Monday, September 12, 2011

From Paul Gutheil

Gunther's Birthday!
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Posted by Buckles at 9/12/2011 05:58:00 AM

8 comments:

Henry Schroer said...

Sigrids Birthday is on the 9th, Gunthers on the 12th and mine on the 13th. So on the 12th after the last show I went to Gunthers and we had a drink on Sigrid and Gunther and then after midnight a drink or two on me. That was our anual Birthday celbration.

12 September, 2011 06:53
Anonymous said...

It was a pleasure to work with Gunther, and when I departed the Red show, Gunther told me if I or my family ever needed anything to let him know! Thanks "Boss", I miss you.
Erik Jaeger

12 September, 2011 07:09
john herriott said...

I had always done training with varietes of domestic animals, elephants included, but most of my contempories specialized in various breeds, so when I joined RBBB and worked with Gunther I saw another versatile trainer. Now I never wasw any workaholic and each day would have a beer break in afternoon and took Sat. afternoon off and Sunday as well. So when I saw Gunther on a dailey basis I realized that he was the first workaholic I had ever been around. He had to keep busy, trimming elephants feet, always some sort of training-practicing, first guy up in the morning. Never took what could be called "a day off". Always fed the tigers personally. Would sweep off the elephants, never "cut up jackpots". He was the most physically co=ordinated guy I was ever around. Including athletes. He never cared much for social activities. I always thought that in some ways he felt insecure. I am sure that coming into the circus as a young outsider and then being involved with generational circus animal families would have a personal impact on him. But persevere he did and rose above all the challenges. I remember how proud he was to tell me that he had become an AQmerican citizen. I am sure people like to drop Gunthers name, but in the times I spent with him we were quite close and understanding of each other. In my position with him I never kissed his ass and he in turn respected me for that. We originally started off on the wrong foot, but that changed and we became friends. I am glad to have known and worked with him but as alot of fellow animal trainers would realize it was unfortunate to be in the same era as this dynamiuc little guy. I am quite proude to have known and worked with him. He was one of a kind. He was a perfect example of an outsider becomming a great circus person. What a guy. John Herriott

12 September, 2011 08:47
johnny said...

P.s. iAM FOUR YRS. OLDER THAN gUNTHER. It is sad to realized that I have outlived all of my contemperies in circus animal trainers-presenters. Just me and Buckles, so I guess we can tell some "big ones" who can challenge us but our wives and both are not afraid to do so. Johnny

12 September, 2011 08:52
J C Hall said...

The time has come to once again gladly acknowledge a great one (The Gunther).

A quote;
"I am glad to have known him and worked with him. As a lot of fellow animal trainers would realize, it was unfortunate to be in the same era as this dynamic little Guy."

I guess once again it is being proven that I do not meet the criteria of being in this lot of fellow animal trainers for I consider myself fortunate to be in an era to have witnessed this dynamic performer.

PS.A quote "It is possible to out live ones competition but apparently not ones critics".

12 September, 2011 11:47
Frank Ferrante said...

Henry -
A very Happy Birthday to you, a day early! Stay well, my friend

Erik -
You were fortunate, all of us called him "Boss", but few knew him as "Boss". The stories of his loyalty, kindness and generosity to his "Men" are legion. ~frank

12 September, 2011 14:20
William Shoop said...

Incredible performer period!He was tops!!When I watch the Kennedy Center Honors I think how sad he never was selected.He ranks up their with the best in all genres of the performing arts.If anybody truly "had it" he did.Charisma,talent and a true professional in every sense of the word.
I think it no overstatement when I say he was in a class all by himself.He is more than missed Im sure by his peers and the fans.
He was to the circus what Elvis was to music.The truly gifted artists stand alone and without anyone to fill their shoes.
They pass our way all too infrequently!!

12 September, 2011 20:31
clownron said...

Gunther was a little bit 'rock and Roll'... and a little bit 'Country'... RIP

18 September, 2011 20:39

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