Dear Members and Friends,
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lt Col. John Hunt, a revered colleague, leader, and friend to so many within the club management and wider communities.
John was a man of great integrity, purpose, and compassion. After serving with distinction firstly in the Rhodesian Army followed by the British Army for over 21 years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he transitioned into a second career marked by exemplary service in the Club industry. John’s club career began with his influential tenure at Temple Golf Club and for 15 years, he held the position of Secretary at The Berkshire Golf Club, where he was widely respected for his professionalism, warmth, and vision.
John’s influence extended far beyond any single Club. He served as President of the Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) from 2009-11 and as first Chair of the European Club Education Foundation (ECEF) from 2011 to 2017 tirelessly championing education and development within the profession followed by the awarding of bursaries to those who couldn’t afford to pay for the course. His leadership and mentorship have left an enduring legacy on countless Club Managers across Europe and beyond.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, John will be remembered for his extraordinary humanitarian spirit. He was the Founder with his wife Suzie, of Zoe Zambia, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned children and impoverished farming communities in Eastern Zambia where John grew up. John wanted to give back to his childhood homeland and Zoe Zambia made significant strides—installing six water boreholes, building a kindergarten for 50 children and a primary school for 400 establishing six market gardens, and launching sustainable farming projects including ginger cultivation, beekeeping, goat husbandry, and Moringa farming. In a tribute to John the new primary school just outside Chipata was named after him which gave him immense pride.
John’s life was one of service—to his country, to his profession, his Church and to the most vulnerable in society. His kindness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making a difference will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Michael Newland CCM, CMAE Vice-President and Managing Director at The Berkshire GC comments ”The Colonel, as we all knew John, was a distinguished Army officer, highly respected Club Manager, and compassionate humanitarian whose lifelong service, strong faith and infectious sense of fun will leave a lasting legacy across both the professional and charitable worlds. He will be very much missed”
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to John’s wife Suzie, daughter Sammie, family and friends, and all those who were touched by his remarkable life.
Sincerely,
The Club Management Association of Europe
