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GUNTHER DORN
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Gunther Dorn on October 13. 2023, at the Cowichan District Hospital in BC. He was 77 years old.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife Patrice, daughters, Miranda Dorno (husband Claude Labossiere), Rachel Ryan Dorn (husband Ryan Zaharia) and grandson Jacob Cole; his sisters, Rosemarie Dorno, (husband Ivan Zerjav), Christine Dorno (husband Jim McInnis), Rigina Dorno (husband Marlin Thiessen), Aneliese Dorno, nieces and nephews.
Gunther arrived in Canada from Germany with his parents and sister Rosemarie in May of 1954 , where they lived in Ontario for approximately a year and moved to Winnipeg late in the fall of 1955.
In his late teens, he worked in a bakery where he made pastries and would bring some home to his parents and siblings.
When he married Patrice, he decided to further his education and worked as an Orderly at the Health Sciences Centre and later became a Paramedic with Winnipeg Ambulance where he dedicated 20 years of his life.
Both Gunther and Patrice bought a home in Anola, MB where they started a hobby farm. He loved to sit out by the pond with his pet goat while fishing!! Gunther loved to entertain and have his family and friends over for feasts of delicious food that he and Patrice would prepare. The huge bonfires were amazing! Everyone felt welcome and treated like family. Years later they purchased The Old Convent in St. Jean Baptiste, MB where they started an Antique store and Tea Room.
Upon retiring as staff inspector for Winnipeg Ambulance he moved to Castlegar, BC in early 2000. He later moved to Ladysmith for a few years and final move was to Crofton, BC on Vancouver Island where he had pet chickens and a goat. He loved gardening and planted amazing flower gardens and fruit trees. He was talented in making beautiful jewelry with kiln melted stained glass and making bird houses. He enjoyed going to garage sales and having garage sales where he met people and enjoyed chatting re: world affairs, gardening and fishing. He was always first in line to help anyone and to welcome people to his home. He cherished his family and always stayed involved and in touch. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly.
As per Gunther’s wishes, cremation will take place and a private family gathering will be held at his home. The family would like to thank the staff on 2 South at the Cowichan District Hospital.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2023
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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August 18,2025 I just saw this and am so sorry Pat. Let’s connect - maccourtp@gmail.com Penny Epps MacCourt - Posted by: Penny MacCourt (Friend) on: Aug 19, 2025
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My father was the son of a German national and an African American soldier who fought in World War Two. He had a hard life from the moment he came into the world. It was through his fierce tenacity and iron will that he was able to overcome obstacles many would not have. He was recognized by the former Governor General for his medical service in the city of Winnipeg and awarded the medal of bravery for saving the life of a police officer. He drove his ambulance into a mob that was beating and stabbing a man, opened the door, pulled the officer into the ambulance and drove him directly to the closest emergency department. He was almost fired for not following protocol. He taught me that doing the right thing sometimes comes at at a cost and for that I will always be grateful. He was a giant who had a soft spot for animals and loved to get into political debates. He will be missed. - Posted by: Rachel Ryan-Dorn (Daughter) on: Jan 11, 2024
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Sadly remembering a kind, friendly-to-all who met Gunther. Pat, Miranda, Jacob, and Rachel: a great Dad, loving grandfather, loving husband who will visit our hearts the only way he can, now. He was a great friend. - Posted by: Susan Gray (Friend) on: Oct 28, 2023
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Gunter(55), A friend colleague and confidant. We went through a lot together in the formative stages of the Department. You will be missed. - Posted by: chris spalding (Friend and colleague) on: Oct 28, 2023
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Our Sympathies to the Dorn family. We met Gunther when he lived in St. Jean. He was a gentle man and very easy to talk to. He brought life into our community with the Tea House and Antique store. Many tourists came to our small town because of what Gunther accomplished with The Old Convent. He will be deeply missed. George and Debbie Sabourin - Posted by: George & Debbie Sabourin (Friend) on: Oct 21, 2023
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I had the honor of working with and even being mentored by Gunther at the Health Sciences Center Chemical Withdrawal Unit in the mid-70s. I recall a gentle giant always ready to help, offer encouragement and get your back. It was a pleasure to have known him. What a loss, you have my condolences. - Posted by: Cam Nicchols (Former co-worker and friend) on: Oct 21, 2023
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I had the honor of working with and even being mentored by Gunther at the Health Sciences Center Chemical Withdrawal Unit in the mid-70s. I recall a gentle giant always ready to help, offer encouragement and get your back. It was a pleasure to have known him. What a loss, you have my condolences. - Posted by: Cam Nicchols (Former co-worker and friend) on: Oct 21, 2023