Hunter, Richard “Dick”

February 09, 1936 ~ September 12, 2023

Richard “Dick” Peter Hunter – It’s with great sadness that the family of Richard “Dick” Peter Hunter announce his passing on September 12, 2023. Dad had a full and enriching life. He may have lost his battle following his latest medical challenge, but he is winning all the way after entering heaven’s gates and into the arms of his beloved wife, Bernice (Johnson) Hunter (1993). Dad, Grandpa and Great Papa will be greatly missed but his influence will live on in his six children and their families: Ron (Jayne), Dave (Joyce), Karen (Charlie) Zavitz, Dale (Cindy), Carol (Tom) Steadman and Mark (Linda) Hunter. He was the proud grandfather of Erin (Junior) Farrelly, Pam (Mike) Lowe, Meghan (Jill McFate) Hunter, Logan (Alicia) Hunter, Danny Zavitz, Greg (Michelle) Zavitz, Jennifer (Vic Jaswal) Zavitz, Ryan Zavitz, Dylan (Kristen) Hunter, Shalen (Kyle) Schweitzer, Tucker (Haley) Hunter, Rick (Maria) Steadman, Nicole (Matt) Strangway, Mike (Haley Saunders) Steadman, Adam (Dana) Steadman, Garett (Britney Podolinsky) Hunter, Cullen (Gabrielle) Hunter, Andie (Russell MacMillan) Hunter, Cale (Rachel) Hunter. He found great joy in his great-grandchildren: Graham Steadman, Maddox, Millar and Merrick Hunter, Gavin, Ronin, and Mila McGrath, Maxx and Rhett Lowe, Charlie and Ellie Zavitz, Declan, Harlow, and Leyton Hunter, Theo and Malcom Schweitzer, Braxton, Reece, and Rebecca Strangway, Isla (2019), Robbie and Lucy Steadman, Hugh and Henry Hunter, Hudson and Brooks Hunter, and two on the way, fall 2023. Dad is also survived by his loving companion, Joanne Dobbin and her family, in addition to his nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed by the many people he came to know through the farming community but especially throughout the hockey world. Dad was like a father to several and they will also miss him. He was also predeceased by his parents, Roy and Araminta “Mint” (Bailey) Hunter as well as his brothers, Don (late Irene) and Wayne (Barbara). Dad was a family man, farmer and a member of the local Carpenter’s union. He was an original builder of the Petrolia Minor Hockey system in Petrolia. He was a hard-nosed but respected coach. He “networked” in hockey without knowing what the term meant. He spoke his own brand of rural English and he also spoke “hockey”, 24-7. He was instrumental in the elite hockey development of his four sons but he also was very passionate about the development of all players he coached. “Hunter hockey” is well known across a multitude of households, hockey rinks and organizations. His love of the game helped fuel his sons to achieve elite hockey status, with all playing Major Jr A hockey and Dave, Dale and Mark playing in the NHL. He was proud supporter of the London Knights hockey club. Dad was excited to see his grandchildren, and now great grandchildren learning the game, and some venturing into the business. Despite his experiences in hockey and far-reaching impacts, Dad remained true to himself, a farmer at heart, living a simple life, in the humble home on the family farm where he and Mom raised our family. He was never interested in material things. He lived for the experiences with hockey and hockey people, in addition to the fruits of his labour on the farm. The family would like to thank London Health Sciences, especially, Dr Dieter Bruckschwaiger, Cheryl Churcher, Dr. Oonagh Scallan, and Dr. Daryl Gray for their excellent and compassionate care.

 

Funeral details
There will be a private family service. A Celebration of Life will take place at Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood Community Complex, Walnut Street, Alvinston, Ontario at 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday, September 15, 2023.

Donations
In lieu of flowers, donations (cheques only) may be made to Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca).

