Skip to content

Dr. Talmage (Tal) Hunt

September 9, 2004

B.A., M.D. (University of Toronto), FRCP(C) of South Surrey, BC died peacefully on September 9, 2004 at Peace Arch Hospital, White Rock, BC.

Born April 11, 1921 in Sunderland, Ontario, Dr. Hunt is survived by Ruby, his loving wife and partner of 59 years; son Bill Hunt (Margit) Osoyoos, BC; Hildred Richardson (Dennis) Saskatoon, SK; Leeanne Hunt, Vancouver, grandchildren Lucas Hunt, Katie and Dale Richardson.

Dr. Hunt had a long and distinguished medical and teaching career beginning with service to his country in the medical corps of the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II.

A Canadian medicare pioneer he was a founding member of the Canadian Medical Association Council on Public Health care; established the first medical department of rehabilitation medicine in Canada at the University of Saskatchewan; developed multi-disciplinary home care and initiated the Canadian accreditation of geriatric medicine.

He served on numerous local, national and international medical advisory boards and committees including his role as a founding member of the first Master's program in Canada for Physical and Occupational Therapist, the Canadian Association of Sports Medicine, and the Saskatchewan Arthritis Society.

Prior to his full retirement in 1990 he served on the medical and academic staff of the University of British Columbia, G.F.Strong Rehabilitation Centre and Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, Vancouver.

Along with his many professional contribution, Tal always had time for his community and personal pursuits.

He was a leader with the Boy Scouts of Canada, and a licensed amateur (HAM) radio operator.

Dad loved to sail and built his first sailboat. He served as a team physician for the Saskatchewan Huskies Football Club.

In his later years Tal was a prize-winning member of the Vancouver Dahlia Club.

He found his greatest joy at the Emma Lake family summer home which provided him with opportunities to appreciate the wonder of nature.

The church and worship were important aspects of his life. He was an elder and active church volunteer with the United Church of Canada

The family wishes to thank Dr. David Gayton, Dr. Muni Nazerali, Dr. Grant Gibbins, the caring staff of Peace Arch Hospital and Westminster House.

Memorial donations in Dr. Hunt's name may be directed to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation (White Rock, BC), Royal University Hospital Foundation (Saskatoon, SK), the Dr. Talmage Hunt Scholarship, School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan, or one of the may charities he supported.

A private interment of Dr. Hunt's cremated remains will be made at a later date.

Dad left a legacy of hope, fulfillment and improved quality of life for generations of Canadians to come - we have a better country because of him.