Alan Hunter

HUNTER , Alan Dale, Q.C. August 17, 1937 - April 6, 2010 Never better! That is how Alan Hunter saw his world. Husband, father, grandfather, friend; mentor, leader, advocate. We remember Alan's exuberance, his generosity, his sense of humour, his trademark phrases (Hunterisms), his big dreams, his integrity, and his moral compass. He was a character and a man of character. We celebrate his life: his wife of fifty years, Virginia; his children, Shaun (Blair Carbert), Clay, and Lael (Tim Wallace); his adored grandchildren, Graeme and Neale Carbert, Caed and Sierra Hunter, and Tate Wallace. Alan's family extends to Veronique Becquart, Brigitte Laure, Tesfai Dimtzu and their families. Alan was born in Vancouver, BC to Robert Hunter and Diana Clegg. He attended Vernon Preparatory and Shawnigan Lake schools, graduating from Magee High School in Vancouver. In these years, Alan was raised by his grandmother and his treasured aunt, Ginna. In 1961, following his graduation from the University of British Columbia, Alan and Virginia crossed the Rockies and arrived in Calgary. Here, they raised a family and Alan began the practice of law. Alan was passionate about both. Long hours at work, but always home for dinner. In 1971, with Bill Code, Alan founded the Code Hunter law firm. A leading litigator in Calgary and throughout Canada, Alan was a fearless and tenacious advocate. To Alan, there were no shades of grey: there was right and there was wrong; his devotion to his clients' cause was in the best tradition of the profession. Highlights of his career include leading constitutional cases that engaged issues of judicial independence, first nations treaty rights, and freedom of political expression. Alan contributed to his profession and community. He served as a Bencher of the Law Society of Alberta for nine years, and as President. He was a director of the Environmental Law Centre, a Uniform Law Commissioner, and Chair of the Alberta Law Reform Institute. He led the Law for the Future campaign for the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, and was named an Honourary Professor. The Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association recognized him with the Distinguished Service Award. He served on the Advisory Committee of both Calgary Legal Guidance and Pro Bono Law Alberta, and played an important role in the founding of both. In 2005 the Province of Alberta awarded Alan the Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of outstanding service to the people and the Province. Alan was President of the Ranchmen's Club and a long-serving director of Barnwell Industries, Inc. He took particular pride and pleasure as a member of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, American College of Trial Lawyers, and the Barristers Society. Alan loved music. He was widely read and had an insatiable appetite for books. He delighted in conversation, always interested in what others had to say. With his family and on his own, he travelled the world with joy and curiosity. He cherished the cabin in the Alberta foothills and the ranch in the Nicola Valley. He appreciated fine cars, good wine and long-haired dachshunds. We are grateful for the care Alan received from Dr. Thomas Tam and nurses on Unit 73 at Rockyview Hospital. Thanks also to Dr. Doug Milne and Dr. David Hogan. We appreciate Alan's brothers, Robert Hunter (Jo-Mary) of Kamloops and Stephen Hunter of Vancouver, his assistant of thirty years, Louise McKay, and his many dear friends. In June 2009, family, friends and colleagues celebrated Alan's life and career. Alan was thrilled to be embraced by those who gathered to pay tribute to his contribution to the law and to their lives. If friends desire, donations may be made in Alan's honour to Pro Bono Law Alberta. Alan Hunter. Never better.