John had just moved to a retirement community in St. Catharines, Ontario with his wife, Davida. He played Friday golf as usual with his friends. The next day he had a major stroke. Life can be that fragile. John lived a full and happy 85 years. He was proud to tell all that he beat his age in golf this summer!

Born in Toronto in 1937 to James and Phyllis Hunter, John was the youngest of three boys. Pre-deceased by his older brothers William (Bill) and James (Jim).

John was born on Blantyre Avenue in the Beaches community of Toronto. Serendipitously, about 30 years ago, his only son Craig and his wife Allison, bought a home on the same street. Two of John’s grandchildren attended the same elementary school he had 80 years prior.

John grew up in Moore Park where he attended Whitney Public School and North Toronto Collegiate. He graduated from Victoria College at the University of Toronto. He loved playing football. When Craig was a young boy, he would proudly show his Dad’s Victoria College football photo to his friends and told them he played pro.

John married Davida in 1961 and lived in midtown Toronto before moving to the then suburbs of North York in the late 1960s.

John had a long career in public service with the Province of Ontario. Most of it was with the Ministry of Community and Social Services as a Director of Human Resources. He was the consummate professional for over three decades before retiring in the early 1990s and continued to maintain many friendships with those from work.

Following his “Freedom 55” retirement (yes, for some that happens!), John and Davida moved to Bracebridge. There he met many new friends playing golf at South Muskoka Golf Club and he also took up curling to help pass the snowy and cold winters. Like many of his pursuits, he was competitive. In 2018, they followed friends to live in the more climate-friendly Niagara region.

John and Davida loved to travel. They regularly visited family and friends in California, Scotland, Grand Cayman and recently spent winters in Florida. They also travelled with friends to many parts of the world -- from Turkey to Alaska to the Amazon. Such times together brought impressive life experiences and lasting memories.

John was a practical and caring man who loved to laugh and share good times with friends and family. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed and loved by Davida, and by Craig and Allison. His love and legacy lives on through his three grandchildren, Ryan, Jenna and Sarah, their partners and his great-grandson Riley.

John will be missed by his many friends and extended family including his poker and golf buddies.

John’s wish was for a private cremation. Arrangements have been made at Pine Hills Cemetery in Toronto. No donations or flowers are required. The family would like you to know that your supportive, kind words and memories have been, and will continue to be, very much appreciated.