Gunther G. Hoos

Gunther G. Hoos, 73, a loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather, and inspirational teacher passed away on December 29, 2015. Gunther is survived by his wife of 43 years Barbara (Fishberg) Hoos, his daughter Tanya (Hoos) Crowley, her husband Tony Crowley and their son Aiden, his son Keyan Hoos and his wife Katie (Maguire) Hoos and their three sons, Finnegan, Callum and Jasper. He also leaves his sister Chris Hoos-Born and her husband Michael Born of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and many friends who were special to him. Gunther served as a Captain in the Air Force, and worked as a freelance photographer and filmmaker prior to moving to Massachusetts. He authored numerous articles on film production as well as several books on Super 8 Film production. Gunther loved spending time with his grandsons, and taught his grandson Aiden how to edit his own films and videos! He was an avid reader and also loved watching movies of all genres. Gunther and his wife Barbara enjoyed spending time on Cape Cod, and attended the Provincetown Film Festival many times. He was a lover of art and classical music as well as a great cook, and as a young man worked as a chef in a successful restaurant for a period of time. In 2007 Gunther retired as a professor of film and video production at Fitchburg State University (then College) where he taught for 27 years. In the words of a former student, “He inspired many to follow their passions and achieve their dreams. He never said anything was impossible”. Many of his students used their time with Gunther to find their own paths in life, and went on to realize their dreams as Oscar and Emmy winners, celebrated authors, TV and film producers and editors, and special effect masters. Gunther’s impact on family, friends, colleagues and students was beautifully summarized by a colleague who said, “So my friend, mentor and inspiration - I bid you peace. Enjoy your balcony seat in the heavens. May your discourse with our Almighty on the impact of film (still and motion) on humankind be great; and the hope that your rest is as intoxicating as the love and presence you had here with us. You made us better, you made your surroundings better. You gave value to all and everything you touched.” You will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Gunther G. Hoos Scholarship Fund, c/o Fitchburg State University, Office of Alumni and Development, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg, MA 01420.