LoginObituary: Harold Hunt
Trading Standards lost a knowledgable, respected and committed expert in May 2018
Posted 31 May 2018 | JoTS Online
Content Tags: Updates|Inside Trading Standards|National
UPDATES: Harold Hunt’s obituary traces a career of quiet public service, from national service and Berkshire weights and measures to four decades with Oxfordshire Trading Standards. Remembered for his legal expertise, food law knowledge, mentoring, Institute commitment and lifelong love of cricket, he left a strong legacy across his profession and community.
Harold or ‘H’, as he was commonly known, passed away in May 2018 at the age of 89.
Harold was born in Reading and brought up by his mother after his father died when he was seven. At the age of eleven he was awarded a scholarship at Bluecoats School, Reading which provided him with an excellent education and fuelled his passion for sport in later years. At the age of 18 Harold joined the Royal Navy as an able seaman on a tank landing craft whose primary role was mapping coastal territories.
After undertaking his national service he joined Berkshire County Council as a trainee in the Weights and Measures Department. For most of his forty-year career he was employed by Oxfordshire County Council. After successive promotions he was appointed Assistant County Trading Standards Officer, a post he held until retirement in 1990 at the age of 61.
Harold was highly respected for his knowledge, commitment and professionalism by all who came into contact with him. He had obtained a law degree and was widely acknowledged as an expert on legal processing with a specific interest in food law. A quiet, modest man he was always willing to offer help and support to trainees and newly qualified officers. External organisations frequently sought his advice and he had a lengthy spell as Chairman of the Witney CAB. He had a keen interest in Institute affairs which he retained long after retirement. He married his wife Bette in 1961 and on retirement helped her to run a children’s foster home in the village of Aldworth, Berkshire. He became a Parish Councillor and was elected a governor of a local school. Throughout his life he enjoyed sport but was always happiest on the cricket field. He was an excellent wicketkeeper and a more than useful batsman. At the age of 76 he celebrated 60 years behind the stumps and was interviewed by Meridian TV.
A gentle, caring man, he was an oasis of calm at work and play, an animal lover and a jazz enthusiast. For many years he was a member of Woodcote Lions.
The funeral was held at a packed St. Mary the Virgin Church and attended by several of his ex- colleagues. Condolences go to his wife Bette, son Nick, daughter Jo and their four grandchildren.
<em>Compiled By David Sibbert.</em>
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Content Tags: Updates|Inside Trading Standards|National
