Harold “Bristol” Hunt transitioned peacefully at the age of 81 on February 16, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia.

Born on June 21, 1944, in St. Lucia—the Jewel of the Caribbean—he was the son of Estella Violet Vidal (known as Maria Hunte) and Matthew Nerval. The third of eight children, Harold later moved to St. Croix and then Puerto Rico, where he trained as a bricklayer and mason, becoming conversant in Spanish along the way. Canada became his permanent home after he arrived in Toronto on February 3, 1971.

A master mason by trade, Harold took great pride in building structures throughout the Greater Toronto Area and the Caribbean that withstood the test of time. His love for working with his hands and an entrepreneurial spirit led him to successfully run his own company, Museum Restoration Ltd., until his retirement. Providing for his family and maintaining a tireless work ethic were the grounding principles in his life. He often quoted Genesis 3:19: “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread…”

Harold was eclectic in his interests. He loved singing—especially country and gospel music—his Telefunken record player, reciting French Creole poetry, driving his Ford truck and beloved forest green 1974 Pontiac Grand Prix, reading, boxing, baseball, lively political debate, roasting sweet potatoes in the family fireplace, devouring steamed fish with ground provisions, birdwatching, and gardening. He was enigmatic and refused to be defined by labels. He will be remembered for his strict discipline (sometimes too strict!), balanced by humour, generosity, a reserved nature, and an analytical mind.

He loved his family in the unique way he knew how. Harold beamed with pride when he spoke of Cheryl’s creative gift for singing, Valerie’s brilliance as a health professional, and Patricia’s determination and willingness to challenge him in any debate. A part of who he was can be seen in each of his girls.

Though not religious in a formal sense, Harold carried a deeply personal and unshakeable faith shaped by his early years in the Seventh day Adventist Church in Dennery, St. Lucia. He read his Bible regularly, and it was common to hear him singing songs of praise in the home. His faith—combined with that of his devoted wife, Mary—and their unwavering commitment to living with pristine integrity and uncompromising values provided the foundation for raising their family. During the difficult final years of his illness, his greatest comfort was found in his wife who provided him with direct care for several years.

Our mother never left his side. She was his rock until the very end, even at the cost of her own health and well being. She remains his greatest blessing in this lifetime.

To say he will be missed is an understatement. Yet we are grateful for God’s mercy in allowing him to pass peacefully and with dignity—much in the same way he lived his life. You did well, Dad. Take your rest.
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Harold is survived by his devoted wife of over 51 years, Mary; his daughters Cheryl (Jude), Valerie (Justin), and Patricia (Ryan); his grandchildren Amaris, Liam, Mateo, Maxwell, Abel, Mylah, and Nile; his siblings Peter, Elkanah, Elisha, Pricilla, Dinah, and Myrtle; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Joshua, his son Troy, and grandson Myles.