Mervin Roy Hunter

He was born on April 26, 1928 in Fork River, Manitoba to Samuel and Muriel Hunter, who ran a successful farm. In 1948, Merv and three buddies, decided on a whim, to escape the tough working conditions in the Sudbury coal mines. They wrote the entrance exam for military service. Only Merv passed the exam, so he started a new and exciting life in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

He served 25 years in the service and those years were some of the best of his life. Merv trained as a navigator, flying military cargo planes to UN “hot” spots in the Congo, the Suez crisis and South Korea.

He also flew VIP’s to Canadian embassies all over the world, including a memorable flight around the world. They always carried their golf clubs along with them and were determined to golf everywhere in the world.

While on a brief leave in Revelstoke, BC, Merv met Aldyth Campbell and fell in love with her gentle nature and beauty. They were married soon after, on April 28, 1952. Military life meant constant moving (every 3 years) so all three children were born in different cities: Kevin in Montreal, Lianne in Ottawa and Carol in Belleville. Always moving west, his most significant posting was to Victoria. Once there, they bought a berry farm. The family remained on the farm while Merv accepted two final postings within BC. Retiring in 1973, Merv lovingly tended to his loganberries and more importantly, his famous strawberries. The remainder of his working years was spent in Corrections – first with juveniles and later with adults.

The Merv stories are endless. His sense of humour was legendary and his gregarious nature was much loved by everyone. He was the life of the party and a huge jokester. An avid card player, his partners and opponents had to cope with his many antics and distractions. Among Merv’s other talents was his tremendous love of fishing, especially the elusive steelhead, and his beautiful woodworking projects. Dad loved animals and was never without a canine companion by his side – and the devotion was mutual.

He will be deeply missed by his loving family Kevin (Linda), granddaughters Amber and Kaitlyn Lianne Peterson (Carl); and Carol as well as his sister, Eileen Grieg (Angus) and their five children and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends a HUGE thanks to the wonderful staff of Fir Park Village in Port Alberni who should be commended for their dedication and commitment. And above all, our deepest, most abiding gratitude to Linda, his daughter in law, who gave Merv so much. Her love and patience was demonstrated every day over many, many years with card games, lovely meals, many outings and events that she made sure he attended and true friendship.

A Service of Remembrance will take place in Kelowna spring of 2014 when Merv’s cremated remains will be buried in a family plot. For those who wish, stories and condolences may be offered by visiting www.chapelofmemories.ca In lieu of flowers, donations in Merv’s memory may be made to the SPCA.