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Brian Hunt Obituary
1939 – 2026
Brian Hunt died peacefully at home on January 11, 2026, with family surrounding him, just shy of his 87th birthday. He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara (McNutt) and daughters Joanne (Darren Franko), Jennifer (Chris Robertson) and Janet (Curtis Brock); and grandchildren, Mark and Graeme Robertson, Brian Franko, Paige and Kaiden Brock.
Brian was the middle son of Dr. and Mrs. Leigh Hunt of Vancouver. He is pre-deceased by his parents and three brothers, Dr. John Hunt, Dr. David Hunt, and Andrew, who died in infancy. He will be missed by his loving sisters-in-law, extended family, and many long-time friends and medical colleagues.
Brian was a longtime resident of the North Shore and former head of Lions Gate Hospital Neurosurgery. He first came to North Vancouver in 1963 as a medical student enrolled in the LGH extern program. In 1966, he joined the North Shore Medical Group and practiced Family Medicine for two years before leaving to specialize in neurosurgery at Winnipeg General Hospital. In 1972, Dr. Hunt returned to the North Shore and commenced his neurosurgical practice at LGH. In 1976, with the help of Dr. Barrie Purves, he established the LGH Division of Neurosurgery and the 7East neurological ward, which also supported the neurologists.
For many years, two neurosurgeons covered the North Shore neurosurgical needs 24/7 with on- call service and performed all aspects of neurosurgery, including pediatric and spinal injury patients, before there were dedicated spinal injury and pediatric neurosurgery services in Vancouver. Without resident staff, Drs. Hunt and Purves relied on the highly skilled, specialized neurological nursing staff to monitor the patients. Much time was devoted by both neurosurgeons in educating the nurses, and over time, a neurological intensive care unit was established on the 7 East ward. This led to the construction of a separate but adjacent Special Care Unit.
From its inception to the present day, Lions Gate Hospital's neurosurgical service has remained in the forefront of surgical innovation and modern-day techniques. Dr. Hunt was also passionate about brain injury prevention and promoted mandatory helmet use for the Whistler Ski Patrol and Ski School instructors, concussion management protocols for contact sports and advocated for major improvements to the Upper Levels and Sea to Sky highways because of high accident rates.
Brian wished to be remembered as someone who cared deeply about his patients, family, neighbours, dogs, and Canada. He was a devoted husband, wonderful father to his daughters, sons in-law, and grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Dean Brown, Dr. Jennifer Walker and the VCH Assisted Dying Program Team for their dedication and compassionate palliative care.
In lieu of flowers, any donations in Brian's memory can be made to the Lions Gate Foundation or a Charity of Your Choice.
A celebration of life will be held at Highlands United Church in North Vancouver on February 14, 2026, at 1 p.m. There will be a reception following for a time of remembering.
Brian Hunt died peacefully at home on January 11, 2026, with family surrounding him, just shy of his 87th birthday. He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara (McNutt) and daughters Joanne (Darren Franko), Jennifer (Chris Robertson) and Janet (Curtis Brock); and grandchildren, Mark and Graeme Robertson, Brian Franko, Paige and Kaiden Brock.
Brian was the middle son of Dr. and Mrs. Leigh Hunt of Vancouver. He is pre-deceased by his parents and three brothers, Dr. John Hunt, Dr. David Hunt, and Andrew, who died in infancy. He will be missed by his loving sisters-in-law, extended family, and many long-time friends and medical colleagues.
Brian was a longtime resident of the North Shore and former head of Lions Gate Hospital Neurosurgery. He first came to North Vancouver in 1963 as a medical student enrolled in the LGH extern program. In 1966, he joined the North Shore Medical Group and practiced Family Medicine for two years before leaving to specialize in neurosurgery at Winnipeg General Hospital. In 1972, Dr. Hunt returned to the North Shore and commenced his neurosurgical practice at LGH. In 1976, with the help of Dr. Barrie Purves, he established the LGH Division of Neurosurgery and the 7East neurological ward, which also supported the neurologists.
For many years, two neurosurgeons covered the North Shore neurosurgical needs 24/7 with on- call service and performed all aspects of neurosurgery, including pediatric and spinal injury patients, before there were dedicated spinal injury and pediatric neurosurgery services in Vancouver. Without resident staff, Drs. Hunt and Purves relied on the highly skilled, specialized neurological nursing staff to monitor the patients. Much time was devoted by both neurosurgeons in educating the nurses, and over time, a neurological intensive care unit was established on the 7 East ward. This led to the construction of a separate but adjacent Special Care Unit.
From its inception to the present day, Lions Gate Hospital's neurosurgical service has remained in the forefront of surgical innovation and modern-day techniques. Dr. Hunt was also passionate about brain injury prevention and promoted mandatory helmet use for the Whistler Ski Patrol and Ski School instructors, concussion management protocols for contact sports and advocated for major improvements to the Upper Levels and Sea to Sky highways because of high accident rates.
Brian wished to be remembered as someone who cared deeply about his patients, family, neighbours, dogs, and Canada. He was a devoted husband, wonderful father to his daughters, sons in-law, and grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Dean Brown, Dr. Jennifer Walker and the VCH Assisted Dying Program Team for their dedication and compassionate palliative care.
In lieu of flowers, any donations in Brian's memory can be made to the Lions Gate Foundation or a Charity of Your Choice.
A celebration of life will be held at Highlands United Church in North Vancouver on February 14, 2026, at 1 p.m. There will be a reception following for a time of remembering.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by North Shore News from Jan. 28 to Feb. 27, 2026.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Hunt
1 Entry
Mike Marshall and Jane Donnelly
February 14, 2026
We remember many years of working with Brian. He was always cheerful, passionate and dedicated to his patients. He was part of a terrific LGH group that had collegiality as a backbone of practice. He was also, to his laughter, the multiple winner of « most honest golfer » at our long running North Shore golf events! We were always happy he spent more time practicing his surgical technique than his swing. He will be missed. Mike Marshall and Jane Donnelly
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