John HUNT Obituary

Deepest Sympathy to you Lesley. God's blessings and love Jan and Jim

Kua hinga te Totara.
A mighty Totara has fallen.
And yet it disturbs not the forest
Instead all creatures gather
To rest and pay tribute
To an Angel that walked this earth
He has not left
He will live on, through the memories and stories he gifted us
Pakiwaitara. Our sacred stories.
John´s service was heartwarming.
My broken heart became full listening to those that honoured him with their own pakiwaitara.
I walked with John for many years. He would wait in a park, on a hot day, with a small box of Ribena each.
A reminder of Gods sweet love for us.
John was and remains a reminder of Gods sweet love for us.
I would chatter away while he listened carefully. Then he´d stop and look up. My chatter would stop while we listened to a bird singing.
John taught me that the Living God is all around us.
And also within.
That Gods Children can be heard in birdsong.
Because Gods Children are also the birds themselves.
Dear John
Tirohia atu nei nga whetu
Ka nui aku maumaharatanga
Na aku roimata ka hua riringa
Taheke ware kai aku kamo
I gaze up at the stars
My many memories are awakened
My tears well up and flow shamelessly
Rest in Peace my friend
We will remember you when Matariki rises.

Ma Te Atua koutou e manaaki te whanau pani.
MaybGod continue to bless you, The bereaved family.
Big hugs Lesley

Naku na
Janna

I was saddened to learn that John had passed away recently. John had been a family friend for many years. I enjoyed John´s guidance as minister at St Giles and his interest in Celtic spirituality. I am particularly grateful for his continual support throughout my wife Betty´s long and difficult battle with Motor Neuron Disease when he often came to our house to sit and comfort her. It was reassuring to have his support at various family funerals and a pleasure when he officiated at a notable family wedding. My condolences to Lesley and all the family.

Such a terrible loss for Mrs Hunt and her sons. My mother and father, Jennifer(deceased) and Graeme Cowley were close friends with the Hunt´s when they lived in Te Kuiti - mum was the church organist and would babysit Robbie when Mrs Hunt worked. We have fabulous memories with this lovely family - Adrienne and Robbie sitting on the steps wearing newly folded washing on their heads and the dads not fastening the Catherine wheel on Guy Fawkes night and being chased down the driveway by it! Time flies but love never does. Such a beautiful kind man

John was an inspirational, holy human being whom I deeply valued as a christian and as a model for ministry. From early connections in Te Kuiti and PioPio, then to the time spent at St Giles doing Summer Supply in 1985 and thereafter in the shared life of PCANZ I respected both you Lesley, and John to a high degree. He was a Christly person. Celtic spirituality fitted him well.
I know you. your sons and grandchildren will be stirred by wonderful memories of happy times amid your natural sorrow. He is now with the Lord and at peace. I pray for peace and comfort for you all too.
Lois Shipley has kept me in touch with John's situation in these last few years so he has been in
my prayers as you are too. Kind regards,Glenn Barclay now in Tauranga.

Fond memories of John from the Knox years, early years of ministry in the King Country and then subsequently over the years. A good colleague and a good man. Our condolences and love to Lesley and all the family.

Deepest sympathy to Lesley and the family. A mighty totara has fallen - humble, graceful and loving. Our sons (Nick and Josh) send their thoughts to the family as well. Trish and Wayne Smith

I´ll never forget the support John gave me (and my family) during some difficult years. A great human being with an earthy take on religion, finding goodness in everyday life. Definitely one of "we well people".

Deepest sympathy to you Lesley and all the family. May God's peace and abiding love be your strength today and in the days ahead. What special memories we have of training days at Knox and catch ups over the years in ministry. Love and prayers to you all.

John said: "Eat and drink, remember me."
Peace and love embraces me.
Pressures, tensions, melt away,
home and still, the end of.
Flowers have flowered all day long.
Birds begin their evensong.
Books and tapes are at my side.
God's warm arms are open wide.
Fond memories from the Willetts family

So sorry for the loss of a very special man. John's gentle manner, depth of thought, enquiring mind, passion for people and insightfulness, lives on through his family, who we are thinking of through this time. Arohanui, Rachel, Iain, Tessa and Angus Mackay.

To Lesley and Family, I write on behalf of Malvern Co-operating Parish to send our love and condolences on the death of your much loved Rev. John Hunt.
Holding you all in prayer and love.
God Bless Rev. Lynmaree Sopoaga (Aunty Lyn)

We have fond memories of regular conversations and shared interests with our respective children supplemented by yearly letters following our move to Australia.
He will be sorely missed but never forgotten
Our thoughts and prayers to Leslie and Family
John and Jenny Rogers.

I would like to say that John was a brother in law to be remembered fondly & may he now be at peace after so much suffering. Love you always. Claudette

Thinking of all the Hunt family at this difficult time. We very much enjoyed our chats with John during the Australia visits. Much love to Lesley, Tim & the entire Hunt family. From Jamie, Vicki, Alex, Lachlan & Eva Baensch xxxxx

John was a dear friend. The hours we passed on the rail car from Dunedin to Timaru were uncountable.
Lesley and boys I send my condolences to you all. What a dear man he became. The loss will be great for many.

John was such a special man. He impacted so many people in so many ways. He will be remembered forever. Condolences to Lesley and family.