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Obituary - Dennis Hunter
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Dennis Hunter
| House: |
Hawke |
| Year: |
1939-1943 |
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Dennis Hunter or 'DG' as he was better known, passed away on Monday 1st June, 2004, at his home in Johannesburg at the
age of 78. Dennis had been suffering from cancer for a number of years - an illness he bore with great courage and
fortitude, and during which time, incredibly he never lost his sense of humour.
DG was born in Nairobi, on the 19th December, 1925, one of four brothers and two sisters. His father was J A Hunter the
famous White Hunter and Author who wrote, in conjunction with Dan Mannix, the bestseller "Hunter". JA with his son David
built the well known and popular "Hunters Lodge" at Makindu. The lodge was run by David and his mother Hilda and were
later joined by Dennis, after his return from Canada, and his wife Doreen who he met in Mombasa.
Dennis was educated at the Prince of Wales School in Nairobi - Hawke House - from 1939 to 1943, where he excelled at
cricket and hockey. He was also an excellent tennis player and an outstanding golfer. He never played rugby but followed
the game closely and although, in latter years in South Africa, a Transvaaler was an ardent Sharks ( KZN ) supporter.
After school he did his military service with KAR until the end of WW 2. On his discharge from the army he joined Craig's
Sports House in Nairobi where he soon became a popular figure with the sporting fraternity and was a familiar sight at the
wheel of his beloved MG - KBC 316.
He was also a member of the Old Cambrians Club ( later Impala ), where he participated in all forms of sport,
particularly, his great love - cricket, guiding the Club and young recruits just out of School, in it's early stages. He
played Representative Cricket with distinction in the Annual European / Asians and Settlers / Officials matches nd also
represented Kenya. Dennis was an excellent player and as such was approached by Springbok wicket keeper Russel Endean to
play cricket in South Africa. An offer which Dennis declined - he would have preferred ythe opportunity to play for one of
the English Counties.
DG left Craig's and volunteered for the Kenya Regiment. Initially, he was posted to "A" Company and later to "B" Company
under the command of Major Ray Nightingale where he was welcomed by old stalwarts Syd Moscoff, Monty Brown, Brian
Williamson, Brian Turner and Bombay Barrett. He was finally commissioned and posted to, I think, the kenya Regiment
Training School at Nakuru. Prior to his joining "B" Company he was sadly involved in the Priory Forest Station tragedy in
which four of his fellow comrades were killed in action. This incident was to remain with DG to the end.
When he left the Regiment, Dennis departed for the UK and from there to Canada where he spent a number of years. During his
stay there he worked for Lever Bros. and while with them was awarded the top salesman of the year award.
From Canada he returned to Kenya via the Pacific and India and amusingly related how he crossed India by rail, travelling
3rd class, with many non paying passengers perched on the top of the carriage.
After some years in Kenya he and Doreen left for South Africa and finally settled in Johannesburg where he was employed by
Plascon Paints and spent a considerable amount of his time playing his beloved game - golf.
Dennis will be remembered by all those privileged to know him for his cheerful disposition, warmth and vibrant personality.
He can be best described as a good guy and a valuable friend. We would like to offer our deepest sympathy to Felicity,
Craig and Anita.
This obituary was submitted by Brian Turner, having received the text from Nigel Bulley - not an Old Cambrian but - a good friend.
24th June 2004
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