Obituary of Herrn Prof. Dr. Günter Kocks

Gnter passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2010 in Regina, SK at the age of 74 years after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by his parents Hermann and Martha Kocks and his sister Renate in infancy, Gnter will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 20 years, Judith; his two sons Akio and Mika Kocks; and his daughter and grandson Jodi and Zach Kalaitzakis. Gnter was born in Monchengladbach, Germany on December 19, 1935. He and his mother moved to Dusseldorf when he was a teenager. Gnter studied in Cologne and Bonn where he earned a doctorate in German literature. In 1966 he moved to Japan to teach at the University of Nagoya for four years. His eldest son Akio was born in 1969 in Japan. In 1970 he moved to Regina to establish the German Language Department at the University of Regina. In 1973 his second son Mika was born. Being proud of his German heritage and wishing to share the German culture with the province of Saskatchewan, Gnter was instrumental in founding the Saskatchewan German Council in the mid 1980's. In recognition of his efforts and service he was awarded the first honorary lifetime membership by the Council. Believing in the importance of education and culture, Gnter also served on many educational and multicultural committees across Saskatchewan. In the summer of 1989 Gnter, Judith and Jodi travelled to Europe, and Gnter and Judith were married in Vienna, Austria on August 5th. Gnter taught German language and literature at the University of Regina for 31 years, retiring in 2001. Gnter's students often commented on his quick wit and great sense of humor. During his tenure at the University he was appointed the Honorary Consul for Germany in Saskatchewan, a post he maintained for 29 years. In 1999 Gnter received Das Verdienstkreuz 1. Klasse from the Federal Republic of Germany for his service to the German Government, an award equivalent to the Order of Canada. After his retirement from teaching and the Consulate office, Gnter traveled the world with his wife Judith and close friends Dave and Sharon Stewart. In recent years he enjoyed teaching his grandson Zach all about soccer, tools and trains. A Service Celebrating his Life will be held Friday, July 23, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. in Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina with Pastor Helmut Nachtigall officiating. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Palliative Care Unit at the Pasqua Hospital for the outstanding care Gnter received there.