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Condolences (135)

  1. To the Hunter Family
    Please accept my sincere Condolences…
    Your family has suffered a tremendous loss and every one is grieving. I know Stu and Doug Muxlow used to meet up with Dick in Alvinston or Inwood and discuss the world’s problems. I’m sure nothing got solved but they had fun trying. Lol. Sending Sincere Sympathy to all Hunters

  2. To the Hunter Family,
    Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. He was a very nice man and he will be missed by so many in our community. Thinking of you all.
    Sincerely,
    Mike & Jane Young

  3. Our deepest sympathy to the Hunter family. Dickenson was a joy to know. Hard nosed but funny. A proud strong man.Rest in Peace old stick. Keep your stick on the ice.

  4. Sorry to hear of your dads recent passing he was the “Hockey Dad” and I always enjoyed talking to him whenever I saw him. He certainly enjoyed what you guys accomplished.

  5. My deepest condolences to the extended Hunter family. Dick was definitely a special, one-of-a-kind guy, and his life was one that was thoroughly well-lived.

  6. To the entire Hunter Families,
    So sorry to hear the passing of Dick, I have many fond memories of playing minor Hockey against Petrolia and Jr “B” Hockey against the Strathroy Blades were Dick was the head coach. I also had the pleasure of playing Jr “B” Hockey with Ron and playing against Dave and Dale. Dick was such a great Hockey man, but most of all a great person who took the time to speak with everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.
    Darryl & Sharyn Ulrich

  7. Condolences to the Hunter family. Dick was always a good neighbour and friend to my parents Keith and Helena Dawson. He often stopped in at the farm on 80 hwy for a visit . There are so many memories that will keep his legacy living for generations.

  8. To all the Hunter family my deepest condolences to you all, on the passing of Dick, and may all your memories of him help you through this sad and difficult time RIP Dick.

  9. To the Hunter families and Joanne Dobbin and her family, so sorry to hear that Dick has passed away. Our sincere sympathy is extended to you all at this difficult time. Thinking of you all. Take care. Jim and Shelley Holbrook and family.

  10. Our sincere condolences to the entire Hunter family and Joanne Dobbin on the loss of Dick. May you hold all the special memories of him close to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  11. So sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Our deepest condolences to the Hunter family.
    He was one of my first coaches back in the peewee days🙂 and Dad (Tony Kmetic) always spoke highly of him while in the Petrolia Jets organization…
    Certainly will be missed.🙏

  12. My family lived nearby on Hwy 80 (before it was a highway). When we moved to Inwood my brother Lorne took over the Simpson farm. Your dad was truly a people person and a good man.
    My sincere sympathy to the Hunter family. Rest peacefully Dick! You will never be forgotten.

    Sharon (Simpson) Smith

  13. My sincere condolences to the Hunter family. My prayers are with during this difficult times. Cherish the memories.

  14. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire Hunter and Dobbin Families . He was one special guy always had time to stop and chat reminiscing stories from the old days! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
    Field Families

  15. To Tom and Carol and the entire Hunter family.So sorry to hear about your Dad. Thinking about all of you at this time and sending a hug . Sincerely Paul and Ann Zimmer.

  16. Our deepest condolences to the Hunter family and friends. Dick will be dearly missed. He was a hockey icon and one of a kind. His contributions and dedication to the game is endless. May all the memories, stories and laughter keep you going during a time of sadness. The Gardiner Family. Bob, Janet and Mrs. Betty G.

  17. We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with the Hunter family. Dick was my first junior coach in hockey, he was the best! Treasure all the special memories may he rest in peace.

    Sincerely,
    Scott and Cindy McNair

  18. Our deepest sympathy to all the Hunter families. Thoughts and prayers for the family. RIP Dick.

    Hank Lightfoot and Connie Caley

  19. Our condolences to the entire Hunter family. May the wonderful memories of Dick being you much strength during this time of grief.

    Sincerely, Brendan & Alicia Toss and family.

  20. so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing, he was always great to say hello to whether at the rink or the old Inwood co-op.

  21. To the Hunter family
    Our deepest condolences to the family and friends. Many fond memories of his life will be cherished, and his legacy will live on.
    Tom and Janice Hands

  22. To the Hunter families
    Our sincere condolences and sympathy at this sad time. Dick was a good man and will surely be missed.
    Thinking of all at this difficult time.

