After a life lived with enthusiasm and curiosity, Roy passed away peacefully at the Waverly Seniors Village in Chilliwack, B.C. In his 101st year. He was a much loved son, brother, uncle, husband, (grand) father, teacher – and life-long learner.
Born in Vancouver, B.C., the eldest child of Roy Hunter and Dorothy Creasy (nee Clarence), Roy grew up in a large and active family; his youngest sibling Jim was 18 years his junior. Enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1939, he served in England as an armourer with Bomber Command. His eyesight disqualified him from aircrew, to the immense relief of his descendants.
Returning from overseas, Roy worked in pulp-mills and canneries on the BC coast, later enrolling in the Art Centre School (now the Art Center College of Design) in Los Angeles, where he studied photography. One of his lecturers was Ansel Adams, and the future film director Irvin Kershner (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back) was a classmate. Roy was a talented photographer and his love of photography endured.
After two years in the US, Roy returned to Canada and enrolled at the University of British Columbia, earning a Bachelor of Education degree. His nearly 30 -year career as an educator began in Peachland, B.C., and continued at Hamilton Junior Secondary School in North Vancouver, where a young Scottish colleague named Gladys Pryde caught his eye. They married in 1957, and moved to Chilliwack, B.C., where Roy took a position with School District 33.
Serving as teacher, Vice Principal (Strathcona Elementary) and Principal (Rosedale Elementary), he brought his boundless curiosity to his work, endlessly revising his lessons to incorporate the latest content. He used humour, word play, and his passion for learning to reach his students, and many remember him fondly to this day. Near the end of his career, he left administration and returned to the classroom, teaching English and Social Sciences (including his beloved Geography) at Chilliwack Senior Secondary School; finishing his work as he had started, on his own terms.
He was endlessly supportive of his children, Neil (Barbara) and Ailsa (George), instilling in them his fascination for the arts and the natural world. Roy drove thousands of kilometres over the years to lessons and rehearsals as they pursued their musical studies. He was also the wheel man for family road trips across North America, and his love of travel continued beyond retirement.
Roy is survived by his children and his loving grandson Dylan Hunter. He is also survived by his sister Ida Paddock, sister-in-law Sharon Hunter, and his many nieces and nephews in Canada and Australia. He was predeceased by his brother Jim and sister Sylvia, his wife Gladys, and infant son Colin.
The family extends their deep gratitude to Dr Reza Insinally and the staff of Waverly Seniors Village for their care of both Roy and Gladys over many years. We honour especially the Sargent Family: Jody, Christine, Nick, Meaghan, and Madison, for their 30 years of devoted friendship with both our parents, and especially for their tender support of Roy in his final days. You are amazing people and part of our family.
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