter's memory to the Kootenay Wildlife Heritage Fund, PO Box 100 Kimberley BC V1A 2Y5. Family and friends will gather in Grasmere to celebrate Opa's memory, date to be announced.