Jack Hunter
JOHN "JACK" HUNTER
July 7, 1952 - May 9, 2018
Suddenly, yet peacefully, John passed away from cancer at the Heath Sciences Centre at the age of 65 years. He was surrounded by his family.
Affectionately known as Jack, he will be lovingly remembered by his wife of thirty-seven years, Josie Hunter (Russo); son David and daughter Krystin; grandson Liam Connolly; mother-in-law Caterina Russo (Nona); sister Dianne Dyck (Andrew), niece Janella Gowryluk, auntie Jessie Hunter and a broad extended family.
Jack was born July 7, 1952 to parents Peggy and John Hunter Sr. in Winnipeg, Manitoba before moving to Thunder Bay, Ontario where he attended high school at Westgate Collegiate. He then completed a Business Administration degree at Lakehead University. Often referred to by his nickname, Jackie, he would reminisce stories about lifelong friends Bud, Jack, Allan and Shelley.
Always passionate about his work (Safeway, Quaker Oats, Pioneer Meats and Hunter Sales Agency), Jack also gave back to the community. His big heart and positive outlook made him an excellent role model to many kids to look up to. He volunteered with the Big Brothers of Canada, was a district chairman of the Pembina district boy scouts, a sponsor for Safeway’s Junior Achievements program, and was a keen football and hockey coach.
Many would fondly remember Jack as an avid sports fan. Whether it was golf, curling, football or hockey he always defended his favourite team, the Toronto Maple Leafs to his final days positively saying “maybe next year” when they were eliminated. Hockey was in his blood, he loved the game and the values it taught. Don Cherry’s suits and comments made him laugh weekly and Jack’s in-game commentary with his ecstatic ‘Yahoo!’ was the best part of watching a game with him.
Most importantly, Jack was a family man who always put his family’s needs above his own. A wonderful and supportive husband to Josie, who will always be the love and light of his life. He was an incredibly proud father, keeping every newspaper clipping, trophy, report card and uniform of his children. A grandpa who loved hearing about his grandson’s love for hockey and getting him some of his first hockey gear. He also loved the family dog, Chandler, who he enjoyed taking on walks with his scooter, going for car rides and playing in the pool with.
An amazing friend, he held many close friendships, including Joy and Dave Mintenko, Joe and Rick Bussoli, Scott Penner, and too many others to list.
The family wishes to extended their sincere thanks to the City of Winnipeg’s incredible first responders, the staff at St. Boniface Hospital and the Health Sciences Centre.
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the First Unitarian Church, 603 Wellington Crescent.
Jack loved how sports can shape young lives. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made under his name to the True North Youth Foundation http://www.truenorthyouthfoundation.com/donate/
Family & Friends, Leafs, Rum and cokes. You will always be in our hearts, we love you.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
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