  23. Hunter Family,
    I offer my sincere condolences to Dick’s children, grandchildren, family & friends. As you gather today and celebrate Dick’s life may you find comfort in the sound of your father’s voice, the strength of his hands, the kindness of his eyes, the comfort of his presence … for when you remember these, he will be near.

    On the NHL front, let me assure you when Dick arrived at the Saddledome … in the Calgary Flames Owners Skybox as the infamous father of the “Hunter Brothers”, Dick represented his family, friends & community with the biggest smile and warmest solid handshake. Guests jockeyed to be near him to enjoy great conversation & stories … he always brought to the circle. Dick & Randy Clark arrived in Calgary to view back to back Flames – Oilers games … they left a message for me to catch up with them first at Calgary’s 400 Club … & then at the Petroleum Club. They were 2 men on a mission … the night was still young … After the game, I finally met up with them in the upper lounge of the Saddledome surrounded by fun loving fans … some just meeting him for the first time. Dick was a delightful man who raised and was extremely proud of all his fabulous family. May the wonderful memories you share alwqys hold a special place in your hearts.

    Thinking of you
    In Sympathy & Friendship
    Nancy McCormick – Calgary

  24. To the entire Hunter/Dobbin Families
    So sorry for the loss of Dick. Definitely a true mentor. Cherish your memories

  25. To the Hunter family.
    Please accept our sincere condolences, Dick was a great guy and certainly one of a kind.
    He will be missed.
    Sincerely Jack & Gitte Monteith

  26. Our deepest condolences to the Hunter family. Dick was such an incredible man in every aspect of his life. Everything he did was with the utmost and wholehearted endeavour from raising his family with Bernice to hockey and all that involved. We know he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Bob will especially miss his Hwy 80 visits with him. Keep your memories close. We know you all have many stories and memories to keep him alive in your hearts forever. God Bless each one of you

  27. My deepest condolences to the Dick Hunter Family. May all your precious memories help at this difficult time. He will truly be missed. Norma Wilson & Family

  28. Tom, Carol and the entire Hunter family! So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He was a special man who left so many amazing memories for you to remember him with. Sending you love during this difficult time.

  29. Sincere condolences to the entire Hunter family. Your Dad’s, Grandpa’s, Great Papa’s love for his family, hockey, farming, and life in general impacted so many of our lives, young and old in such positive ways. I’m sure he is already behind the steering wheel of a tractor, or behind a hockey bench, or “holding court” somewhere behind Heaven’s gates. Lots and lots of memories Dick, but you’ll be missed!
    Love Jamie and Laurie Hislop

  30. My condolences to the Hunter family on Dick’s passing. Dick was a good neighbour and a good man. He will be missed.

  31. Ron/Jayne sorry to hear of your dads passing. He had a great eye for talent but loved all of you and the Game. He’ll be seen again

  32. Condolences to all of Dick’s family. He sure will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
    Gary and Linda Bell

  33. Our condolences to the Hunter family. Always enjoyed visiting with Dick. Sending thoughts and prayers.
    – Ross & Sharon Moore

  34. My deepest condolences to the Hunter family. Thoughts and prayers to you.
    Genie (Cherry)LePoivre

  35. Well a beautiful life has come to an end. We were so happy to have met Dickie in the spring on 2015 on our first visit to London and Oil Springs and again in Cape Breton for Rick and Maria’s wedding. Didn’t he love just sitting here looking out on the Bras D’ore Lake.
    He was such a beautiful person and was engaged with everyone, young and old.
    Our hearts are saddened with his passing.
    Please accept our most sincere condolences.
    Byron and Cathy MacMillan and the whole MacMillan clan.

  36. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all on the passing of an amazing father, friend and legend in his own way. A beautiful life lived and memories we are sure too many to remember. Wishing you all the best in celebrating a life lived well.

