Robert W. Hunt

It is wonderful to review all the pictorial memories of such a great individual. Bob was always willing to pitch in …..helping with Senior Mens’ golf, the the Sunshine Coast Foundation Board or Board work at our local golf club. Whether it was dinner at the Bistro, golfing with the boys, our annual Market Gala date or a casual drink on the deck the time was always filled with lots of laughter.
Over the years Bob has always hinted he had never taken a boat around Gambier and was hopeful someday we could do that. A couple of years back, the season was late and the weather for the day seemed acceptable so we called Juliane and Bob for a ‘let’s go’ around Gambier’ trip.
With my wife Pam’s hand controlling the speed and the weather changing we had a thrilling ‘up and down….side to side…ride around Gambier. Although some laughter prevailed on the ride…the laughter heightened as we docked and Bob for whatever reason jumped out onto the dock with such momentum that he over shot his target and went straight into the drink. Although everything got soaked the golden nugget was his flip top phone still worked or at least as well as it did before.
Great memories…we’ll miss him

Pam Robertson and Pete McDonald

My sincere condolences to Juliane and the family. Bob and I shared a love for golf and curling. We spent many hours golfing together. It was always a wonderful time and I benefited from his friendship. I am glad that I along with a couple of other golfing pals were able to spend some time with him at his new home before he passed. A wonderful guy who will always be remembered by me.

My Poppa loved all of his grandkids so much, he was there all the time when me and my younger sister were growing up. Pretty much every Birthday, Halloween, and Christmas, he was always there, and will always be there in my memories. Over a year ago my Dad and I went to go visit and help my Poppa in the hospital when he first was sick, I remember walking into that hospital room and as soon as I saw him, tears filled my eyes. I didn’t cry because I didn’t want to make anyone sad, but I remember thinking about how I didn’t want him to die, I thought it was too soon, there was so much more that Poppa should be there for. Me and my sister talked after Poppas passing and went back to all of the small things we did with Poppa, we remembered him giving us a challenges to run to the top of my Omi and Poppas huge driveway, or helping us find beach glass for hours, or even just giving us a piece of the same gum brand every time we saw him, we thought it was such a treat. My Dad surprised us one year with my Omi and Poppa at our house, I remember being so excited to spend time with them. Poppa was an amazing grandfather to all of his grandkids, he loved us so much, and we knew he did. I will always remember Poppa.

I want to begin by first expressing my deepest condolences to the family.
I first met Robert and his family in 1984 when he brought his incredibly athletic son Jeff to the Gymnastics Program at UBC, where I was coaching. From that time on I was fortunate to develop a very strong relationship with Jeff, culminating in Jeff’s parents choosing me to be his godfather. Still to this day, one of the greatest honours I have ever experienced.
I remember very well dinners at Roberts home, where I was made to feel so welcome and accepted. And for me this held special meaning as I had grown up in small towns, had just moved to the “big city” of Vancouver. Being embraced by Robert, and his family, in that way still holds a large , warm space in my heart to this day.
Jeff Thomson

Dear Juliane,

I will miss Bob’s grace and winning smile. He always had a great sense of humour on or at the Golf course.

Our deepest condolences,

Errol and Judy

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts and memories with us. Although I am so sad that my Dad is no longer with us, it is a great comfort to read these posts and know that many people will remember him fondly.

As for my memories – I’m so grateful I have so many wonderful moments to hold on to. I remember how my Dad was always the first one up, making our school lunches and Red River cereal or Cream of Wheat on weekday mornings. His gentle and calm way of waking up his scary teenagers to go to school. How his voice went up in volume when he answered the phone, “yes hello”. How he often sat quietly and patiently while I practiced (butchered) the piano. How he taught me to ride a bike and to ski. How he always welcomed my friends into our home. How we took such great care of our animals – the cats, our less than friendly rabbit and later “the boy”, our beloved Dafoe. How he loved the ocean. His elaborate April Fool’s gags. How he yelled at the television when various athletes didn’t perform as he thought they should. The countless amazing meals he presided over along with his co-chef, my Mom. How he would sometimes get a little choked up during Thanksgiving or Christmas grace thinking of others less fortunate. Those rare heart-to-hearts where he would share with me a little about his early life and memories…

He was a wonderful Dad and just a great all around human. I will miss him forever.

