EARL AMANDUS HUNTER

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EARL AMANDUS HUNTER January 9, 1924 (Kaleida, MB) - January 2, 2014 (Morden, MB) Earl passed away peacefully at Boundary Trails Health Centre on January 2, 2014, just one week shy of his 90th birthday. Earl was born on the home farm near Kaleida, the youngest of seven children born to George and Christina (Simms) Hunter, where he was raised and worked with his father. He was predeceased by his first wife, Jean (Dickson) Hunter, his parents and siblings May (Kinsman), Violet (Brown), Albert, George, Charlie and Margaret (Mitchell). He is survived by his second wife, Ruth Frith, Earl and Jean's family of five and their families; Rodney and wife Colleen Hunter of Calgary, grandchildren Michael and Blair (Emily); Janet and husband Bob Boyd of Pilot Mound, grandchildren Lindy (Darcy) Davis, great-grandchildren McKenna, Leah, and Gavin of Portage La Prairie; Marnie (Tyler) Butler and great-grandson Linkyn of Portage La Prairie; grandson Darren (Kara) Boyd and great-grandchildren Mason and Ryker of Calgary. Robin and husband Sam Robinson of Binscarth, grandchildren Kristin (Dave) Barrett, great- grandchildren Morgan and Hunter of Virden, Lindsay (Justin), great-grandson Hayden of Virden; Bill and wife Lois Hunter of Powell River BC and granddaughter Amanda of Edmonton; daughter Cindy of Manitou. As with many men of his generation, he answered the call to serve his country, along with brothers George and Charlie, during the Second World War. In 1943, at age nineteen, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and was sent to England where he served in France, Holland and Belgium as a member of The Calgary Highlanders. He was later posted to the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada and saw service with occupation forces in Germany, returning home in 1946. In his retirement he returned to Europe for the 60th anniversary of D Day, which was a real highlight of his life. He always said he wanted to return to Europe to see the countryside when it hadn't been destroyed by war. Earl was a lifetime member of the Manitou Legion Branch 21. After his military service Earl obtained his mechanical papers and worked at C.P. Moore's Garage and later Pembina Motors. He also operated a Bulk fuel business for The British American Oil Company and, later, for Gulf Oil and Petro Canada, until his retirement in 1988. Dad was a very hard working man and a well respected business man in his home community of Manitou. Family and community were very important to Earl. He was very supportive of any activities his children participated in. He was involved in the Kinsman Club, past president of the Manitou Branch 21 Royal Canadian Legion, long serving treasurer of the Anglican Vestry, founding member of the Manitou Curling Club, member of Manitou Duck Club. He enjoyed his retirement years by travelling extensively, enjoying many new hobbies such as golfing, bowling, playing cribbage and pool at the friendship centre. After Jean passed away, Dad found companionship with Ruth and they enjoyed many years together. In the last number of years Earl was affected by Parkinson's disease, which he dealt with, with great strength and courage. He was a great supporter of the local chapter of the Parkinson's Society, and attended local chapter meetings... Rest in peace Dad, your work is done, you were much loved and you have left behind many footprints. An Anglican Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew's United Church in Manitou Donations in memory of Earl can be made to St. Mary's Anglican Church, c/o Leanne Lea Box 313 Manitou ROG 1G0 or the Parkinson's Society of Manitoba or a charity of one's choice. Doyle's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www.doylesfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2014