Hunter, Harold Bray “Hal”, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 31, 2010 with his family at his side in the Aberdeen Hospital New Glasgow. Born on November 11, 1919 in New Glasgow, Harold was a son of the late Harry and Gertrude (Gillespie) Hunter. Harold attended schools in New Glasgow and participated in sports at a very young age. At the age of 17, in 1936, Hal’s sports career began to flourish in Pictou County both in hockey and baseball. From 1936-38, Hal’s hockey career started in Junior Hockey playing “center ice” for both the British Consoles and New Glasgow High School teams. In 1938, Hal lead the Pictou Co. Jr. League for the most goals scored in that season. Playing the game was not enough for Hal so after finishing his Junior Career, he tried his hand at coaching the Traveling Bantam New Glasgow Little League Team. This lasted a few years before entering into the refereeing stage of hockey. Hal enjoyed this aspect of hockey and was seen at many games refereeing for the Commercial League of New Glasgow High School and also the N.S. Senior Hockey League. Hockey may have been one of Hal’s greatest passions, but baseball could not go without mention. While he may have been busy at the rinks in the winters, Hal could also be found on the “catcher’s mound” in the summers for three teams: Blue Sunacos, New Glasgow Junior Baseball and Pictou Co. Juniors. After finishing his junior career, he moved into senior baseball where he took on the new position of short stop. It was during 1939-41 that Hal played in the Pictou Co. Twilight League for three separate teams: New Glasgow, Pictou Regals and the Westville Minors. It was during this time of Senior Baseball that Hall played short stop for the Trenton Scotian softball team. Once his senior ball years came to an end, Hal thought baseball might be over for him. However, in 1946, while working in Aylmer, Ontario, he played for the Aylmer Baseball Team for a year. Upon returning to New Glasgow in the early 1950’s, Hal coached the New Glasgow Senior Baseball team. Once his hockey and baseball years came to an end, Hal decided to find other sports interests. He played in the Main Street Bowling League in New Glasgow for many years. He was an active member of the Abercrombie Golf Club for the past 50 years and, from 1967-1994 was a member of the Abercrombie Bluenose Curling Club. For the past few years, Hal continued to enjoy sports on TV. He was recently inducted into the Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame. He was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Br. 34 New Glasgow. Hal was employed at Hawker Siddeley for 35 years in the position as a store keeper. He enjoyed his work, friends and family. After retirement, Hal spent more time fishing and golfing with friends. Hal was predeceased by his beloved wife Joan (Warren) Hunter; baby daughter Joanne; brother Douglas Hunter; sister Jean Brown; brother-in-law Murray Brown; daughter-in-law Marina (Waite) Hunter. Hal is survived by son: Dale Hunter, Fredericton; loving grandchildren: Jennifer Hunter and Christopher Hunter, Toronto; son: Dana (Patti) Hunter, Truro; grandchildren: Lisa (Glen Jennings), Truro; Melissa Hunter and Matthew Hunter, Halifax; great-granddaughter Amy Beth; sisters-in-law: Lorna Hunter, New Glasgow; Louise Adams, Ontario; several nieces and nephews. Hal is also survived by special friends: Harry Atwater who faithfully visited Hal every Friday night; John Munroe, his fishing and golfing buddy; Jim and Anne Callaghan, special neighbours who were there when he needed a drive or just a talk; Jan Bezanson, a dear friend who offered great meals and warm friendship; Dr. Barclay whose monthly home visits lit up his day; and Debbie MacKenzie who helped with the daily meals. Each and everyone played a special part in Hal’s life. Visitation 7-9 pm Thursday in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held at 11 am Friday with Rev. Richard Sand officiating. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation or a charity of choice. Condolences at: www.rhporter.ca