Melvin Hunt began his life in an orphanage in Toronto, taken from his unwed mother after his birth in 1942. His early years in orphanages and foster homes were not encouraging for academic pursuits, and instead Melvin engaged in his own entrepreneurial ventures before dropping out in grade 10 to be independent. He worked a variety of heavy-labour jobs until mid-day during a construction job at age 17 he visited a Canadian Forces recruiting office, a decision that would be life-changing.
Hunt joined the military as a firefighter in the air force, stationed at bases in Canada and Europe. During his time in the military he competed in judo and boxing, and was eventually able to complete high school. He was then able to complete an honours degree in philosophy through the Canadian Forces University Training Program for Men. In 1974 he was selected for the new Military Legal Training Plan and enrolled in law school at the University of British Columbia. He was able to work summers assisting the Assistant Judge Advocate General at CFB Esquimalt, and completed his LL.B. in 1977.
He articled in Victoria under Dermod Owen-Flodd, where he gained an attraction to criminal defence work. After call, Hunt became legal officer in the Office of the Judge Advocate General at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. Through the 80s Mr. Hunt rose through the ranks of the military counsel apparatus in Canada, and was posted once again to CFB Esquimalt. In 1987, facing a possible return to assignment in Ottawa, he retired from the military and entered private practice in Victoria.
In his private criminal practice, Hunt devoted himself most strongly to clients who had suffered a lack of due process or from an abuse of authority - the underdog. He tried many cases in the Supreme Court of Canada, the first being a trafficking case in 1989. The Supreme Court also accepted him as an expert in military legal matters. Professionally he had a reputation for treating female colleagues with respect for their professional capabilities, and for being a forceful and fearless advocate for his clients.
Hunt retired in 2011 when he first fell ill with hereditary kidney disease. At his retirement dinner, which even brought together the members of the criminal bar and Crown counsel, colleagues gave speeches in his honour. They lauded his skills as a lawyer, his fair dealing, and remarked on the high respect he held from his fellow members of the bar.
Melvin Hunt passed away in late 2016. He maintained his interest in people's lives, current events, philosophy, storytelling, and notable trials until his passing.
For more, read theNos Disparus for Melvin Hunt from The Advocate, 74 (2016)