Norman Hunter
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January 9, 2021
Please Note: The audio may be difficult to hear -- you can follow along with the notes below
Pastor's Notes
Welcome
In the Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles, the writer sums up life and death of King David this way: He died at a good old age, having enjoyed a long life. (29:28)
Having lived on this earth for nearly 103 years, it can be truly be said of Norman…he ‘died at a good old age, having enjoyed a long life’.
I suppose we take a measure of comfort in this truth; in a life lived well for many years. But still…to have a life come to an end due to complications from Covid-19 is sad -- to have to gather here in the midst of a global pandemic is not the way we would have wanted to celebrate, to honor Norman’s life.
But here we are, friends. I want to remind you that there is something sacred and beautiful and noble about what we doing right now. And we need this moment to close a chapter in our own lives and to honor the life of one who has now gone before us.
As I always do, I invite you to quiet your hearts – to bow with me in prayer as we ask our God to draw near to us and to bring to us a measure of comfort and assurance – and even joy.
Prayer - with Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Sharing Time
Bruce – Eulogy
Melba – Each Step I Take / He Touched Me
Message from John Hunter
We are sad that we were unable to visit Dad while he was still with us, or be with you today, due to the Covid restrictions, however we always looked forward to our Saturday long distance phone calls. Dad always had a positive outlook and maintained an interest in life right to the end.
We value the legacy Dad left for all of us by his example and by his strong faith throughout his life.
John & Rachel
Scripture Reading – John 14:1-6 (KJV) – John Unger
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
The Bible says… The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. (Psalm 7:23)
In the early evening hours of January 9th, the steps of Norman Hunter, as ordained by God, took him from this life to his home in heaven. A home according to the Scripture, our Lord has been preparing just for him.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2-3)
On a cold January afternoon, as we stand by this grave, what words can I share that would offer you more hope, encouragement and comfort than this truth…He’s home!
He is forever with his Lord. And by faith, we have a promise from God that one day we will see him again.
Melba, one day you will see you dad again – you will see your mom again.
So friends, hold on to this simple yet rich truth, let the words of Jesus bring you peace and courage.
Melba to you and your brother, John…to all who knew Norman, hold on the the wonderful memories you have, let them bring you joy in the days ahead.
And know that you have honored your father…and your mother -- and be at rest as we now say good-bye… until we meet again.
Legion Tribute
The Bible says…we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
This is a bedrock truth of our faith and so meaningful as stand by the grave of loved one.
Would you join me as we pray: For as much as it has pleased God to call to his eternal home Norman Hunter, we therefore commend his soul to the care of our Heavenly Father, and commit his body to this resting place—earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust—to await the day of resurrection.
This we pray in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Benediction: May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in him. Amen.
In the Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles, the writer sums up life and death of King David this way: He died at a good old age, having enjoyed a long life. (29:28)
Having lived on this earth for nearly 103 years, it can be truly be said of Norman…he ‘died at a good old age, having enjoyed a long life’.
I suppose we take a measure of comfort in this truth; in a life lived well for many years. But still…to have a life come to an end due to complications from Covid-19 is sad -- to have to gather here in the midst of a global pandemic is not the way we would have wanted to celebrate, to honor Norman’s life.
But here we are, friends. I want to remind you that there is something sacred and beautiful and noble about what we doing right now. And we need this moment to close a chapter in our own lives and to honor the life of one who has now gone before us.
As I always do, I invite you to quiet your hearts – to bow with me in prayer as we ask our God to draw near to us and to bring to us a measure of comfort and assurance – and even joy.
Prayer - with Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Sharing Time
Bruce – Eulogy
Melba – Each Step I Take / He Touched Me
Message from John Hunter
We are sad that we were unable to visit Dad while he was still with us, or be with you today, due to the Covid restrictions, however we always looked forward to our Saturday long distance phone calls. Dad always had a positive outlook and maintained an interest in life right to the end.
We value the legacy Dad left for all of us by his example and by his strong faith throughout his life.
John & Rachel
Scripture Reading – John 14:1-6 (KJV) – John Unger
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
The Bible says… The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. (Psalm 7:23)
In the early evening hours of January 9th, the steps of Norman Hunter, as ordained by God, took him from this life to his home in heaven. A home according to the Scripture, our Lord has been preparing just for him.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2-3)
On a cold January afternoon, as we stand by this grave, what words can I share that would offer you more hope, encouragement and comfort than this truth…He’s home!
He is forever with his Lord. And by faith, we have a promise from God that one day we will see him again.
Melba, one day you will see you dad again – you will see your mom again.
So friends, hold on to this simple yet rich truth, let the words of Jesus bring you peace and courage.