  37. Our sincere condolences to the Hunter family. Dick will surely be missed. Precious memories will be cherished.
    Barry and Janet Young

  38. Our sincere condolences to the Hunter families.
    Will cherish the many fond memories of Dick coaching me in hockey.
    Dick was ‘one of a kind’ and a great role model to many.
    Was very fortunate to play hockey with his sons.
    A true legend that will be missed by so many.
    Gary (Fernzy) and Tracy Ferns

  39. Ron, Dave, Dale, Mark and all your families. I am sorry to hear about your dads passing. Years ago when Corunna played Petrolia you dad alway put Ron on the Corunna team so we didn’t look totally useless. And he was always there when I played with you guys on the flags. He always had encouraging words for me no matter how bad I played.

  40. Our condolences to the Hunter family on the passing of your dad. He was quite the character when we worked security at the London Icehouse when the London Knights were bought by your family. I also remember seeing him around the rink when my father Fred Payne helped out with the Strathroy Blades.
    I am sure his memory will live on for many generations of his many accomplishments in the community. Take Care.
    Brenda (Payne) and Dean Johnson (currently off-ice official for the Knights).

  41. I’ve always been proud to say I had Dick as a minor hockey coach, and to have had the chance to meet his children through hockey.
    I will cherish the memories,lessons and stories, and wish the entire Hunter family strength and comfort at this difficult time.
    Ian and Wendy LeConte

  42. My condolences to Joanne and all the Hunter families! Dick was like running into your “best friend “ no matter where or when you saw him. RIP Dick😪

  43. I was fortunate enough to have Dick as a coach coming up through the minor hockey system. Even though I haven’t seen Dick in a long time he played an important role in my life as a kid.
    Deepest condolences,
    Brad Young (Youngy)

  44. To the hunter family our condolences and thoughts are with you at this time dick was a great man always love to chat with him when I seen him rip dick

  45. My deepest heart felt condolences to the Hunter Families. Dick is such a Lengend in the hockey community. He was what I call, a man’s man. If I was even half the man he was, I would be so honored. His work ethic was outstanding as well as his commitment, loyalty, humbleness… I had the great honor of meeting him when I was a trainor with the Petrolia Jets. I relished our chats at the rinks and at the horse track. Dick will be missed by all the people he had touch and helped. My heart felt love to his wonderfully enriched Family.
    Tim Brown ( Brownie )

  46. Our condolences to the Hunter Families. Out thoughts are with you all. My dad Wayne White spoke highly of (Dick) your father and enjoyed spending time with him during all their hockey seasons going way back to Strathroy Blades and hockey in Petrolia. He was one of the great man that I had the pleaser to know and he will be missed by many. RIP Richard (Dick) Hunter

  47. Our sincerest and deepest sympathy to you all as your grieve your great loss of father, grandfather and great grandfather

  48. Our condolences to the Hunter families. Our thoughts are with you. Tom really enjoyed and appreciated his conversations with Dick.

  49. To the Hunter,Steadman,Zavitz,and Dobbin families. So sorry for your loss. Dick was such a well known man and was so happy to always chat about farming,hockey and his family who he was so proud of.
    Dave and Carol Morgan

  50. My deepest sympathy to the Hunter family. So sorry to hear about your dad. He was one special guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

  51. Sending my sincere condolences to all the Hunter family.
    Very sad to hear this news, Dick was a great man 🌹
    My thoughts and prayers are with you all🙏 R.I.P.

  52. My condolences to the Hunter family and the entire community back home. Dick’s presence was always huge wherever he went. The last time I saw him was at my Dad’s (Jack) Celebration of Life a few years ago and Dick’s face lit up when I said I was coaching minor hockey. Dick passed along a lot of great life lessons : work hard, believe in yourself, help people.

  53. Sincere condolences to all, Dick was a good friend and good man. We will treasure the special memories.
    Dennis & Sandi Morrissey

  54. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Hunter Family. We always enjoyed our conversations with Dick whether it was Hockey, Farming or life in general. Dick was a great inspiration to many young hockey players. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

  55. Sincere sympathy to all the Hunter family and Joanne Dobbin on the passing of Dick. Dick & Bernice raised a great family of hockey players & farmers. Cherish your many memories.

