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David Hunter Obituary

HUNTER, David Allan - Passed away suddenly on Monday, November 16, 2009 at Northumberland Hills Hospital in his 76th year. Beloved father of Mary, Monica, Michael, John, Karen and Colleen (deceased). Beloved brother of Russell, Marilyn, Dennis and Diane. Also predeceased by mother Meryl and father Charles; sisters Helen, Madeleine and Catherine and brothers Doug and Bill. Beloved grandfather of Kevin, Stephen, Christopher, Therese, Nicole, Tyler, Benjamin, Kaylee, Shannon and Connor and great-granddaughter Ava. Beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews. Private memorial service to be held later. Donations can be made to the SickKids Foundation, 525 University Ave., 14th floor, Toronto, M5G 2L3.

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Published by Toronto Star on Nov. 21, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for David Hunter

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28 Entries

December 21, 2009

With sweet memories of my Uncle Dave who was a wonderful and loving man.You are now with my Dad and my sister Maureen.You are in my heart,may God keep you all close.
Daughter of Doug & Joann Hunter
Theresa(Hunter)Cotton,Joe

Jim Todd

December 9, 2009

Dave always took us out to really nice birthday dinners but when it was our turn to buy we always ended up at Tim Hortons!! He used to laugh about this often. I love and miss him and I wish we had a little more time.
Love Jim

Marilyn Todd

December 9, 2009

Our Darling Brother Dave
You were many things to many people who loved you. For me, two words come to mind for you: Strength and gentleness: you were strong and unmoveable in your determination, but so gentle in your manner and caring of the people you loved. You never forgot a special occasion with special cards-and you cared enough to send only the very best! we are so thankful that we did get a chance on Tuesday morning with a few family members present, to say good-bye to you, to pray together that your soul will rest in peace with our Lord and Saviour and with our loved ones who have gone before.
Until we meet again,
Love Marilyn

Diane Rawn

December 5, 2009

I just thought I would add something about Dave and his children. While there were gaps in his relationships, his children were never out of his thoughts or his mind.

He would talk of them and knew his grandchildren's names and birthdates. He had a great memory; a lot better than mine. I have to think for awhile before remembering those things that he just rhymed off without any thinking.
He loved his children a great deal and had as many pictures of them as possible, on his walls of his apartment.

Life sometimes throws you curves but it never threw strikes as far as his love went, for his family.

Gayle Einarsson

December 3, 2009

I am one of Uncle Dave’s many nieces, and I have been blessed to get to know him better in these last two years.

My Uncle Dave lived his life in his own unique way and on his own terms. He did this with a genuine love for his family; with true care and compassion for his friends; and with an honest respect for the community he made his home!

I will always remember the last time I visited with my Uncle in the evening on Saturday November 14th. I became aware of so much that evening by witnessing Uncle Dave’s love, his faith, and his courage.

I walked into the emergency room area where he was laying; although he was attached to various machines, monitors, and IV drips he smiled as I held his hand and in a quiet and slightly quivering voice, he thanked me for coming! That was Uncle Dave. He looked up at me, squeezed my hand a little tighter as he was trying to understand what was happening to his earthly body, and he thanked me for coming!

What could I possibly say or do to help him in this moment of his life when he was dealing with the most devastating realizations as shared to him by doctors just a few hours earlier? Words are too difficult to find and even more difficult to speak!

With Uncle Dave, you didn’t need many words. He connected to those he loved through his heart and then through his eyes. He knew. He accepted. He loved.

When Uncle Dave moved to Port Hope 2.5 years ago to be closer to his 2 sisters, (his 2 brother-in-laws) and his brother I thought that they would help him, support him, and make a big difference in his life…but I have realized it was actually Uncle Dave who was the one who helped, supported and made a big difference in his sisters and brother-in-law’s lives on a daily basis. His moving to Port Hope was truly part of God’s master plan.
Uncle Dave has taught many of us so much but not as much as he taught us when he faced the fierce battle of disease.

At that time, we all realized how heroic my Uncle Dave was. He was faithful, and through his faith in Jesus Christ, he received peace. My Uncle found the ultimate peace and he shared his peace with all who were with him that evening. We were blessed by his smiles, his laughter, his conversation, his one-line jokes, his gratitude, and the appreciation he felt and shared for his family who were at his side and those who were with him in thought. My Uncle made sure he shared his God-given peace that night with those he loved who needed it also!

My memories of him will always include his gentle, quiet demeanor with his welcoming and accepting smile; and also the love, faith and courage that he ‘gifted’ his loved ones with during those last few hours of his life.

I give my thanks to God for loving my Uncle and for granting him Everlasting Life in Heaven. We can all receive peace in knowing this.