Wayne and Bob met in 1967 at the Imperial Oil office in Sudbury, Ontario. Two fresh faced young lads from universities in southern Ontario found many common interests and a strong bond was forged.

Throughout the years we cherished the summer visits we had at our cottage in Fenelon Falls, often taking boat trips to Bobcaygeon, Bob’s birthplace. Our children anticipated Uncle Bob and Aunt Julie’s visits with great excitement. They knew much fun was on the horizon. Swimming, water skiing, fishing and tubing with David, Jeffrey, and Meredith were favourite pastimes.

A memorable highlight was our family’s visit to Bob and Julie’s home in Vancouver, with an added stay at their ski chalet in Whistler. For our kids whose highest hill had been Blue Mountain, the experience opened a whole new world.

Bob was a treasured friend who never let much time pass before he was in touch. He was a gracious host, a loyal friend, and a wonderful father and grandfather. He adored his family. Bob was exceedingly kind, always rooting for the underdog. We were privileged to have known him.

To Julie, David, Jeffrey, Meredith and the Hunt family, we extend our condolences and love. May you carry on the strong family bonds and find comfort in the special memories you share.

Bob was an interesting, fun person. From early days in Sarnia to Medway Hall, Sigma Chi and the Business School, I always looked forward to being with him. His enthusiasm at football games was wonderful. Watching a hockey game on TV was sure to elicit high emotions. Bob’s sincerity, and thoughtfulness as a leader at the fraternity was admired by all.

After university, our families visited often. There is a picture of our youngsters sitting on a swing together at Sauble Beach.
In later years, we enjoyed hiking when Juliane and Bob visited on Vancouver Island and he cooked an excellent salmon dinner for us at their home in Vancouver. Bob liked meeting people. One of his favorite places was the market on Grandville Island. As we walked through, many people greeted him in a warm and friendly manner. In Gibson, we golfed, reminisced and laughed.
There are many fond memories of Bob.

My condolences to Juliane and all his family.
Dan McGaw

We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We hope you will find the strength to ease your pain.
I knew Bob from high school. He was on the basketball team a very good player and a friendly student. His father worked with my Dad in the Hudson’s Bay store and were good friends. Later when I lived with the Hunts for my final year of high school Bob was away at University but I got to know him more when he would come home.
I thought he was gone from my life until a Mediterranean cruise brought he and Julianne and Jacqui and I together. He had studied the guest list and saw our names. Next thing I know is there is a knock on the door and some fellow saying Hi! I’m Bob. Good to see you again. We had a great time with Bob and Julianne along with the Hagerman’s.
Our soon to follow Mexico vacation was lots of fun and laughter.
We both enjoyed your kind hospitality and cooking when we visited on the Sunshine Coast.
Bob was kind, honest and a gentle soul. He had a good perspective on life.
Jacqui and I will miss him but we will never forget him.

Dear Juliane and Meredith,
We are so sorry to hear of Robert’s passing and know that this has been such a difficult time for you both, along with David and Jeff and family members, and friends of Robert. We were fortunate to have been able to share some wonderful holiday meals, enjoying good food and drink, sitting around Kent and Meredith’s table. We wish we had had more time to get to know Robert better but we know of the deep love for him that you all shared. We will remember him fondly for his love of enjoying life. Our deepest condolences and love to you.
Kim, Feyzi and Jamie

I first met Bob at Medway Hall at the University of Western Ontario. When I became a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, I encouraged Bob to join as well. Our friendship grew and when Linda and I were married, Bob was a member of our wedding party. Julie and Bob preceded us to Edmonton. When we moved there in the late 1970’s, not only was Juliane our real estate agent but, even more importantly, our friendship continued to grow. When we moved back to Toronto and the Hunts relocated to B.C., regrettably our visits became less frequent. Nevertheless, our admiration and respect for Bob continued. Linda and I offer our deepest sympathy to Juliane and the family. We will always treasure many warm and wonderful memories of Bob. 

We were shocked and saddened to learn of Bob’ s passing. From Edmonton to Munich, Paris, Phoenix, Vancouver and Sunshine Coast, we fondly recall sharing hospitality, food, wine and great conversation with the Hunts (also a little indifferent but enjoyable golf). We will miss Bob’s subtle wit, kindness, generosity and astute awareness of his various communities and the world in general; we thought of him, as others have said, as a real gentleman and a quality person.

