In Celebration of

Richard John Hunter

December 15, 1932 -  July 28, 2020


It is with sadness we share that John passed away peacefully in his sleep, with his family at his side on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at the age of 87.

John “Jackie” Hunter was born in Granity, New Zealand on December 15, 1932; the only son of John James and Mabel (Burns Woods) Hunter. Beloved husband and life companion of Mary Elizabeth (Copeland) Hunter (married on July 4, 1959). They raised four children in Toronto – Susan (Kevin), Wendy (Marin), Lynda (Kevin) and John (Brenda).

“Jackie” took piano lessons from the age of 7, participated in many competitions, and enjoyed duets. His first shorthand/transcription job in Canada was with the Toronto Municipal Government. Placing first in testing, he landed a House of Commons position in Ottawa in 1957. Transcribing their sessions proved challenging, as he was unfamiliar with the P.M. or the 130 MPs of the time. He was happily lured away by the Supreme Court of Canada.

John retired from the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General in 1990, after more than 32 years of service as a Court Reporter. He filled his retirement years with travel, gardening, music, dancing, “almost gourmet” cooking, reading, crossword puzzles, family games, laughter and countless moments with his grandchildren.

He will be dearly missed by his children, their in-laws, many family friends and by his 9 grandchildren – Angela (Noah), Jennifer (Ben), Laura, Zachary, Matthew, Mike, Elyse, John and Drake.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2020.

If desired, please consider a donation to ShareLife Saint Pius X Toronto.

Guestbook 

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Steven Aucoin 

Entered July 30, 2020

It is with great sadness that we heard of Johns passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Hunter family. Always remembered and sadly missed.
Steve and Sandi and family.

Elizabeth Warner (Family Friend)

Entered July 31, 2020 from Newmarket

Lynda,
I am so sorry for your loss. It will leave a major hole in your lives for a long time to come. I also worked for the Attorney General for 7 years but we never met. I was in the County Court system.
He must have been a wonderful father, he helped to raise a wonderful woman in you.
If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. I can certainly make masks or phone calls.
All my prayers and love to you and your family.

Ken & Jo-Ann Percy (Family Friends)

Entered July 31, 2020 from Newmarket

We are so very sorry to hear of John's passing. Our heart felt sympathy to the entire Hunter family. John was a trooper he fought a long hard battle. His spirit and his love for life will be remembered in all of you. Please know out hearts and prayers are with you at this time and if there is anything we can do please reach out. Save the Last Dance John, rest in peace.
Ken, Jo, Ryan and Jake

Gwen Barnett (Long time friend.)

Entered July 31, 2020 from Mississauga, ON

Sending Love and Condolences to Mary and all the Family.
John was a dear friend. We met in 1955 when Dad brought a young reporter from the Toronto Family Court home to meet our family. Our mutual love of music was the beginning of a 65+ year friendship.
As we were both only children, I always looked to John as my 'older brother'.
I will miss you John. LYJTS 💕
Love to all. Gwen

Mike and Rosemary Mealing (Family Friends)

Entered July 31, 2020 from St. Catharines, Ont.

We were shocked and saddened to hear of John's passing.
From the early days with the Supreme Court Reporters John and I became good friends. Through the following years Rosemary and I would look forward to getting together with John whenever he was in Hamilton or St Catharines while on circuit with the Supreme Court.
And there are, of course, those great summer memories where our families would get together at the cottage for an afternoon of great fun and laughter.
Among the many endearing qualities of John's character was his wonderful sense of humour.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Hunter family. John will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

Rosemary and Mike

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