August 24, 1954 - October 14, 2022
Orion Christian Hunter (aka Bert Christian Van Barneveld) was born in Terrace, BC, the fourth child of Otto and Anna Van Barneveld. They moved to Duncan in 1963, and he called the Cowichan Valley his home for most of his life, regardless of where his journey took him.
He leaves behind a daughter, Jennifer (David), and a son, Robyn (Krysta), and his grandsons Austin, Luke and Miles.
Orion lived an adventurous life, traveling around the continent, working as a truck driver, drug dealer, and psychic healer. He was a son, brother, father, sports coach and cheerleader, and friend.
He is remembered for his love of life and rebellious ways. He valued the open road, music and nature; he found beauty and meaning in the world around him and passed on this appreciation to his children.
Although mental and physical health challenges dominated his later years, Orion faced them with dignity and defiance. He had some years of peace and stability, mixed with some misadventure, of course, before passing away from cancer.
One sister and five brothers bid farewell to a truly unique individual who never stopped searching for freedom, and has now found it. Soar with the eagles, Orion/Bert, we send our love with you.
A celebration of life will be held in 2023
Scatter my body's ashes In all the winds
So what was my body Can find its way
To all I once loved, To cloud and sea
And with all unite.
- Hans Bouma