  56. Our sincere sympathy to the Hunter Family . Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time .
    Jerry & Linda

  57. Our condolences to the Hunter Family.
    We were sorry to learn of Dick’s passing. May love and memories give you peace.

  58. We offer our sincere condolences on the loss of a true family man and hockey icon. Dick and Bernice raised a large loving family all of whom are known to be very friendly and respectful of others. Cherish the many memories this great man has left behind.

  59. Dear Ron, Jayne and all of Dicks beloved family
    We extend our heart-felt condolences at this difficult time.
    Jim & Bev (Armstrong) Maitland

  60. My condolences to the entire family. May his memory and the lifetime of memories with him sustain you, and peace be with you all.

  61. My Condolences to the Hunter Family. We have known Dick & his family for a number of years. Dicks hockey knowledge & humour was always something that we always looked forward too hear!! May you “Rest in Peace” Dick.

  62. Our condolences to the Hunter families,so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing,our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

    Lee Weese & Tammy Saunders

  63. My deepest sympathies to the entire Hunter family. Such a great man has left behind so many wonderful memories. Cherish them all.

  64. My deepest condolences to the entire Hunter family.He certainly will be missed.Let your memories give you comfort at this sad time.

  65. Our sincere condolences to the Hunter family, neighbour Dick sure left us all with great memories.

    Janice,Bill, Jacie, Scott and Mitch

  66. Our heartfelt condolences to the Hunter family. Neighbour Dick has sure left us with some great memories.

  67. Sincere condolences to the entire Hunter family. Dick was a great man and will be missed by many. We will miss his friendly smile and waves every time he drove by. RiP neighbour’s, you won’t be forgotten.

    Mikie Passingham & Rob Adair

  68. Will never forget the 6am morning practices with hard skating and Dick yelling at us…..him in his old skates and his barn clothes on , what a great coach. To all you Hunters , Lorrie and I send our deepest condolences. Cherish the memories. Paul Whitely

  69. Deepest sympathy to the entire Hunter family at this sad time. Dick was a legend and will be greatly missed. His many stories will continue to live on for years. Thoughts and Prayers for the days ahead.
    Bill and Sharon Stonehouse

  70. Our sincere condolence to the entire Hunter family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
    Treasure all your memories.

  71. Sorry to understand the death of Dick Hunter. He was one of a kind for sure. He and Bernice where blessed with excellent offsprings, all whom followed their examples in life. Condolences to all the families and rest assured no one will forget Dick. Bev and Linda Byers.

  72. Dear Ron, Dave, Dale, Mark, Carol and Karen
    We r sending sincere condolences to the whole Hunter Clan. I will miss our “hockey chats” and enjoying conversations between Dick and Eric. The stories were so entertaining and endless. You can rest easy knowing what a full life he lived.
    RIP Dick. We will miss you
    Kathy and Ray Germain

  73. My sincere sympathy to all the Hunter families at the passing of this true icon. There will be an ’empty seat’in many an arena and many a life he influenced. May the memories be rich and retold time and again.

  74. The Hunter Family,

    We are deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mike and Sheila Goring

  75. I would say Dick was one of a kind but he is not he raised a whole family that are just like him and we are so greatful he will live on through all of them. You have our hearts and deepest condolences to all of you, thank you for sharing Dick with us

  76. The Hunter Fanily,

    We are deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mike and Sheila Goring

  77. Condolences to the Hunter family…Dick treated everyone like they were his friend and rarely had a bad day!…..he will be missed but never forgotten!