Our sincere condolences to Julie and the family,

Dear Juliane,

Donna and I were so saddened by Robert’s passing and we send our deepest condolences to you, Meredith, Jeff and David. One of our very great personal losses was not to have been able to get to know Robert better. We could see and knew the affection and love that Kent and Meredith had for him and the many comments from friends and colleagues that knew him well highlight that he was a very special person. He had a warm smile and twinkling eyes whether he was with his granddaughters, Abby and Audrey, or just enjoying a beer at a Blue Jay game.

A terrible loss in so many ways but he will continue to be loved and will not be forgotten.

Dear Juliane & Family,

Grant and I are saddened to read about Bob’s recent passing. We continue to savour all our cherished memories from the Mediterranean and Adriatic Cruise in 2012 that we so enjoyed your company with Jacqui and Ken. Above all Bob was a very kind Gentleman. His devotion to you Juliane and his Family; his robust and successful professional career and his commitment to community exemplified his ‘carpe diem’ approach to life and living.

Hugs to you at this sad time.

Grant & June

Bob and I were classmates and fraternity brothers at Western and, although we mostly lost contact after graduation, he was a classmate whose company I always enjoyed and whose quiet manner and wonderful dry wit was a joy to be around. It was a genuine pleasure to see him again at our 50th Class Reunion.

Bob was one of those truly unforgettable characters who has left great, indelible memories with everyone who had the good fortune to know him. It was a sad moment to learn he had left us too soon.

My condolences to Juliane and all of his family and close friends. He will not be forgotten.

I knew Bob well from our many shared UWO experiences at Medway Hall and Sigma Chi fraternity. What a wonderful man he was – bright, engaging and gregarious, with a wily sense of humor! I still remember the distinct twinkle in his eye. My thoughts are with Juliane and with David, Jeffrey and Meredith, their partners and their children. I am sure that Bob was an outstanding Grandfather. God Bless!

Dear Julie,

Katie and I send our heartfelt condolences for the passing of your dear Robert.
Bob was a very important person in my professional life. From the moment I walked into my first job at Peat Marwick , he showed me the meaning of passion, compassion ,professionalism and mentorship in the workplace. You both kindly welcomed us to our new home in Edmonton and provided us with role models to base our own family life on. ( 5 grandchildren to date , but looking going to catching up to you ). We also feel lucky to have attended Bob’s 60 th in Collingwood so many years later. We will always have a fond place in our hearts for you both.

Love, Graham & Katie

Ps. the picture gallery was great !

As a very close friend to Robert’s daughter, I always really enjoyed spending time with him, even as it was infrequent over the past thirty years that I have known the Hunt Family. He was always so kind to me (and later to my husband), curious about my life, but always in a very unassuming and funny way, just like Meredith. While reading these lovely tributes and looking at these photos it is obvious that he passed these traits on to Meredith as well as that wonderful smile. To Juliane, Mer, David, Jeff, your partners and grand children, I hope during times of grief you can take solace in the memories of the wonderful husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather he was to you all. 

I first met Robert about 12 years ago. From the beginning, he was always warm and welcoming. I appreciated his directness. He was an easy person to talk to, and I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to get to know him, watching Jays games, breaking bread (with chilli sauce), shooting the breeze…Robert was down to earth, and it always seemed to me that he had his priorities in the right place – his family, other people, enjoying his time on this earth while being considerate of it. And I have come to know that Robert passed these values to his children, who now carry his memory as well as this spirit. So he will be forever missed, but in some ways he will always be with us. I know that Meredith thought the world of him, and I am so sorry for her and her family’s loss. Robert was a really good guy and I will really miss him too.

I feel honoured to have introduced Juliane to Robert at a very sad time in his life, knowing how her beautiful, caring and generous spirit would be a great help to him. Little knowing that 50 years later that beautiful and loving Juliane would also help him leave this earth as well and as happily as she possibly could. But not surprising. You will miss him terribly, Juliane.

Bob and I were fraternity brothers at Western in the mid 60’s and remained good friends when we both moved to Toronto to start our careers. When he and Julie moved west to Edmonton, Vancouver and Gibsons, we always stayed in touch and visited back and forth and, by phone or e-mail. A true friend, a man of great values and a fun person to be with at all times.

