Dr Brian Mayo Hunt

Brian died peacefully at home on January 11, 2026, with family surrounding him, just shy of his 87th birthday. He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara (McNutt) and daughters Joanne (Darren Franko), Jennifer (Chris Robertson) and Janet (Curtis Brock); grandchildren, Mark and Graeme Robertson, Brian Franko, Paige and Kaiden Brock.

Brian was the middle son of Dr. and Mrs. Leigh Hunt of Vancouver. He is pre-deceased by his parents and three brothers, Dr. John Hunt, Dr. David Hunt, and Andrew, who died in infancy. He will be missed by his loving sisters-in-law, extended family, and many long-time friends and medical colleagues.

Brian was raised in Vancouver, graduating as class president from Prince of Wales High School in 1957. The school motto was ‘Ich Dien’- I Serve, and it embodied Brian’s entire life. He graduated from UBC Medical School, Class of 1964 and began his internship at the Montreal General Hospital where he met Barbara. After a brief courtship in his few hours off, they married in June, 1965. Upon return to Vancouver, he completed a surgical residency at V.G.H. and then worked in Family Practice with the North Shore Medical Group for two years before deciding to pursue neurosurgery. He was accepted into a neurosurgical residency program in Winnipeg for his neurosurgical training. After earning his fellowship, he returned to North Vancouver in 1972 and began his neurosurgical career at Lions Gate Hospital. He worked hard to establish the LGH Neurosurgical Division with the help of Dr. Barrie Purves. In time, the LGH neurosurgeons also acquired staff and operating room privileges at Burnaby General Hospital. Brian always maintained that in the absence of resident staff, the Neurosurgical Service would not have survived without all the many skilled, and hard-working OR and ward nurses, and he was grateful for their dedication.

Brian was also passionate about teaching and spent hundreds of hours lecturing nurses, doctors, first responders, high school students, athletes and the public. He was particularly focused on head injury prevention and contributed to research of cerebral concussion and its management. He was ahead of the curve in promoting concussion protocols in contact sports and helmet use.

Brian’s leisure interests included skiing, hunting and camping in the Cariboo with his brothers and nephews. He also enjoyed fishing, boating and gardening, especially at their Gabriola waterfront property. After fully retiring, he was fortunate to have more time to live on Gabriola, where he and Barbara hosted neighbourhood Canada Day parties, youth group weekends, and many “happy hours” on their front porch. During this period, he cherished the time with his five grandchildren. He loved writing and telling stories. He also spent time writing his memoirs, restoring furniture, walking along the beach with his beloved dogs, and boating in the whaler to favourite Gulf Island picnic spots. He spent many hours watching tidal changes, marine activity, sunrises and sunsets, and the abundant wildlife.

Brian wished to be remembered as someone who cared deeply about his patients, family, neighbours, dogs, and Canada. He was a devoted husband, wonderful father to his daughters, sons in-law, and grandchildren. On occasion he was proud to be called “bad grandpa!” when he was being naughty.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Dean Brown, Dr. Jennifer Walker and VCH Assisted Dying Program Team for their dedication and compassionate palliative care.

In lieu of flowers, any donations in Brian’s memory can be made to the Lions Gate Foundation or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Highlands United Church in North Vancouver on February 14, 2026 at 1 p.m. There will be a reception following for a time of remembering.