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Günter Rudolf Golde, aged 95, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024 in Bellingham, Washington. He was born on February 9, 1929 in Berlin to Rudolf and Elisabeth Golde.

Günter was known for his sense of adventure, his lively intellect, and above all his devotion to his family. Growing up in Germany, Günter developed an early passion for reading and exploring. At the age of eight, his family moved to the charming Berlin suburb of Zeuthen where they kept a small boat on the nearby lake. He admitted to sometimes skipping school so that he could find a cozy spot in the woods to read thrilling stories of foreign lands.

The years during and after the war brought many hardships to Günter’s family, which by then included his younger sister and two younger brothers. Still, he managed to learn English well enough to become an interpreter for the US Army. This required risky travel between the American sector of Berlin and his home in the Soviet occupied zone. Concerned that he was putting his family in danger, Günter decided in 1952 to go to work for the South Australian Railroad in exchange for his passage. There he lived in a German community near Adelaide, and explored the Outback in a temperamental 1928 Whippet.

After seven years in Australia, Günter was keen on fresh opportunities, and moved to San Francisco under the sponsorship of a German friend in the States. In a Japanese class one evening he met “the most beautiful woman” he had ever seen, who was more than ready to travel the world with him. Following a whirlwind courtship, he and Esther were married in 1964.

Günter went on to earn his PhD in Anthropology from UC Berkeley and pursued a rewarding career in teaching and research, while Esther dedicated herself to elementary education. They raised their two daughters in Oakland, enriching Karin and Erika’s lives with wonderful memories including summers in Germany and a cross-country camping trip in their VW van. He was deeply devoted to his daughters, and they will always cherish the time and love their dear Papa gave them.

In 1988 Esther was offered a position with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) at Camp Zama near Tokyo, and Günter was happy to make this their next adventure, along with Erika who was 12 at the time. He taught at the Kanagawa Institute of Technology, and together they spent 13 fascinating years exploring Japan and many other countries in the region. Their next chapter took them to Gelnhausen, Germany, where Esther continued her work with DoDDS for two years. This move allowed them to be closer to Günter’s brothers and their wonderful families.

In 2004, they chose to retire in Bellingham, Washington, where they appreciated the majestic natural beauty and continued to travel, enjoying winter trips to Bali and river cruises through Europe. In Bellingham, they found a warm and welcoming community, especially among fellow DoDDS retirees, where they formed many cherished friendships.

Günter is survived by his beloved wife, Esther; his daughter, Karin, and her husband, Mark Healy, along with their son, Joseph Healy; his daughter, Erika, along with her daughter, Zoe Ohn-Bar; and his brothers Heinz and Joachim. He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Ruth.

Günter was a remarkable man who led a remarkable life with humility and a wry sense of humor. He will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who had the joy of knowing him.