Obituary of Roger Boies Hunter
It is with deep sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Roger Boies Hunter of Saint John, NB, which occurred on August 19th, 2023. Roger passed peacefully at Saint John Regional Hospital surrounded by family, listening to his favourite singer Merle Haggard. Roger will be greatly missed by his family and friends, particularly his Saint John community at Parkland.
Roger was born in Boiestown, NB, known affectionately as ’the middle man’ of the nine Hunter children. He is survived by his life partner Wilma Bowlen; his children, Kenney (Angela) of Raleigh NC USA, and Andrea (Hareesh) of Vancouver BC (and their mother Doris); his treasured grandchildren: Jessica, Teegan, Taneesha, and Tyreese; and Roger’s siblings whom all reside in New Brunswick: Noreen (Bev), Winston (Rita), Wilson (Liz), Linda, Keith (Barb). Roger has numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Gwen Hunter, brothers Gordon and Mac, and sister Marjorie.
Roger spent his working life as a career civil servant for the Province of New Brunswick in Fredericton. He held many positions and worked for several government departments over his 39 years of service, most notably for the Department of Tourism, Department of Finance, and retiring as the Director of Corporate Services for the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. Roger lived a full life. Outside of his career, Roger was dedicated to his family and serving in the community. Roger spent countless hours coaching youth sports in Nashwaaksis. He volunteered for the United Way and served as a board member of the Deafblind and Rubella Association for 15 years. He played Old Timers hockey into his 50’s and was an avid golfer.
Upon retirement Roger moved to Saint John to be closer to nature and the ocean. He took up several pursuits in his retirement life but his main passion has always been music. Roger was a lifelong musician and step-dancer. He brought his guitar everywhere he went and was always ready for an impromptu concert or Hunter ho-down. He wrote many songs about the journeys of life of his family and hometown roots in Bloomfield Ridge. He recorded two albums which received generous local radio airtime and his songs have been downloaded all over the world. In his later years he lived at Shannex-Parkland and continued his community service, entertaining fellow residents with his music and even began playing in a ukulele band, who also produced an album. Roger served on the Resident Council and organized many charitable fundraisers. Roger will be greatly missed by all who loved him. We love you Grampie Roger.
In keeping with Roger’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint John Regional Hospital Palliative Care unit.
Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.castlefh.ca for the Hunter family.
