Martin GUNDERSON

GUNDERSON, Martin Passed away suddenly, on March 4, 2008, Martin Gunderson, at the age of 52 years of Stirling. Martin was born in Fort St. John, B.C. on March 10, 1955 after a difficult labour. His parents, Maurice Gunderson and Elizabeth Gunderson were grateful for his safe arrival. Martin struggled with multiple health issues but overcame those obstacles with perseverance and great humor. Martin was one of the first disabled students to be mainstreamed in the Calgary Public School System. His teachers challenged him and found a bright, eager student in response. In junior high, Martin was honoured to be voted Student Council President. Martin achieved a B. of Commerce at the University of Calgary. His extensive work history includes: computer systems and accounting. Martin's hobbies included: painting, computers, web design, collections of interesting items, a scholar of trivia and teller of puns and dry humour. Martin took joy in his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His humanitarian efforts included web design for the Lung and Asthma Association, sitting on the board of directors of Sunrise Community Links, a board member of the Calgary HandiBus Association and a panel member of the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Associations and Disabled in the Work Place committee. He was especially proud of coaching the Sledge Hockey Team to a Canadian Gold Medal. Throughout his life he displayed a trophy for Perseverance presented to him in Junior High School when he continued his education with correspondence, in the Children's Hospital and with a travelling home teacher while he dealt with health issues. Martin is survived by his mother Elizabeth; siblings Tim, Joy Pillipow, Rita, Penny; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Martin was predeceased by his father Maurice. Inurnment will take place in Water Valley King's Cross Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2008 with a gathering at the Water Valley Hall to follow. Memorial donations may be made in Martin's memory to the Alberta Lung Association, P.O. Box 4500, Stn South, Edmonton, AB, T6E 6K2. Published in the Calgary Herald on 3/9/2008