Ernest Thurston Hunt

Thurston Hunt, beloved husband of Barbara, passed away peacefully at his new home in Calgary on Monday, February 4, 2013 at the age of 86. Thurston was born in Montreal, Quebec on September 4th, 1926. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Susan and her husband Wieland Wettstein, Brian and his wife Debbie, David and his wife Samara and by his grandchildren, Andrea, Curtis, Sean, Trevor, Brett, Aurora and Greer.

After a brief stint in the army, Thurston attended McGill University and graduated in 1947 with a Commerce degree. After graduation, he worked his way around the world on a merchant ship. He obtained his Chartered Accountant designation and worked in industry until 1976. He finished his career as the Director of Financial Services for the WCB in Alberta.

Thurston and Barbara met on a tennis court and married in 1950. In 1954, they moved to Edmonton where they enjoyed a very special group of lifelong friends. In 1961, they returned to Montreal, but the lure of the West called them back in 1968. In 1989, Thurston and Barbara retired to the West Coast to fulfill their dream of living on the ocean. Thurston's health issues caused a move to Calgary in January, 2013 to be close to family.

Thurston was an avid outdoorsman, skier, fisherman, tennis player and golfer. He had a quick wit and a terrifically dry sense of humour. Next to Barbara and his family, his greatest passions were travel, music and singing. Thurston was known for his sincerity, kindness, and caring - a "true gentleman" who left a warm impression on all he met. He was a man of character and integrity and a role model for his children and grandchildren.

In accordance with Thurston's wishes, a private family celebration will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Research Society (www.crs-src.ca).