With Love
Gayle, Einar, Jesse, Kallan, Sherene Einarsson
Cobourg Ontario

Carolyn Uzzardo

December 3, 2009

Dear Uncle Dave,
I have fond memories of you when I was growing up in Canada.I also enjoyed exchanging Christmas cards.You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Love, Carolyn(Hunter)Uzzardo & Joe xoxo

Gord and Uncle Dave at Hunter reunion 2008

December 2, 2009

Hunter reunion 2008 Dave with Gord, Diane and Dennis

Gord Pope

December 2, 2009

Words cannot describe the feelings of grief and shock when someone you love as much as Uncle Dave, is taken so suddenly and unexpectedly. I speak also for my wife Carol and our two daughters Sandy and Erin.
I had always known Uncle Dave as a kind, soft-spoken slightly introverted man while I was growing up.
This changed however, over twenty years ago when we struck up a friendship that grew with time.
My mother Catherine had always kept in contact with Dave as a mentor, being his older sister, closest in age.
As Dave explained to me on more than one occasion, there was a sense of two groups of five siblings growing up as a natural consequence of a wide difference in age between him and his nine siblings. Of this second group, my mother was the eldest while Dave was four years younger followed by Marilyn, Dennis and Diane.
This is not to say anyone was more loved but rather the younger five grew up together for a period of time in a household where a loving and hard-working mother was not always able to be home due to the necessity of making ends meet.
It created a certain bond between Dave and the others including my mother--who made a point of passing it along to me.
Through many conversations, mostly over the phone, I soon discovered that Uncle Dave and I shared similar views on many aspects of life including politics, current events, social mores, a sense of humour, interest in sports (in order the Leafs, Argos and Blue Jays) and last but not least, the caring for family.
Typically our conversations began with the catching up of what was new with family and how they were doing.
From there, we would often talk for over an hour about anything from sports to the latest news to fond memories of passed love ones etc.
We mostly agreed upon everything, but rest assured, when rarely there was a difference of opinion, Uncle Dave would make it clear as to why his thoughts were the better reasoned of the two!
Dave held a strong sense of morality to which he steadfastly adhered, and also expected from others. Regardless where our dialogue led us, we always both felt better for the time that was shared.
For years, Uncle Dave lived alone, enjoying his independence. He was however, grateful for the opportunity to live closer to his family in Cobourg for two years, who helped him with their caring and love while also respecting his independence.
Rest peacefully Uncle Dave. We know you are in a better place enjoying the love and company of those who passed before you.
Always missed and with much love,
Gord, Carol, Sandy and Erin Pope

Donna Ryan

December 1, 2009

Dear Uncle Dave, Other than exchanging Christmas cards,& talking to you on the phone,I never had the pleasure of meeting you.You are a sweet dear man & we all love you more than you know! Our thoughts & prayers are with you always! Donna(Hunter)Ryan & familyxoxo

Joann Hunter

November 30, 2009

Dear Dave,
I will miss our telephone visits,we had a lot of laughs.You are in my evening prayers along with all our dear departed.
Love you,Joann

Paula (Hunter)Germann

November 30, 2009

Dear Uncle Dave,
Even though I never met you,I felt a connection to you.The times I spoke to you on the phone were so special.You were such a kind loving soul.You're in our prayers & thoughts.
We love you! (Doug)&Joann's youngest
Paula(Hunter)Germann Kerry & Kaitlyn xoxo

Jeff and Karen Rawn

November 27, 2009

Memories of Uncle Dave
Lets start with the Hunter Christmas parties in Pickering. Leaf games on the TV, floor hockey with all our cousin and those bright plumpy red cheeks of Uncle Daves. Always thought he would be the best Santa ever!!!
Working with Uncle Dave and taking extended lunches but feeling safe in doing so because I was with him. I used to tell Uncle Dave that I bet if I did that by myself I would be fired for sure but as long as I was with him I was safe.
Helping Uncle Dave move from his tiny basement apartment that he had for years to be closer to my mother. Family is everything to her and having her big brother closer to her made her very happy. I guess he finally gave into her nagging and couldnt take it anymore!!
Rest in Peace Uncle Dave
Love Jeff Karen Noelle Brandon Colby Nolan Lauryn and Rylee XOXOXOX

Diane Rawn

November 24, 2009

I lift up my eyes to the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
The Maker of Heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip
he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you
the Lord is your shade at your right hand
the sun will not harm you by day
nor the moon by night
The Lord will keep you from all harm
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore

Psalm 121

November 24, 2009

My Dear Brother-in-Law Dave: I am going to miss all our different times together. Coffee at Tim's or MacD. Breakfast at Wimpey's suppers at Capt. Georges Fish and Chips, Swiss Chalet, Montanas and various other establishments. Our shopping times, groceries, Wal-Mart, Zellers, Home Hardware, and just a couple of weeks ago a furniture store to get you a new bed and reclining chair. We also had a few trips to doctors and the hospital. During all these times we talked about everything under the sun, almost everything. We never ran out of things to talk about. We also had some good chats on the phone, mostly to see how each other was doing. Now you have left us and are now in a more peaceful setting and preparing a place for us. You will be fondly remembered and loved in my heart forever. Love Wally

