Hungerford, S. John – John passed peacefully after a brief illness in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, at the age of 90. John was the eldest child of the late Stewart and Dorothy Hungerford. He leaves his loving wife of 62 years, Audrey (Wilson) Hungerford; sister, Anne; daughter, Pam; son-in-law, Mike; daughter-in-law Jennifer; and granddaughters, Hannah and Teaghanne. He was predeceased by his son, Stephen and sister, Marilyn Day.
John enjoyed his career in the Royal Canadian Air Force for 35 years. He received his wings as a radio officer in 1959 and cross-trained to navigator in 1973. He was then posted to 415 squadron in CFB Summerside. Highlights of his career include being appointed to commanding officer of Maritime Proving and Evaluation Unit (MP&EU) in 1977. In 1978 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and posted to CFS Goose Bay as Commanding Officer. In 1981 he was posted overseas to NATO Airborne Early Warning Program Management Agency located in Brunssum, the Netherlands where he remained for thirteen years. He retired from the Canadian Forces in March 1987 but continued his post with NATO in a civilian capacity until he returned to Canada in 1994. He accepted with great pride the appointment of Honorary Colonel to the Maritime Proving and Evaluation Unit (MP&EU) from 2010 to 2014.
Upon retirement John and Audrey moved to Enfield, Nova Scotia where they built a home in 1995, backing onto a forest. John spent many hours developing walking trails through the woods and greatly enjoyed many long hikes with his beloved dogs. Another of his great joys was building the cottage in Glendyer, Cape Breton where his children and grandchildren got to spend many happy summers. He designed and built the cottage by hand over several years. It was a work of love and a place where he felt most content. A special love was the music of Cape Breton, especially the local music scene in Mabou.
John's boundless wisdom and loving guidance were a source of strength for his family, who will feel his absence profoundly. He was never without a thoughtful word when one was needed most.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Elmsdale United Baptist Church or charity of your choice.
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