Peacefully, at his home in Sarnia, surrounded by his loving family on March 22, 2024, Walter passed away at the age of 65 after a long and courageous battle with esophageal and stomach cancer. He is the beloved husband to Lorraine Hunter of 42 years. Treasured and adored father of Amanda (Nick) Goudreau and Shane Hunter. He is the cherished & much loved Grandpa of Dylan, Cooper, Lila, Brody, Rosalyn, & Aria. Deeply loved and much adored son in law of Helen Lajoie. He also leaves behind a furry companion, his beloved cat Nemo.
Predeceased by his parents Keith and Margaret Hunter, and father-in-law Gaston Lajoie.
He leaves behind his siblings Patricia (Ken) Carr and Larry (Christine) Hunter, as well as brother and sister in laws Denis (Susan) Lajoie, Andre (Carol) Lajoie, and Carole (Herb) Burdett. He will also be dearly missed by his many nieces and nephews.
Walter was a proud and skilled Operating Engineer with Sarnia’s Local 793 for 48 years. He spent many years travelling throughout Canada working oil and natural gas pipelines. He was a lifelong Boston Bruins fan and loved watching hockey. He had much love and joy for playing cornhole and loved nothing more than enjoying quality time camping with his family and friends. He was known and loved for his sharp sense of humour and loved a good joke that would put a smile on someone’s face. Walter was hard working, loyal, dependable, trustworthy, and an all around good man. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His greatest joy in life was watching his children and grandchildren grow up and spending quality time with his family. He went above and beyond to be involved in his children & grandchildren’s lives and did anything he could for them. His grandchildren would describe him as “the greatest”, a title he will carry with him for eternity.
A very special thank you goes out to Dr Glen Madison and Dr. David Kim, at the St. Joseph’s Palliative Care Clinic for their excellent care during his illness. Another extremely special thank you goes out to Lance and Steph from Care Partners for the compassionate and amazing level of care provided throughout his battle. We cannot thank all of you enough.
Cremation has taken place. As per his wishes there will be no funeral or celebration of life. A private burial will take place at a later date with immediate family.
Donations may be made to the Sarnia & District Humane Society in Walter’s memory (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.