Melba to you and your brother, John…to all who knew Norman, hold on the the wonderful memories you have, let them bring you joy in the days ahead.
And know that you have honored your father…and your mother -- and be at rest as we now say good-bye… until we meet again.
Legion Tribute
The Bible says…we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
This is a bedrock truth of our faith and so meaningful as stand by the grave of loved one.
Would you join me as we pray: For as much as it has pleased God to call to his eternal home Norman Hunter, we therefore commend his soul to the care of our Heavenly Father, and commit his body to this resting place—earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust—to await the day of resurrection.
This we pray in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Benediction: May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in him. Amen.
Eulogy
Dad was born during a snow storm March 27, 1918 on his parents homestead in Scotsguard, Saskatchewan. The family of seven children later moved to Dryden, Ontario, then Regina SK. With the onset of the depression they again moved north to Waiteville SK where Dad purchased his own homestead. Years later a trip back to Dryden to visit his sister, resulted in his meeting his future wife Vivian Wice. He and Mom lived in Dryden, ON, Birch Hills, SK and later Oliver, BC.
Shortly after their marriage, Dad enlisted in the army and did his basic training at Vernon BC where my brother John was born. Dad served 3 years overseas in Africa, Italy, France, Germany and the liberation of Holland.
On returning to Dryden, he worked in Maintenance at the St. Regis Bag Factory until he & Mom went into business on their own with Hunter Bus Lines. Dad enjoyed the students on his bus & took great pride in being punctual, a trait he carried to the end of his life. He also had a lifelong love of horses owning his own and boarding many.
Serving was Dad's gift and he would help people in any way he could. He had the ability to fix things as well as manufacture with wood or metal.
We received an email from a friend in Dryden who described Dad as a gentle man with many talents. She wrote...
Many are the items we have that showcase those talents--and none more so than my favorite chair: it's an old wicker one from the Wainwright dump, which my husband hauled home. The back legs were missing, but after your dad instructed/helped me to make 'prosthetic' legs, it is my special spot to sit for morning devotions. The chicken feeder is another gift. I've never seen another like it, and truly it is coveted by my girls who wish they could find one like it for their hens. I remember it was a Sunday afternoon that he brought it over, as we were putting the finishing touches on the coop so many years ago.
After selling the school buses, Dad & Mom traveled. One of the highlights was returning to Holland to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its liberation.
Dad's faith in God sustained him throughout his life. One of his favorite passages being John 14:1-6. After almost 103 years, he has finally gone to his heavenly home.
Dad has been part of my life for 56 years. I will share just one of many memories.
We heated our homes and workshop with wood which required many cords to be cut each winter. This was something Dad loved to do. Me not so much but it was a necessity. The problem I had was in splitting the wood. Seems I was very hard on axe handles so one day when I was having a particularly hard time, Dad made a comment about my wood splitting abilities. I replied that possibly it was time to purchase a wood splitter. Well the next time we went to the woodlot, this was his solution.
We will remember and miss him along with brother Norman John and his wife Rachel, Dad's last remaining sibling, Ken & wife Edna Hunter, our friend Edna Kirby who has been Dad's eyes and constant companion and our support during this lockdown, as well as many nieces, nephews and chosen grandchildren who were special to him. He was predeceased by Mom in 2011, sisters Lula, Elsie, Margaret, Thelma & brother John.
As Dad always said at the end of a phone call – Bye for now.
Shortly after their marriage, Dad enlisted in the army and did his basic training at Vernon BC where my brother John was born. Dad served 3 years overseas in Africa, Italy, France, Germany and the liberation of Holland.
On returning to Dryden, he worked in Maintenance at the St. Regis Bag Factory until he & Mom went into business on their own with Hunter Bus Lines. Dad enjoyed the students on his bus & took great pride in being punctual, a trait he carried to the end of his life. He also had a lifelong love of horses owning his own and boarding many.
Serving was Dad's gift and he would help people in any way he could. He had the ability to fix things as well as manufacture with wood or metal.
We received an email from a friend in Dryden who described Dad as a gentle man with many talents. She wrote...
Many are the items we have that showcase those talents--and none more so than my favorite chair: it's an old wicker one from the Wainwright dump, which my husband hauled home. The back legs were missing, but after your dad instructed/helped me to make 'prosthetic' legs, it is my special spot to sit for morning devotions. The chicken feeder is another gift. I've never seen another like it, and truly it is coveted by my girls who wish they could find one like it for their hens. I remember it was a Sunday afternoon that he brought it over, as we were putting the finishing touches on the coop so many years ago.
After selling the school buses, Dad & Mom traveled. One of the highlights was returning to Holland to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its liberation.
Dad's faith in God sustained him throughout his life. One of his favorite passages being John 14:1-6. After almost 103 years, he has finally gone to his heavenly home.
