Condolence: I will re-submit my message from last year because it says it all (below). I miss you Mr. Bunkis! I think of you often and live your example daily with my students. Oh, and I remember before I knew you, being scared to be in your class because kids said that you were 'strict.' This wasn't true; you were consistent and you cared and you wanted and worked towards student success. I too have been told I'm strict, and I laugh because I teach like you, wanting success for my students and I guess they find that I'm strict because I don't just let them fail. Nor did you let me fail--you made sure I succeeded!
Thank you for being the best of the best. Trena Irving

Dear Mr. Bunkis:
Even when I worked with you, and I was your colleague, I still thought of you as 'Mr. Bunkis'. You were there for me in the high school years which were not my highlight, rather my tumultuous years. You were there at lunch time to help me with Science but more than that, you helped me trust and believe in adults who cared about me and wanted to see me succeed. It wasn't just about Science; it was about the relationship and I would have done anything to succeed because you believed in me. I remember I wrote a test for you and got over 80%...I don't know who was happier, you or I.

I can't believe you're gone. A person as wonderful and effective as you at touching so many young people's spirits should be able to live 100 years at least. But the best ones don't get to choose their time. I want your children to know that you were the 'real deal'. You always hear about that teacher who caused people to go on and do great things. Well, you were mine. I'm sad that you've left this world so early and I hope you will get to know my dad on the other side.

Your kind words, your extra caring attitude and your belief in the positive are all of the things I learned from you and practice in my life. I too am a teacher and when I think of the teens I council, spend extra time helping or listening to, I do that because of your fine example. I also remember you telling us in Science to be proud to be females and that was a very powerful statement coming from a powerful, caring man.
I cry as I write this and I want you to know that I will never forget you. I will live your example to show my gratitude to you for all that you did for me.
Your faithful and appreciative student, Trena Irving

Condolence: The world has lost some of its luster with your passing my dear friend. Bless you.

Condolence: Imants - former colleague at FH Collins Secondary in Whitehorse. Hunting partner. Fishing partner. Male-bonding weekends at the cabin with “the boys.” Hockey pools. Dinner parties. Lotsa laughs. Lotsa good memories.
He was immensely proud of his Latvian heritage.
He enhanced my years in the Yukon. I’ll remember him with fondness.
Good-bye, old Friend.
-Gord Yakimow

Condolence: Imants - former colleague at FH Collins Secondary in Whitehorse. Hunting partner. Fishing partner. Male-bonding weekends at the cabin with “the boys.” Hockey pools. Dinner parties. Lotsa laughs. Lotsa good memories.
He was immensely proud of his Latvian heritage.
He enhanced my years in the Yukon. I’ll remember him with fondness.
Good-bye, old Friend.
-Gord Yakimow

Condolence: Many people in Whitehorse are mourning the passing of "Mr. Bunkis". I remember Imants best as a fellow parishioner at Scared Heart Cathedral in Whitehorse and as a friendly neighbour who, along with Sue and the kids, lived in an striking home with a million dollar view of the Whitehorse valley. Though the Bunkis' moved from Whitehorse years ago, I will always remember Imants' smiling face and positive disposition. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue and the children. Tom Ullyett and Tanya Astika

Condolence: Dear Mr. Bunkis:
Even when I worked with you, and I was your colleague, I still thought of you as 'Mr. Bunkis'. You were there for me in the high school years which were not my highlight, rather my tumultuous years. You were there at lunch time to help me with Science but more than that, you helped me trust and believe in adults who cared about me and wanted to see me succeed. It wasn't just about Science; it was about the relationship and I would have done anything to succeed because you believed in me. I remember I wrote a test for you and got over 80%...I don't know who was happier, you or I.

I can't believe you're gone. A person as wonderful and effective as you at touching so many young people's spirits should be able to live 100 years at least. But the best ones don't get to choose their time. I want your children to know that you were the 'real deal'. You always hear about that teacher who caused people to go on and do great things. Well, you were mine. I'm sad that you've left this world so early and I hope you will get to know my dad on the other side.

Your kind words, your extra caring attitude and your belief in the positive are all of the things I learned from you and practice in my life. I too am a teacher and when I think of the teens I council, spend extra time helping or listening to, I do that because of your fine example. I also remember you telling us in Science to be proud to be females and that was a very powerful statement coming from a powerful, caring man.
I cry as I write this and I want you to know that I will never forget you. I will live your example to show my gratitude to you for all that you did for me.
Your faithful and appreciative student, Trena Irving

Condolence:
With thoughts to all our former colleagues at FH Collins Secondary School

In Loving Memory
of Imants Pauls Bunkis
Dec.7, 1952 - Dec. 7, 2018
former teacher and administrator
1980's-2000's
F.H. Collins Secondary School
Whitehorse, Yukon

IT WAS OUR LIFE

We were younger then
and couldn't fully realize
what we were doing
but what we did
we did
vigourously
seeding our bumbling best
into the furrows of
an unfathomable future
that raced us
here
to a shining harvest
we'd never imagined
feeding
generations
we will never know.

(c)2018 by William B Petricko

Condolence: Deepest condolences - you were one of my favourite teachers in high school

Condolence: So sorry to hear this, he was a great teacher.

Condolence: Dear Jadviga, Arija, Janis, Dainis, Inara and Juris,

We are sending you our love and deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Imants. He was a good man, a great friend and had a heart full of love. Imants made a difference in our lives and we will carry him in our hearts forever.