Obituary of Harding Ernest Hunter

Harding Ernest Hunter of Astle, New Brunswick, affectionately known to many as Hardy, said good-bye to his family and passed away peacefully at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital on July 25, 2025. Born on April 16, 1939, in Avery's Portage, New Brunswick, he was the son of the late James Hilton and Cora Beatrice Hunter (Palmer).

Harding is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Susan Hunter (MacDonald); son Keith Hunter (Janie); daughters Denise Davis (Wade), and Michele Payne; grandchildren Paige Hunter (Mike), Tiffany Beyea (Brad), Michelle Davis (Devin), Scott Davis (Eva), Timmy Hunter, and Tad Payne; 9 great grandchildren; his sister Barbara Fozard; brother-in-law Paul Inman, along with several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his grandson Trevor Davis; sisters Hazel Inman, Floris Gibson, and Faye Calhoun; nephews Joey Calhoun, Douglas Fozard, and Michael Gibson; and his brothers-in-law Bert Fozard, Varney Gibson, and Arden Calhoun.

Harding had many occupations throughout his life, beginning with the Canadian Armed Forces where he formed many life-long friendships. He was a heavy equipment operator and loved to tell stories from his time working as a crane operator on the construction of the Mactaquac Dam. Harding and Susan ran a general store for many years. It was a place where you could drop off your shopping list, have it delivered to your home, and settle your bill on payday. He was the founder of Hunter’s Sugar Bush and was well-known for the best maple syrup anywhere! Most of Harding’s career, though, was spent in the logging industry. He loved working in the woods and took pride in producing quality lumber. After retiring from the logging industry, he continued to work in the woods for many years cutting firewood.

Harding was a collector of all things interesting, unusual, or antique - stamps, coins, knives, guns, antique irons, cars. His children have fond memories of Sunday drives in the old ’37 Pontiac sedan. He loved to barter, and thus acquired an antique gramophone in lieu of payment. He once came home with a load of saddle horses for which he had to build a pasture and a barn!

He loved animals and at all times had a beloved dog by his side. He was a hobby-farmer, raising chickens, pigs, and cattle and always had a huge garden. If you stopped in for a visit during the summer harvest period you'd be sure to go home with a load of fresh produce.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing. Family and friends were always welcome at his Burntland Brook Camp and The Sugarbush. Harding could cook, so you’d be guaranteed a great meal, along with a story or two.

Harding was a member of the Boiestown Legion and served for a term as their President. He proudly participated in the Remembrance Day parade and services at the Legion, churches, and schools.

He loved and took pride in his family, and enjoyed visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It gave him such joy to hold the little ones on his lap. Many happy times were shared at family pot-luck dinners.

A lifelong lover of card games, Harding will be remembered and missed around several card tables, most notably his own kitchen table where Crazy Rummy has been the ritual nightly activity for the last several years.

His final week was filled with many of the activities that he loved, like berry-picking, driving his side-by-side, and playing cards. He had one last hurrah on the night before his passing at the City Club playing 45’s with his buddies. (Thanks for the lift, Hubert!)

You might say he went out with a smile on his face, holding a hand full of hearts.

As per Harding’s wishes, there will be no service or visitation to take place. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to The Royal Canadian Legion Normandy Branch # 78, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfuneralhome.com.