I will never forget our motor trip to Florida, May of ’65, Ted, Dan, Bob and my car caught on fire, but worse, Bob burnt his feet so badly in the sun he had to stay inside for 4 days while the rest of us were out having fun. We all survived the car fire and he vowed to not go out in hot sun without protection again.

He will be very much missed.

George Hayhurst

Uncle Bob was always full of laughter whenever I saw him, he always bellowed a contagious laugh. Was a pretty funny youth period there.

My thoughts to you all. Love you and miss you… thank you.

finnigan.

Like my brother Brian, he also taught me the fine art of riding a bicycle. It’s ‘get on’ and he gave me a big push on the top of the gravel driveway. The bike stoped at the fence and I went over the fence to face the largest animal that I have ever seen. It was one of of our Dad’s prize shorthorn bulls. We had such fun as children living in the freedoms of the country.

I will miss your laughter and fine meals and your love. Our whole family wishes you happy trails.

love Jane and John, Michelle, Finn, Holly and Spencer

Bob was my big brother. We grew up on a farm and he taught me respect (never yell at your mother) how to swim (threw me out of a canoe) how to ride a bike (let me go at the top of a gravel hill). I survived all of that and later in life we became the best of friends. We would visit when we could go for walks with the dogs or just sit quietly. We would discuss the nuances of the ball games and offer valuable advice on how to win games.
Bob was a great husband, father, brother and son, he did a wonderful job fulfilling those rolls. He loved his family and his friends and went about showing that quietly by the way he lived his life.

Love you and miss you

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Robert (and Juliane) for over 25 years. Over that time our business relationship evolved into a friendship. Jan and I were privileged to be guests in the “Five-Star” on their Gower Point property. I fondly recall Robert and I walking our dogs, Baron and Dafoe along the beach, engaged in conversation, solving all the world’s problems. These conversations continued over the years. Thoughtful observations leavened with a little humour were one of his traits that I admired most. I will miss those insights. He was a gentleman in the true sense of the word.

Bob and I met in Edmonton when he had a practice as a management consultant and I was a partner in an accounting firm. We both moved to Vancouver in the mid-eighties and restarted our careers. He was very kind to me and helped me a lot in developing my accounting practice; always a true gentleman in every sense. In the “Norwestra” days, he operated a business very successfully and never lost sight of the value of his employees and others who helped him. His reward was immense respect and gratitude from all who knew him.

Bob set a high standard for all to follow and I will miss him dearly.

Robert, what an honour to have known you. We are so fortunate to have been blessed with the friendship that you and Juliane shared with us. Thank you for welcoming us into your life. Of all the gifts, your time was the one we appreciated the most. As a colleague and board member, you were a steady rudder and guiding hand at the Hospital Foundation, always finding common ground and calmly gaining consensus with your knowledge, humour and finesse. As a friend, your implacable demeanour, mischievous smile, fantastic archive of stories and that actual – not metaphorical – sparkle in your eye that seemed to say, “I’ve had some fun, and I’ll have some more”, made every golf game, dinner, round of drinks, boat ride or beach bocce game such a joy. We all should carry ourselves with such grace. We miss you, but will keep you in our hearts and stories, rest assured. Our love to you Juliane, and our deepest condolences and very best wishes to all of Robert’s family.

All of us can think of people who were important in their lives. Bob was important in my life. We were business partners and friends. Bob was always the calm executive in the room who chose his words carefully (me not so much). To me, he always looked and talked like the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. He was a good friend and the kind of person you could count on to keep his word. He was never even slightly selfish or unreasonable in all the time I knew him and worked with him. He was the kind of person you could trust completely.

We all rush on with our lives and are caught up in the moment of what we are doing right now, but from time to time, I know I will think of him when something I see reminds me of him. When I do, my memories will be very good ones,as they have always been,of the times we have spent together.

I still have wonderful memories of all those years ago of times shared in Toronto and Snug Harbour.

I had the absolute pleasure of dealing with Bob (and Juliane) for about 25 years and he was an absolute prince of a man. His calm demeanour, sense of humour, emphasis on decency and fair play, commitment to family and community and loyalty to partners and stakeholders were all unwavering. He showed genuine respect to all who earned it no matter your age or station in life. He was gentle, caring and generous. I was very fond of him and am very saddened by his passing. I wish Juliane, the kids and grandkids all the strength they can muster at this very difficult time. In time I hope you can emphasize the joy and great memories of Bob rather than the terrible grief of his passing.