William John Hunt

William (Bill) Hunt passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at the age of 84 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Katleen Hunt; son, David (Amber) Hunt; grandson, James Hunt; sisters, Ann Corbett and Sharon (David) Lashmar; brothers, Peter (Marj) Hunt and Phillip (Bev) Hunt; sister in-law, Dorothy Eggins; nephews, Dan (Charlotte) Corbett, Tim (Peggy) Corbett, Chris Lashmar, Geoff (Dianna) Hunt, Keith (Paula) Klinck, Stuart (Kerri Grue) Klinck, Ralph (Misti) Eggins; nieces, Corene (Doug) Farris, Carli (Bryce) Swan, Lisa (David) Reinhardt, Deanne Janzen, his great-nieces and nephews and many friends.

 He was predeceased by his parents, Edward Hunt and Phyllis Hunt (nee Powell); brother-in-law, Bud Corbett; and niece, Lee Ann Corbett.

Bill loved farming and ranching and the people in the communities where he lived. He was born in Calgary, Alberta and raised on a farm near Priddis. He loved to ride, break horses and work with livestock. Growing up he also learned how to crochet, make bridles, and also learned how much he loved farming over going to school. After attempting grade nine twice (his heart just wasn’t in it), he started farming full time on the family farm. His father bought a larger farm East of Cremona in 1958 so that his sons could get a good start in farming. Bill spent many days moving all of the farm equipment to the new farm with an open-air tractor and hay rack in the fall of 1958. The family moved to their new farm in 1959 in time for spring planting.

When brother Peter quit school in Cremona, Bill and Peter formed a partnership under the name “Hunt Brothers”. That partnership remained until 2012 when it was dissolved so that the brothers could retire when they chose to. In 1963 the brothers bid on a half section northwest of the Melvin hall and they won the bid. It was mainly bush and Bill cleared a lot of it on an open-air tractor and plough over the next few years.

In 1966 Bill met Kathleen McDonald at the Westcott General Store. They married in February 1968 and resided at the Hunt family farm for nearly five years. In 1972 a quarter section with buildings on it was purchased across the road West of the half section. Bill and Kathleen resided there until late 2016. In February 1978 their son David was born. The farm continued to expand over the years. In 2014 Bill retired from farming and rented the land out. Parcels were sold over time and a house was purchased in Didsbury. Bill resided there with Kathleen until the last year of his life when he was no longer able to care for himself and dementia had clouded his mind.

Bill also worked for Amerada Petroleum seismographing for three years. This took him to several communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan. An accident causing a skull fracture in 1964 ended this endeavor.

Bill rode Bareback Bronc in his younger years. He always had a love of the outdoors and from an early age would go camping and hunting with a friend or two. He always put his cattle first, not stopping to eat until they were fed. He put neighbours and friends first, dropping whatever he was doing, if he could, to help. He loved children and he loved animals especially dogs.

In closing, we include something written by Phil: The sun has gone down, The chores are all done, The gates are closed, So rest easy brother Bill.

The family would like to express our gratitude to all the people in the community and the doctors, nursing staff and care workers that took good care of Bill during his last year of life.

A Graveside Service will be held at Westcott Cemetery, 3203 Twp Rd 310, 51.6202, -114.3304, on Monday, July 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM. Memorial Service will be held at Knox United Church, 1406 19th Ave, Didsbury AB at 2:30 PM.