(March 15, 1962- January 31, 2025) – Left this world as he lived it – peacefully & quietly – at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, holding the hand of his partner, Shelagh McFarlane.
Beloved son of Gordon Hunter (deceased), mother Bev Wilson (Don). Dear brother of Gordon, Don, Donna (Andy), and his nieces Heather Wilson (Patrick) & Amber Johnston (Josh). He will be greatly missed by his grand-nephews McCale, Wyatt and Holt.
Brian was “Guelph’s Gentle Giant” to his other family here. His genuine compassion for everyone he met was only one reason why “Everybody Loved Brian.”
“Snowsuit” Brian loved to “Suit up & Show up” for the downtown homeless & those struggling with mental health/addictions. His daily routine (pre-COVID) was to stop in at the Drop-In Centre, the Hope House, the Royal City Mission, The Bench, and then park it on a bench in Quebec Street Mall – to see if anybody needed his ear.
He’d treat himself to a bag of popcorn and a can of pop while he waited. He understood loneliness, fear & despair, so he was of great comfort to anyone that sat with him to receive his quiet wisdom.
He loved walking in the wilderness, fixing old trucks, and was adored by all the guys at the Ventures Classic Car Club. He loved his part-time job at Suttons Collision, and his workmates called him “Smilin’ Brian”, always helping out anywhere, in any way, and rarely needing to be asked.
He lived his life very simply, yet he was truly “great full” for everything he had. His sense of humour was adorable, and his smile could light up a room. He “stayed where his hands were”, accepted life on life’s terms, and never judged another man.
Brian’s wish was for people to “Let Go & Trust God”, and reminded us that “God doesn’t make junk” – we are all Golden Buddhas inside.
“God brought us Brian, Brian brought us to God.”
May he rest as he lived, in peace, Amen.
A special thank you to all the nurses & PSW’s at St. Joe’s Palliative Care who kept Brian in comfort & humour during his brief stay there. It was truly amazing to watch them care for him, and he adored them all.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of his life will be held at the Royal City Mission at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
A tree will be planted in memory of Brian L. Hunter in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.