Hunter Wayne Robert Whale

Hunter was born on a snowy day in March, a wonderful and unexpected blessing, a beautiful boy with the deepest brown eyes and gentle soul. Hunter was a happy baby, toddler and child who followed behind his older brothers and sister as a younger brother is known to do. Hunter came into the world a warrior with some health struggles requiring 2 surgeries as a young child. Hunter was a wee boy, yet what he lacked in stature, he made up for with ferocity and determination. Hunter was not one to hold his feelings even then, his reasoning and wisdom well beyond his years; Hunter was an old soul in a little boy’s body.

When Hunter was about 7 years old, we noticed he seemed to be falling more often than his siblings and speaking to the doctor, she thought he might have a form of MD (muscular dystrophy) and I remember feeling some short lived relief that we had a reason why. After a lengthy time with numerous assessments, he was diagnosed with DMD (duchenne muscular dystrophy), a devastating terminal illness similar to ALS with a lengthier time frame of the loss of ability. Because of this, we knew he would have a life short of years and began squeezing those memorable things most take for granted; minutes became moments to be treasured and sheltered deep in our souls.

Hunter was never one to take life for granted, he had a soul for others and always thought of everyone else ever before himself. Hunter had a protective nature but especially for his little brother Tucker who also had DMD. What a blessing to have witnessed this relationship develop into what all should envy; their love for each other was unabated and now eternal. It gives comfort that they will be together forever unencumbered without pain or physical limitations. Hunter lived as he loved and how majestic it was to witness him live life without abandon despite being restricted in a body that defied him.

Hunter was a lover of experiences, music, movies, tv shows and gaming online allowed him to live vicariously through stories and in turn, opened up a world where he could fully participate despite his limitations. He always talked of things to come, never losing sight that life needed to be lived. He was a foodie at heart and a connoisseur; he wanted to try everything so he could say he tried it once. He spoke of his bucket list and had plans that sadly never came to fruition due to the frailty of his diagnosis and sudden passing. If only we all could have the zest for life he did, it was one of the many qualities I admired most about him.

Hunter was a huge fan of his Toronto sports teams, the Maple Leafs, the Blue Jays but mostly the Raptors, his favourite player being number 3, Brandon Ingram. Hunter bought tickets to the Raptors game the day before he left us with a weekend trip planned to Toronto. Oh how he would have been rooting for them and I can picture his face when they won. He was never able to play himself but he always let people know how much these teams meant to him.

Hunter loved his fur babies, his cat Jezebel who slept on his bed but more often than not was most content in his lap and his little girl Indiana named after Indiana Jones but known as Indy who loved her daddy and showered him with endless kisses and slept soundly as he drove around in his wheelchair.

Hunter was blessed with many extended chosen family who loved him, and in turn, they felt this love returned tenfold. Honourable mention of Auntie Sandy (RIP), Lisa Cox, our former neighbour who became family, Kevin aka the candyman who always had a sugary treat at the ready and Hunter’s honorary brother Adam (Danielle) and their children Tyler, Aiden, Ariel, Tyson, Ryder, and Hailey. Hunter was excitedly awaiting the arrival of a niece due this month and a nephew due in June; we will ensure his memory will be shared with these precious little souls so they will know him as we did.

Hunter was predeceased by an angel sibling, his brother Tucker, his brother Cody’s and SIL’s angel baby and a cousin; oh to be able to have witnessed this glorious reunion of these precious souls in the spirit realm never again separated. Hunter was predeceased by his great grandmother (sidewalk Nanny), great grandmother (downstairs Nanny) and Grandpa Tom whom he knew earth side.

Hunter will forever be missed by his parents David and Tracy Whale, his siblings Cody (Taylor) and their children Denim and Easton, Riley and Caitlyn, his cousins Rick, Michelle (Matt) and their children Cameron and Kieran, Nathann and his son Kashton, Robby and Dan, grandparents Wayne, Shirley and Loretta, aunts Sherri and Darlene and uncles Rob (Bev) and Glenn (Tammy).

In lieu of flowers and in Hunter’s memory, donations to the Pugalug Pug Rescue, Homeward Bound Rescue (both located in Toronto) or any other animal rescue charity of your choosing would be greatly appreciated.

A memorial will be held to honour Hunter on Sunday April 12th 2026 from 1-4pm at the Utterson Community Hall, a place with happy memories of birthdays gone by that were celebrated there.

"I love the silent hour of night, for blissful dreams may then arise, revealing to my charmed sight, what may not bless my waking eyes."

- Anne Brontë