Dr. David Gilmore Hunt

With great sadness, regret and a profound sense of loss, we advise of the passing of Dr. David Gilmore Hunt on Thursday October 30, 2025 at the age of 81, having lived life to the fullest, until six short weeks before his death.

David was raised in Vancouver, graduating from Prince of Wales Secondary in 1962 as the President of the school and internalizing its motto ‘Ich Dien’ -”I serve”.

He graduated from the UBC School of Medicine in 1969, practicing medicine for over 50 years with passion, empathy and above all, a sense of humour. He practiced initially in Emergency Medicine, where he received a Fellowship and is credited with establishing the Advanced Paramedic Program and making a major contribution to the publication of the Handbook of Industrial First Aid, which is still in use today. He took the Graduate Program in Pain Management at UCSF and his next practice, at the Complex Chronic Pain Centre at St. Paul’s, gave him the time to connect with his patients over longer periods, forming strong bonds of support and compassion.

His work in complex chronic pain and his service with Pain BC and the BC Hospice and Palliative Care Association earned him recognition in the field and led to a practice in Palliative Care at Lions Gate Hospital. The drive from Kitsilano to Lonsdale was long, but his love of the Palliative Care Team there and the satisfaction he gained from helping patients and their families made it well worth the trip.

In 2025 David was awarded the Doctors of BC Silver Medal of Service.

He was an active member of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, for over 15 years, acting as Commander of the local chapter and advocating passionately for its work in the Palliative Care sector.

David’s life was not just about work. He always loved parties, yodeling at every opportunity. Some of his favourite times were hunting in the Cariboo, skiing at Whistler, walks with his faithful labradoodle ‘Sophie’, going on cycling trips and spending time on the water, particularly at Centre Bay Yacht Station as the skipper of ‘Piccolo’.

His signature presentation, and his strong belief, was that “Laughter is Still the Best Medicine”, his enthusiasm was boundless and there was always a smile.

Family was ever at the centre of David’s life and he spoke often and lovingly of his parents, Jean and Leigh. Also passing before him were his eldest brother John, his brother Andrew, in infancy, and John Norton, his best friend for seven decades.

He will be missed by so many: his brother Brian, his wife Carol Kerfoot, his sons, Simon, Cameron and Peter, Carol’s children, Joy, Michael and Sylvia Kerfoot (Harrison) and all the grandchildren: Emily, Madeline, Gabriela, Juliana, Charlie, Hannah, Ollie and Natalie.

They are joined in their sadness by countless friends, extended family, colleagues and those whose lives he touched.

A service in celebration of David’s life will be held at St. John’s Shaughnessy, on Saturday, November 29 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers please give to a charity which has goals that align with yours. And have a good laugh for him, it’s what he would have wanted.