Obituary of Mike Hunter

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, brother and friend, Garnet Mickael “Mike” Hunter of Hantsport, on Friday, October 11, 2024, in Hants Community Hospital, Windsor, after a short battle with cancer. Mike was born in the Payzant Memorial Hospital, Windsor on August 13, 1952. He grew up in Dartmouth, the second son to the late Orland Junior and Frances (Brown) Hunter.

Although Mike grew up in Dartmouth, he had strong ties to Hants County and spent every summer in Sweets Corner with his grandparents, aunts and uncles. He enjoyed Hants County so much as a child that he moved here to start his family and it’s where he spent the rest of his life. From fishing, canoe trips, operating his ATV and tractor and gardening, he loved the rural life. His favourite pastime was meticulously mowing the lawn and plowing the driveway. However, his biggest joy in life was visiting his friends and family. His children have fond memories of the time they spent with their large family at picnics, sleepovers or a fun day trip.

 An entrepreneur and courier at an early age. From delivering papers and prescriptions from a local drugstore by bicycle to starting his own M and M Courier business delivering luggage for the airport. Mike had many jobs in between selling real estate and cottage lots and opening a restaurant with his wife, Sylvia. For over 20 years was at Air Canada, starting as a baggage handler and working his way up to Customer Service Manager. He wasn’t afraid of hard work and had a great work ethic which he instilled in his children.

Mike enjoyed his drives, which made his final career as a courier a perfect match. His favourite companion in the car, besides his wife, was his beloved dog Mac, his furry friend for over 12 years. Road trips started at an early age with friends and family particularly his cousin, Lloyd Zwicker. Their adventures led them all over Nova Scotia past Maud Lewis’ house many times where they regretfully didn’t spend five dollars on her paintings and even an adventurous trip to New York City. Mike and his family visited every museum in Nova Scotia, tented in most campgrounds and have flown to many cities during his airport career. Later in life he and Sylvia enjoyed “most” of their drives to and from Florida where they had a seasonal property for over 10 years.

Mike is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sylvia; children, Sheryl (Dennis) and Benjamin (Amy); siblings, David (Sheila), Jackie (Susan), Jamie (Christene) and Patricia (Blaine); special auntie, Jean (Mort) and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank all the health care professionals especially those at Hants Community Hospital.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where the family will receive visitors anytime between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 18 in the funeral home’s Elmcroft Reception Centre to celebrate Mike’s life. Everyone is welcome to join the family for a time of remembering, reflection and refreshment. At Mike’s request please dress in casual attire. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mike may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 5826 South St., Halifax, NS B3H 1S6 or the Nova Scotia SPCA, PO Box 38073 STN Burnside, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1X2, Mike was a lover of all animals. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca.