OBITUARY

Charles Edward Fraser Gunn

1933-2026

Charles Edward Fraser Gunn, known to many as Ted, passed away on March 12 in Quebec City, surrounded by his loved ones.

He is survived by his wife Louise, son Kenneth (Virginia), in-laws Michelle (Jean-Guy) and Marcel (Odile), nieces Andrea and Arianne, nephew James, and his brother’s partner Mary-Jane. He was predeceased by his brother John Alexander Wilson Gunn (Eleanor), niece Helene and nephews Michael and Sylvain.

Ted was born in Quebec City in 1933 to Scottish immigrants Hector Fraser Gunn and Jane Matheson Taylor. In 1938, the family moved to North Augusta, Ont., where Ted started school and spent his early years. In 1948, they returned to Quebec City, where Ted attended Quebec High School, graduating in 1952. He later completed four years of night classes in industrial accounting at Université Laval.

It was at Quebec High School that Ted discovered his passion for basketball. He became an active member of the YMCA, joined the Leaders Corps and took charge of the YMCA basketball programs. Over 18 years, he served as captain, coach and manager of the YMCA Spartans men’s team in the Quebec City league. He also coached the YM’Ettes women’s team for several years. His dedication to the sport earned him the nickname “Mr. Basketball” in local newspapers.

Ted spent 40 years working at Anglo‑Canadian Pulp & Paper Mills (now White Birch Paper), advancing from office roles to management.

In 1969, he married his sweetheart, Louise Bernier, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage defined by love, deep affection, shared adventure and a lifelong partnership rooted in family, travel, sport and community involvement. A devoted father, Ted cherished time spent with Louise and their son, Kenneth, particularly through family camping trips and fly‑fishing excursions that reflected his love of nature and the quiet bonds formed outdoors. In winter, he did a lot of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, occasionally participating in local marathons.

Proud of his Scottish heritage, Ted was an active member of the Clan Gunn Society, serving as Commissioner for Eastern Canada and participating in cultural and heritage events across Canada and abroad, including numerous Scottish Highland Games across eastern North America. In 2001, he published an article titled “A Call to Protect Scottish Heritage” in the Quebec Chronicle‑Telegraph (June 27, 2001). From that point forward, his involvement deepened, leading to extensive work organizing and participating in events, particularly in his role as Captain‑Lieutenant of the 78th Fraser Highlanders.

Over the years that followed, he remained actively and consistently involved in organizing and participating in St. Andrew’s Day and Robbie Burns dinners in Quebec City, supporting Quebec government initiatives related to Tartan Day, and welcoming visits from Scottish parliamentarians. 

On April 14, 2007, Ted was named a Fellow of the Quebec Thistle Council Inc.

Known for his sociable nature, quick wit, open‑mindedness and love of dancing, he brought warmth and joy to those around him.

A loving husband and an exceptional father, Ted will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to family, sport, heritage and community.

A service in memory of his life will be held at Chalmers-Wesley United Church, 78 Rue Ste-Ursule in Old Québec, on Saturday, April 4. Condolences will be received from 10 to 11 a.m., and the service will begin at 11 a.m.