Dad has been part of my life for 56 years. I will share just one of many memories.
We heated our homes and workshop with wood which required many cords to be cut each winter. This was something Dad loved to do. Me not so much but it was a necessity. The problem I had was in splitting the wood. Seems I was very hard on axe handles so one day when I was having a particularly hard time, Dad made a comment about my wood splitting abilities. I replied that possibly it was time to purchase a wood splitter. Well the next time we went to the woodlot, this was his solution.
We will remember and miss him along with brother Norman John and his wife Rachel, Dad's last remaining sibling, Ken & wife Edna Hunter, our friend Edna Kirby who has been Dad's eyes and constant companion and our support during this lockdown, as well as many nieces, nephews and chosen grandchildren who were special to him. He was predeceased by Mom in 2011, sisters Lula, Elsie, Margaret, Thelma & brother John.
As Dad always said at the end of a phone call – Bye for now.
Thoughts about Norman's Favorite Songs
Under normal circumstances we would have music and be singing Dad's favourite songs.
Instead I thought that I would share by simply reading the chorus from 2 of them and explain why they were so special.
Each step I take, I know that He will guide me;
To higher ground He ever leads me on.
Until some day the last step will be taken.
Each step I take just leads me closer home.
During the war, one of Dad's jobs was probing for land mines. He never knew when the next step could be his last. Because of his faith he knew that God would protect him or take him home. This kept him sane as he watched soldiers around him dying. I am thankful that he was allowed to come home or I wouldn't be here.
He Touched Me, Oh He Touched me
And oh the joy that floods my soul
Something happened and now I know
He touched me and made me whole.
I never really asked Dad why he liked this song. I just assumed that he was thankful for God's saving grace but in thinking about this, I wonder if he was looking forward to being made whole again. It always bothered him that he lost his fingers in an accident. This made things so difficult as he used his hands so much in his work.
He is now whole again and I give God all the glory.
Instead I thought that I would share by simply reading the chorus from 2 of them and explain why they were so special.
Each step I take, I know that He will guide me;
To higher ground He ever leads me on.
Until some day the last step will be taken.
Each step I take just leads me closer home.
During the war, one of Dad's jobs was probing for land mines. He never knew when the next step could be his last. Because of his faith he knew that God would protect him or take him home. This kept him sane as he watched soldiers around him dying. I am thankful that he was allowed to come home or I wouldn't be here.
He Touched Me, Oh He Touched me
And oh the joy that floods my soul
Something happened and now I know
He touched me and made me whole.
I never really asked Dad why he liked this song. I just assumed that he was thankful for God's saving grace but in thinking about this, I wonder if he was looking forward to being made whole again. It always bothered him that he lost his fingers in an accident. This made things so difficult as he used his hands so much in his work.
He is now whole again and I give God all the glory.
Legion Tribute
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LAST EARTHLY REMAINS OF OUR COMRADE NORMAN HUNTER, WHOSE LOSS WE MOURN BUT WHOSE SPIRIT STILL LIVES. MAY WE AS CITIZENS AND MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION, BE CHARGED ANEW WITH THE FULL SENSE OF OUR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO OUR COUNTRY AND OUR ORGANIZATION. MAY WE EVER STRIVE TO UPHOLD THE PRINCIPLES OF UNSELFISH SERVICE WHICH LED US TO SERVE OUR GOD AND COUNTRY IN TIME OF WAR AND IN PEACE, SO THAT WE MAY CONTINE TO SERVE EVEN UNTO DEATH. MAY WE EVER PRAY, LORD
GOD OF HOSTS BE WITH US YET. LEST WE FORGET ----LEST WE FORGET.
MAY WE HAVE THE LAST POST
THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD AS WE THAT ARE LEFT GROW OLD, AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM, NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN; AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING --" WE WILL REMEMBER THEM” -- “WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”.
MEDAL CEREMONY:
THANK YOU FOR NORMAN HUNTER'S SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY AND THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION; PLEASE HOLD THESE MEDALS IN SAFEKEEPING.
THIS CONCLUDES OUR LEGION TRIBUTE
GOD OF HOSTS BE WITH US YET. LEST WE FORGET ----LEST WE FORGET.
MAY WE HAVE THE LAST POST
THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD AS WE THAT ARE LEFT GROW OLD, AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM, NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN; AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING --" WE WILL REMEMBER THEM” -- “WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”.
MEDAL CEREMONY:
THANK YOU FOR NORMAN HUNTER'S SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY AND THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION; PLEASE HOLD THESE MEDALS IN SAFEKEEPING.
THIS CONCLUDES OUR LEGION TRIBUTE