In memoriam: Leo Bunz

 

Leo Bunz passed away suddenly on June 17, while in Europe on a pilgrimage to Fatima and Medjugorje with his brother -in-law Norman Goetz and sister-in-law, Solange Bunz. Leo leaves behind his son, Michael Bunz (Fay) and his children: Adam and Kara of Calgary; his daughter Carrie-Lynn (Mark) Styranka and their children: Elicia, Angelie and Jackson of Calgary; and his daughter Joanne (Jim) Twanow of Brisbane Australia. He is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. Leo was predeceased by his wife of 55 years Mary; his parents, Adam and Elizabeth Bunz; his birth mother Emilia Bunz; sisters Isabella, Josephine and brother Bernard. Leo was born in Muenster, Saskatchewan in 1936.

His family suffered many hardships growing up, none greater than the loss of his mother at a very young age. Leo and his siblings endured numerous nannies while growing up until several years later when his father remarried. After college, Leo moved to Calgary, where he gained employment in the HVAC supply industry with Western Supplies. After being recruited by Summit Engineering Sales, he became the sole owner in 1987 and worked there until his retirement in 1997. Leo dedicated his life to service. He was a long-time active member of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree. He was involved as a volunteer in many capacities, one of his favorites in recent years being volunteering and fundraising for St Mary's University. Leo has been contributing to the well-being of his church, St. Cecilia's, since its construction in the late 1960's. He was leaned on heavily by many priests who were the pastors of the parish over the years, and was always there to support them. Leo was a fantastic handyman, and had a well-stocked tool kit in his trunk at all times to help out wherever he could. Leo also loved to do carpentry in his spare time. He recently built a replica of the old farmhouse where Mary and her siblings were born, as well as building raised garden beds, decorative planter boxes, and picture frames, among other things. Leo loved working outside, shovelling the walks and driveways of his neighbors in need, helping his children with their yards, driving the tractor and tending the family garden at Mike's acreage, as well as working around the farm where Mary's brothers lived.

Leo loved sports of all kind, especially hockey, golf and curling. He was a dedicated, true and loyal Calgary Flames fan, being an original season ticket holder from the first season they arrived in Calgary. Golf was his summer passion. He was a member at Highwood Golf and Country Club in High River for many years, and loved playing the other courses in and around Calgary. Above all, Leo loved his family, and there was nothing he wouldn't do for his children and grandchildren. He had a very special relationship with each of his five grandchildren, and they will miss him deeply. Although he put on a brave face, Leo greatly missed his wife Mary, and never got over her passing three and a half years ago. Leo's passing in Medjugorje, one of the holiest Catholic sites, has given us reason to pause and reflect.

Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Leo's family through www.evanjstrong.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Leo's favorite charities, Catholic Missions in Canada.