Kurt Gunther Bayer, aka “Super Stinger”, passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 18th at the age of 84 years. Kurt was born in Kreutz, Germany on August 19, 1930 to parents Herman and Martha Bayer.
Kurt is survived by his beloved wife Norma, his son Derrick (Jeneen), daughters Angela (David) and Diana, 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Also left to mourn his passing are brothers Gerhard (Silvia) and Gunther, sisters Elizabeth (Hans), Ilse (Horst), Brunhilde (Kurt) and Erika, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Kurt was predeceased by his parents, brothers Karl and Ernst, and sisters Margaret and Christel.
In 1954 Kurt immigrated to Toronto. He married his first wife Rita in 1958 and together the couple celebrated the arrival of two daughters; Angela and Diana.
By 1965 Kurt had married Norma, a union blessed with the birth of their son Derrick. Kurt began his welding career at the New Imperial Mines in Whitehorse, Yukon, moving to Faro in 1971 when he began working at the Anvil Mining Corporation. Kaiser Resources in Sparwood became the Bayer’s new home in 1974 where “Super Stinger” quickly developed a reputation for being a speedy and hardworking employee.
Kurt was fond of fishing by the midnight sun in the Yukon and dancing with his beloved wife. He instantly loved the Elk Valley because of its similarity with the Yukon. Those who knew Kurt well, knew him as someone with a tremendously kind heart beneath a rough exterior. Kurt would often get up early in the morning before work to shovel snow from the driveways of neighbours before they woke. Kurt was also known for his devout faith and love of the gospel, and visiting his grandchildren.
Kurt enjoyed travelling in his retirement years with his wife to Australia, England, Germany, Greece, France, Italy and many other countries. He enjoyed playing cribbage at the Sparwood Senior’s Centre and the occasional game of chess.
Kurt will be missed deeply by his family, friends and those who were profoundly impacted by him.