Brent Hunter

PETER BRENT HUNTER

Our much loved brother, uncle and friend passed away on April 15, 2024 at the age of 69.

Brent was born March 21, 1955 at Neepawa, Manitoba to Peter and Jean Hunter of Arden. It was fitting that he was born on the first day of spring, his favorite season.

He attended Sinclairville School til its closing in 1966, then Arden School and NACI. While in high school he started working for Gerald Parrott at Parrott’s Greenhouse, but Brent’s love of horticulture began much earlier with his Grandma Hunter who lived in the same yard.

Brent was always employed in the florist business, opening the Garden Gate with Bill and Alice Moger in 1979. After it closed he worked at various flower shops in Neepawa, Gladstone and Brandon until opening Beyond the Garden Gate with his sister Tannis and friend Ginny Collins in 1998. When this business closed Brent went on to work at Safeway in the floral department, before going to work at the Neepawa Legion Clubroom. There he enjoyed the camaraderie of all who dropped in. This was Brent’s 20th year as an active Legion member.

Brent was very community minded and was involved in many organizations. His membership in the Beautiful Plains Horticultural Society spanned more than 55 years, and he was District Director of the Manitoba Horticultural Association for 37 years, receiving life memberships from both. He was a member of the Lily Festival Committee while it was active and could often be found in many of the town lily beds helping to maintain their beauty.

Brent’s love of community extended to his roots on the Arden Ridge, helping to organize the annual Father’s Day Sinclairville School Picnic for over 10 years. He was also instrumental in the placement of the Sinclairville School cairn on the grounds.

Brent was very involved in the Arden community, serving on numerous committees, helping with fall suppers, bingos, dances, and other fundraising activities. He loved curling and participated in numerous bonspiels, especially enjoying a rum or two in the 11th and 12th ends. Brent was famous for his florist two-step, and was actively working towards his first Oscar in the Arden Dinner Theatre.

If help was needed Brent was only a phone call away. This was recognized in 2007 when he received the Manitoba Volunteer of the Year award.

In July 2022 Brent semi-retired to Arden and started to create his “Garden of Arden”. There he enjoyed time spent with his close friends. His ability to talk and connect with all ages was a gift that will be missed by many. Everyone who knew Brent will have a story, hold them close to your heart.

Brent was predeceased by his parents Peter and Jean; aunts and uncles, Stuart and Marg Milne, Doug and Jean Griffith, Wib and Berniece Smith, Lionel Welbourne, Doug Kitson, Gerry and Irma Collins; cousins, Valerie Ward, Reg and Randy Smith, Danny Griffith and Brian Kitson.

He will be deeply missed by brother Garth (Darlene), Chrissy (Buck) and Sherry (Patrick); brother Wade (Michelle), Kayla (Chase), Synnova (Joel) and Elisha Asselstine; sister Tannis (Jim) Brown, Tannis Lynn (Morgan), Colter and Kerem Birnie, Michael and Huck Brown; sister Alayne (Dunc) Tibbett, Kirk (Tristyn), Jaxon and Quinn Tibbett, Drew (Nikki), Lacey and Liam Tibbett, Devin (Erin) Tibbett. Aunts Joyce Welbourne and Joan Kitson, numerous cousins, and many, many friends.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 3 at the Arden Community Centre at 1:00 p.m. If friends so wish, donations may be made to Neepawa Palliative Care or a charity of choice.

This service will be livestreamed