Gunnar W. Blanke of Denver, Colo., died suddenly on March 31, 2008, while working onsite at the age of 61.

Gunnar was born Sept. 23, 1946, in Atchinson, Kan., the son of the late Dorothy and Jack Blanke Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Rose, and his sister, Tana.

After attending Kansas State University, he became a successful freelance cinematographer well known in the business both nationally and internationally. His great passion in life was flying his glider over the Rockies.

Even though he was in McCook only four years prior to graduating from McCook High School, "McCook was a great place to grow up … the people I went to school with were the nicest people". Gunnar will be remembered for his friendly smile, his unpretentious manner and his genuine personality.