March 2, 1954 - November 4, 2021
With great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Robert (Rob) Hunter at Nanaimo General Hospital on November 4, 2021 with his family at his side.
Predeceased by his parents Bob and Clara Hunter, father and mother-in-law Bill and Doreene Brown, all of Ladysmith, and his good buddy Kim Martyn.
Left to mourn is Gayla Hunter his life-long partner, companion and loving wife of 47 years and daughter Megan Hunter. Rob was their Rock.
Also left to mourn are his sisters Sharon Smith (Dwight), Helen Hunter (Frank Donnelly), brothers Brian Hunter and Dan Hunter, sisters- in-law Nancy Hunter (Ron), Leslie Sprecker (Stan), Janet Brown, Lynn Brown (Eric), brother-in-law Dennis Brown, many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends, including his good buddies, David, George, Mike and George.
Rob was generous in nature, lending a hand to many and giving a hand up to some. He had a welcoming smile, always had time to say Hello and loved to tell stories as he truly had quite a few adventures to speak of.
Rob enjoyed boating which included prawning and crabbing with family and friends, cruising for family vacations and many years were spent camping and fishing on Galiano Island, locally known as the Gap.
Rob enjoyed travelling to Mexico, Cuba and Hawaii and after retirement Rob could be found in his shop working on a vehicle, woodworking, or shooting the breeze with his buddies. He was never one to be idle, and could fix practically anything.
Rob was born and raised in Ladysmith but with his wife Gayla, spent years away in Haida Gwaii, Vancouver, North Vancouver, and then with Gayla and Megan in Ucluelet before once again making Ladysmith their home.
After Ladysmith High School Rob attended Malaspina College for Heavy Duty Mechanics doing his apprenticeship with Crown Zellerbach, received further training with Finning Tractor and then the Pacific Marine Institute in North Vancouver to start his career in Marine Engineering.
Rob had a varied and interesting career which accounted for a lot of his adventurous stories. As a Heavy Duty Mechanic, Rob worked at many logging camps on the coast including Sandspit, Haida Gwaii, Kyuquot and Ucluelet. As a Marine Engineer he worked on the Coulson Marine 1, a support ship for Heli-logging and with the Dept of Fisheries and Oceans on a patrol boat circumnavigating Haida Gwaii.
He then worked for BC Ferries for 25+ years on routes up and down the coast. The last 16 years were on the Thetis Island Ferry, retiring as Senior Chief Engineer. It is no wonder that wherever you went with Rob you would run into someone he knew.
Although it wasn't long enough we will be thankful for all the years we had. We will love him always.
Rob did not want a big fuss so there will be an informal gathering of family and friends at a later date.