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Mr. Richard Herrmann Gunther

May 13, 1930 - November 16, 2012
Prescott, Arizona

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Prescott, AZ 86301
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“I am saddened to see the loss of Richard. I knew him from the early 1990's when he was president of the Coyote Springs Road Association. My now ex...Read More » ”
1 of 4 | Posted by: Lucille Corsair - Prescott Valley, AZ

“I cannot see Richard without a project or helping out a friend. He worked quietly without fanfare and with great self reliance - from his Pipe...Read More » ”
2 of 4 | Posted by: Wally Smith - Anchorage, AK

“How wonderful it was to meet you and have you both in our lives. I saw Carolyn Ward about a month ago and we were reliving the parties at your home...Read More » ”
3 of 4 | Posted by: margie and Ray Patrawke - AK

“I am very sorry for your loss. It was always fun to see the next project he would work on. Your Christmas parties were the best. ”
4 of 4 | Posted by: David Patrawke - anchorage , AK

Richard "Dick" Gunther, 82, of Prescott, AZ, bade us all a fond 'adieu' on Nov. 16, 2012, surrounded by his family.

He was born May 13, 1930 in Yorkville, NY. At 7 years old, he stepped up to be the man of the house, delivering ice and newspapers to provide income for the family after his father died. He left high school to work as a mechanic on the tugboats in New York harbor and for a few years enjoyed the life of a merchant marine, making several Atlantic crossings to Scandinavia. His maritime career was cut short by the Korean war. Drafted by the army, the service brought him to Alaska in 1959, where he embraced the pioneering spirit of the territory. He was a master mechanic, working on the Army's fleet of diesel engines and received many awards for his ideas and innovations to keep the Arctic trucks running. Following active duty, he dedicated 35 more years to the federal service in the Facilities Engineers Dept. at Ft. Richardson.

He had an extraordinary mechanical ability and passion for building any number of things. His workshop was his castle, and he was always working on one project or another. Over the years, Dick built numerous friendships as well as several airplanes, boats, hovercraft, cabins and homes. He could always be counted on to 'make it fly'.

Married to Lois Willard in 1963, the two made a home and raised 2 children with love, wisdom, and patience. In the 60's and 70's, he was a volunteer with the National Ski Patrol and set up the communications systems at Mt. Alyeska and enjoyed conducting avalanche control. An aviation enthusiast, he was president of the Experimental Aircraft Association for several years and enjoyed traveling to air shows within Alaska and Outside. After retiring to Prescott Valley he continued to build aircraft and be participate in the local EAA chapter, organizing fly-ins and serving as a technical advisor.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hermann and Else Gunther. He is survived by his loving wife Lois, and their children Walter and Gretchen, and his sister, Hildegard Goppold.

A celebration of life for Richard will be at 11am, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at Prescott United Methodist Church, 505 W. Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ.

Memories & Candles

I am saddened to see the loss of Richard. I knew him from the early 1990's when he was president of the Coyote Springs Road Association. My now ex-husband (Don) and I formed a friendship with him and Lois during that time. We went to EAA Fly-ins at his Paulden property and enjoyed a few dinner parties at his home.

Dick and Lois were so very warm and welcoming.
Over the years, both Lois and Dick would show up at

... more

Posted by: Lucille Corsair - Prescott Valley, AZ - friend Dec 10, 2012

I cannot see Richard without a project or helping out a friend. He worked quietly
without fanfare and with great self reliance - from his Pipe Organ with its pipes
between the floor joists to his open cockpited airplane powered by a former light
plant engine. He was a true self taught Engineer in a zillion areas, and always a
gentleman to all he encountered. Richard for ever ski in deep powder with the
snow plume close behind and fly high on sun drenched wings in a plane that
needs no fuel. Thank you Richard for being a friend and teacher

Posted by: Wally Smith - Anchorage, AK - Friend and Fellow Denali Ski Pat Nov 28, 2012

How wonderful it was to meet you and have you both in our lives. I saw Carolyn Ward about a month ago and we were reliving the parties at your home in Anchorage and Richard showing those old time movies and all of us laughing.And it was nice to keep the friendship open while we either traveled south or you north. We loved watching Richard always being involved in a new project and viewing the results, which always turned out

... more

Posted by: margie and Ray Patrawke - anchorage, AK - friend Nov 27, 2012

I am very sorry for your loss. It was always fun to see the next project he would work on. Your Christmas parties were the best.

Posted by: David Patrawke - anchorage , AK - Neighbor Nov 27, 2012

Mr. Richard Herrmann Gunther

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