Gunter passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC on February 16, 2026. He was born on July 6, 1944, in Minden, Germany.
Gunter is survived by his wife, Linda Zinkus; his son, Mark (Lisa) Grambart; and his grandchildren, Ryan and Sarah. He will be missed by many extended family members and friends in both Canada and abroad.
Gunter began his working life as a Mercedes mechanic apprentice in Germany as a teenager. At age 18, he moved to Canada to follow in his brothers’ footsteps, settling in Ottawa, Ontario. In the late 1960s, he was an avid fencer and became Canadian Fencing Champion — an accomplishment he remained very proud of throughout his life. In 1975, he moved to Victoria, British Columbia with his young family.
After working as a mechanic for many years, a back injury in 1980 led him to return to school to become an early childhood care provider. He went on to own and operate five daycare centres in Victoria. In the 1990s, he sold the daycare centres to his staff. During that same decade, he met Claire Champod, with whom he shared many meaningful years. In the years that followed, he remained active doing renovations, lawn maintenance, and odd jobs for friends and family — always happiest when helping others.
After Claire lost her battle with cancer, Gunter later met Linda Zinkus, and they married in 2008. Together they shared many joyful years of companionship and travel. They especially enjoyed cruising — exploring the world on their own and with family and friends. Over the course of his travels, Gunter visited every continent except Antarctica.
Gunter was an avid member of the Swiss community in Victoria. He loved to play cards, especially Jass with family and friends, a joy he enjoyed right into his later years. He also spent many happy hours golfing and nurturing lifelong friendships.
A Celebration of Gunter’s Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Saturday, February 28th at 10:00 am. At the celebration, family and friends are invited to share stories — something Gunter specifically wished for, as he believed in bringing people together and celebrating life through memories.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Suzanne & Darryl Radick
Our family first met the Grambart family in Golstream 45 years ago.
Gunter was a brave hockey goalie for Mark & David in our cul-de-sac.
Gunter was always so welcoming throughout the years. He organized friendly golf tournaments, family dinners and children and adult excursions.
We especially remember a wonderful African Safari trip with him.
Together Gunter & Darryl were happy renovaters & gardeners in their retirement years.
Gunter was happiest helping others.
Our sincerest sympathies to Mark, Lisa Sarah & Ryan
Adieu dear friend,
Darryl & Suzanne Radick