  78. My condolences to the Hunter families,so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing,our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.Cherish all the great memories he will be sadly missed.He would always make time to talk and tell a story or two.He lives on in his families who were everything to him.RIP Dick

  79. Please accept my sincere condolences to the entire Hunter family in their loss of a very humble, genuine family man.

  80. Our deep sympathy to all the family at this sad & difficult time!! We have fond memories of Uncle Dick 💕 Thinking of you all,
    Elaine Hyatt & family

  81. We are so sorry to hear of dick’s passing. Dick was such an inspiration to those who knew him. He will be greatly missed. We are thinking of all the hunter family and our deepest sympathy to you all. Xox

  82. Entire Hunter family,

    Sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He will be missed ay many arenas, at many hockey games and by many people.

    We were fortunate for Dick’s support all these years. Rest in Peace Dick. Thinking of You All.

    Earle Trevail Memorial Regional U18 Silver Stick Committee

  83. Dear Hunter Family.
    We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Dick. Our families have been linked for years and we know how greatly he will be missed by his family. Our heartfelt condolences to you, we grieve your loss.

    With Love,
    Rob and Julie Hislop

  84. A legend may be gone but his memory will forever live on in hockey rinks everywhere….I’m so thankful I got to see him every so often and talk about the game we each loved…RIP

  85. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father, grandfather and great grandfather.
    Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Hunter family.

  86. Am truly heartbroken from Dick’s passing. One of the best men I ever knew. My condolences to the entire Hunter family .

  87. To The Entire Hunter Families, we are deeply saddened to hear the sad news of Dick’s passing. He was a “True Gentleman Family Man” indeed and the many fond memories of him bringing so much fun, laughter and jokes to the spotlight wherever he went will be kept in our hearts forever. Our sincere thoughts and deepest condolences are with the entire family during this extremely difficult time of sorrow. R.I.P. Dick Ron and Linda Scales

  88. Sorry to hear about the loss of your father
    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you

    Lonnie and Janice Cope

  89. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Hunter family. Keeping you in our thoughts during this most difficult time

  90. To both the Steadman and Hunter family. It has been a long time before Mr. And Mrs. Hunter are both joined together in God’s hands and place again. According to the obituary it sounds like God gives, takes, sends and crosses on the path and journey we live. Sounds like the family has certainly lived a life few have both walked and lived. Pleasure to have had the privilege to have been an acquaintance in the past. Sure you all have many great stories and memories you would want others to know. Peace be within and strength to grow and be KNOWN.

  91. We are sad to learn of Dick’s passing. He was an admiral man and respected by a large community of people. We share in all the family grief and express our deepest condolence. May the lord grant him eternal peace and tranquility.

  92. Our condolences to the entire Hunter family . Dick always had a smile on his face & had time to talk with you . He will be missed .

    The Wammes Family

  93. To all the Hunter families….our sincere condolences of Dicks passing. He was a great man! Will be missed by all that were blessed to know him.
    Take care of yourselves…..

  94. When Dave played for the Mooretown Flags and I was Asst. Coach, I loved all the hockey stories he and Eric MacKenzie would discuss. It was an honor to know Dick, quite a MAN!
    Cherish the memories as there must be many.

    Steve Riches

  95. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire Hunter family
    Dick was one of a kind and will be missed by the community
    Dave and Mary Steadman

  96. To the entire Hunter families, so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing thinking of you all. Cherish the memories and know he is always with you. Dick was such a kind man and will be missed my many.

    Mark, Souzanne (McCallum) Annett

  97. To the Hunter family,
    So sorry to read about Dick’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. May pleasant memories eventually bring you peace.
    Michael and Cathy

  98. Pete and I are so sad to hear of Dick’s passing…may all the good memories comfort you all this time. He will be missed keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers 🙏

  99. Condolences To All the Hunter and Dobbin Families, i was saddened to hear about the passing of Dick. Dick was such a well known man and will be missed by so many . Dick always had time to stop and chat no matter where seeing him . He enjoyed his Family and friends ! Dick was so proud of his family and all the grandkids and great grandkids which he would always put a smile on his face seeing them ! Thinking if you all at this difficult time . Love Always Maureen Bailey , Holly and Tim , Tyson and Mason Strangway , Greg and Kelly , Harper and Cooper Bailey xoxo