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Harry Hunt remembered

Harry Hunt, a respected and long-serving member of the Aldergrove community, passed away Saturday evening, Nov. 7.
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Harry Hunt

Harry Hunt, a respected and long-serving member of the Aldergrove community, passed away Saturday evening, Nov. 7.

Harry, 75, had been fighting a very difficult battle with cancer for the past couple of years, after losing his beloved wife Betty to cancer two years ago. He had gone into Surrey hospital a week ago for another round of surgery but doctors discovered that the cancer had spread and was inoperable.

Harry had briefly come back to his Aldergrove home and was pleased to see his children, Laura and Bob, were securely settled into their homes on the Hunt family farm. However, his condition quickly worsened and he was transported to Langley Memorial Hospital for palliative care. He succumbed at 6:26 p.m. on Saturday, surrounded by his family.

Laura told The Star that condolences having been pouring in from the Aldergrove community and that the many kind words are appreciated by the family. She said arrangements are being made for a memorial service before he is interred alongside his late wife Betty.

Harry and Betty first met at Camp Luther in Hatzic in their youth and were newlyweds when they settled on an Aldergrove acreage in the late '60s. Here the couple worked on their hog farm and Harry also worked as a bricklayer, while they raised their family and became deeply involved in their community.

Harry had played hockey and rugby in his youth in Vancouver and took this interest in sports further as he became a highly regarded coach and supporter of youth sports in Aldergrove. He had many other interests which he pursued in service of his community, from service clubs to the arts and politics.

When the western Canadian hog market collapsed in the 1980s Harry and Betty were able to save their acreage from creditors through hard work and the support of many friends here. The couple also began working as school custodians, jobs which they held until their retirements.

Harry has also become well-known for his photo contributions to The Star over more than 25 years. He first pursued sports photography as a natural interest, but expanded his portfolio to include landscapes, portraits and other photos for The Star.

Harry was the recipient of numerous service awards in the community and was humbled by the community support at the Harry Hunt appreciation night held at the standing-room-only Aldergrove Arena two years ago.