Derrick Hunter

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Derrick Hunter, who left this world at the age of 56. Derrick passed peacefully into the Spirit World on the late night of September 4,2025, at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, with his loving wife by his side. He faced a long and courageous battle with diabetes, and through it all, he remained strong in spirit and deeply loved by those around him.

Derrick reunites with beloved family in the spirit world where he’ll be joined by his grandparents whom he missed dearly, John & Elsie Kent. George Hunter SR. & Alice Muckle. Brothers: Lester, Joey and George Hunter. Stepfather: Tim Burguss. Father & Mother in-law: Fred Mandamin & Deborah Scott. Uncles: Gabriel Bob Kent, Harold Roy Kent, Roderick Kent, John Hunter, David and Norman Hunter. Johnny Hunter and Guy Hunter. Leslie Paishk. Aunties: Doreen Hunter, Margaret Muckle (Wawa) Doris Henry, Mable Muckle and Victoria S. Cousins: Freda Muckle, Violet Muckle, Leslie Muckle, Clarance Muckle and Alvin M. His best friend, Bryden Land. Along with other family members that left before him.

Derrick leaves to mourn his long-time partner of 18 years and married for 7 of those years to his devoted wife, Emily Hunter. His daaniss, Shaylynn (Craig) His one & only Noozhiss (Grandson) Baby Hunter. He also considered Mayela as his granddaughter who called him “Eppy”. He is also survived by his parents: Joe Hunter and Sally Kent. Brother; Jonathan Hunter (Brenna) Eldest sister: Virginia Kent. Aunts: Harriet Bigblood, Louise Hunter. Uncle: Danny Hunter. Nieces and Nephews: Cheyenne Kent, Stephanie Kent (Naldo) but Derrick called him “Noodles”, Nicole Hunter, Dennis Hunter, James, Alyssa, Melody and Jaivein Muckle. Patrina, Trevor, Drake, Reshay. Great-Nephews & Nieces, Shaylene, Annabelle, Zoe and Ava Kent. Emry, Allisia, Dane, Roman, Alanica, Charlie, Spencer, Sally, Kingsley, Joelynn (Mauricio) Cousins: Rosaleen (Jimmy) Clifford, Geoffrey, Pauline (Charles), Donna, Patrick, William (Allison) Gretchen (Rocky), Mike (Jennifer), Wendy (John Paul), Harvey Hunter (Linda) Barney McDonald, Vince (Laura), Philip (Gladys), Roger Mcdonald, Eada, Frank, Guy, Marie, Beverly Bigblood, Trudy, Madline McD.

Derrick held many jobs throughout the community over the years. He began as a tree planter and worked at the greenhouse at Goshawk before finding his true passion as a guide for Halley’s Camp and KCR Camp. During his guiding years, he built lasting friendships, especially with Richard, Gloria, and Rodney Castle, who became like family to him. Many fond memories were created during their annual fish fry dinners at camp, or when Derrick would bring fresh fillets to the Castles in Kenora.

In the last decade, Derrick discovered his talent in carpentry. Skilled with tools and proud of his craft, he formed his own renovation crew and worked alongside Randy, Floyd, Curtis, his brother Jonathan, and Wayne Muckle. Derrick was always willing to lend a hand, never hesitating to help anyone in need. He held a special bond with Rocky, whom he called “Chindip,” and Gretchen, for whom he would do anything without a second thought. That was simply who Derrick was — a kind, giving soul who always put others first.

One of his many hobbies were fishing and hunting. He often entered derbies with his wife or friends. Every upcoming fall season Derrick would make plans to go hunting with his best buddies Guy McDonald, John Mandamin and Issac Mandaminjr. Every winter they travelled on skidoos in a group to musk lake to go ice fishing. He also enjoyed going to evening bingo sessions where he always teased Sheila or Trish. Derrick had a good sense of humor, he was known to tease and joke around with friends, especially when he worked at the resource centre. Within the last months of his life, Derrick worked as maintenance at the Whitedog Health Centre in which he got along with the head nurse Marcie and other staff. Derrick will be truly missed by his lifelong friends, Larry Moose (Denise), Ray Wawence, Rod Bencharski, Drack Castle, Ryan Castle, Roger McDonald, Randy Scott (Mary), Darcey Morton, Steven Cameron, Joe Muckle (Scootch), Paddy McDonald, Todd McDonald, Murphy Kakekegumic, Kenneth Carpenter, Vincent Fisher, Jimmy Fisher, Colleen Quewezance and his hero, James McDonald. Your friendship brought joy and laughter to his life and for that, you will always have a special place in his heart.

The family would also like to say Chi-Miigwetch to Karen Taylor and Jessie Scott for assuring that Derrick received the best care from staff at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital. We also like to say Miigwetch to LWDH and doctors for their genuine heartfelt care for Derrick. You will never be forgotten.

Wake service will begin on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Derrick Hunter’s residence. Wake services will continue at the Mizhakiiwetuning Memorial School Gymnasium on Saturday and Sunday. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mizhakiiwetuning Memorial School, with Elder Mary Jane Scott officiating a traditional service. Burial will follow at the Wabaseemoong First Nation Cemetery.