Robbie MacIvor

November 23, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Gail (Hunter)Peddle

November 23, 2009

Dear Uncle Dave, I am so glad that we had the opportunity to have so many heart filled telephone conversations,even though we did not get to see alot of each other you were just a call away and you always brightened my day. I don't have as many memories together with Uncle Dave as some of you have but what I do remember is the same as everyone else is that beautiful twinkle in his eyes, far away eyes,but always brought you so near. He remembered so many memories of me as a little girl that he brought to my attention which made me feel so special that he remembered so vividly and I Thank him for that. I love you Uncle Dave I will always remember your Happy Face! Love Gail Marie(Hunter)Peddle and Family xoxoxoxo May God look after you now.

David Hunter in 1935

November 23, 2009

Alan, Marilyn & David in 1943

Al & Marilyn Lawrie

November 23, 2009

November 21, 2009

Dear Uncle Dave, You are a wonderful man who means so much to our whole family. And now you are in heaven with many other dear loved ones. You are greatly loved and missed. Sharon (Hunter) Crane & family xoxoxo

Marilyn & Jim Todd

November 21, 2009

Darling Brother Dave, Jim and I miss you terribly already, but are so blessed to have had you close these past few years. Our children got to know you and love you. Till we meet again. Love Marilyn and Jim and families.

Dave with his brothers and sisters 2008

November 21, 2009

Dave as a young man

November 21, 2009

Dave in younger school days

November 21, 2009

Mom and her 10 children Catherin and Ted's wedding

November 21, 2009

Dave on his 75th birthday 2009

November 21, 2009

November 21, 2009

Uncle Dave, you were an important part of our life. Thank you for your phone chats over the years and cards of encouragement especially over the past year during our cancer journey. We will miss your sense of humour, your smile and the way you light up a room. We are thankful that you are at peace and you are with loved ones who need you. Love always, Mike, Sharon, Sandy, Andrew and baby to be XOXOX

Kimberley Carriere

November 21, 2009

I had written the following short note to say at Uncle Dave’s service but, since we didn’t get that opportunity, I will share it here. He is a man that deserves to be remembered and to let things go unsaid would be a disservice to his memory.

Uncle Dave was a man who was very misunderstood and a man who had overcome so many obstacles in his life. He was a very proud man. Many would misinterpret that pride for stubbornness. That’s not to say there wasn’t any of that in him either. And moving to Port Hope, closer to my Mom and Auntie Marilyn certainly put that stubbornness to the test. While he put forth a great effort, clearly, he was no match for the two of them. He held his own in many circumstances but in others, he wisely learned to concede and realized it just wasn’t worth the effort.

He didn’t like the big family dinners and we all accepted that but he came to enjoy his small dinners of fish and chips or Swiss Chalet or even just a coffee at Tim Horton’s with Auntie Marilyn, Uncle Jim and my parents.

For his 75th birthday, he went big. We went to Montana’s where my family and Uncle Dennis and Auntie Barb joined them all as well. He still thought it was too much but he gave in. And he really did enjoy himself. Not to the point where he would actually wear the Birthday Moosehead, but he did allow me to take pictures. That in itself, was another big step for him. Only because I promised not to plaster them all over Facebook! My mother, however, did wear the Moosehead which allowed me the opportunity to do some creative editing. So I later photoshopped the Moosehead onto Uncle Dave’s head, just for fun!

My boys also came to know Uncle Dave quite well in the last 2 years when they would spend time at my parents place. Everyone deserves AND needs to be around the vibrancy and laughter of a young child and he got that through my boys. I am grateful that they were a part of his life and he theirs.

If you were to ask me what I would remember most about Uncle Dave, I would have to say “that twinkle in his eyes”. He always reminded me of Santa Clause in that way.
I take great comfort in having seen that twinkle the very last time I saw him, the night before he passed away. The four of us went to visit him in the hospital, beyond visiting hours after our boys’ hockey. It was late and he had had a long and tiring day and yet he chatted us up, most of the time being poked by the nurse, and still with such a sense of humour. We had a nice visit and as we all said our good-byes and my children both gave him a hug and a kiss before we left, he had that twinkle in his eyes yet again. I will cherish that moment in my heart always.

We love you and will miss you! Say hi to Nana and everyone else for me…….

Love always,
Kimberley, Yvan, Ty & Troy
xoxoxo

November 21, 2009

Dave, We remember your caring, humour, love and concern for others. We remember happy times together. We are so grateful that the past two years especially have been extremely blessed to have you living so close and spending so many memories. Sadness will pass but these memories will live on. Rest in peace dear brother. Love forever Diane and Wally xoxoxo

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