Former City of Kingston CAO Gerard Hunt passes away
The former CAO of the City of Kingston, Gerard Hunt, has passed away after a battle with illness that caused him to step down from the position in July of 2019.
Hunt had served as the City CAO for 10 years prior to stepping down, providing “excellent leadership” and “valuable support and guidance to four different Councils” Mayor Bryan Paterson said when Hunt stepped down. Today, Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2020, Mayor Paterson offered some words of reflection after Hunt’s passing.
“I was very sad to learn the news of Gerard’s passing. He was not only a colleague for many years, he was a friend. Gerard’s leadership and dedication, his quick willingness to champion and embrace innovation, and his sage advice helped position Kingston as the incredible city it is today,” Paterson said. “Gerard leaves behind a tremendous legacy. I know he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, Council, his City of Kingston colleagues, and by countless others across the community.”
Hunt was replaced by current CAO Lanie Hurdle on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019.
“The City benefited greatly from his many contributions, visionary leadership and strong values,” Hurdle said after Hunt’s passing. “The significant growth the City has seen under Gerard’s leadership, have been the groundwork for many of the initiatives and municipal services we see today – a true testament to his great leadership.”
I had the privilege of working on a city committee for several months with Gerard shortly after he joined the city years ago. He was a true gentleman who could always be trusted to have the best interests of the community as a whole in mind. His judgement, fairness, and courtesy were all outstanding.
We have lost a true gentleman.My condolences to Gerard’s extended family.
Gerard was an all around GREAT person I will miss being able to see his sincere smile and encouraging thoughts.
I have many fond memories of my dear cousin Gerrard….he will be sorely missed. Dave Hunt
As a city councillor, I had the privilege of working with Gerard for many years. He was dedicated, kind, caring, knowledgeable, with a knack of finding the funds to make good things happen. I am so very sorry to hear of his death, and my deepest condolences go to Kim and his family.
I was in shock when i heard about Gerard Hunt passing,My most sincere condolences to his family and friends. I remember Gerard as a kid when a bunch of us had a hunt camp on his father’s farm for many many years,where we saw Gerard grow up. A quiet small blond lad at the time somewhat shy like his father Tom who also hunted with us,He loved singing and old country western song ,like Dark as a dungeon way down in the mine and so on.The best christian family i have ever known in my life was Tom…Father. Irene …mother and …Gerard their only son, those were the good old days.If anyone deserves to rest in peace like his parents before him Gerard surely has a great seat up above with all the angels.Rest in peace my friend you are home now.