A tribute to Garnet de la Hunt. 25 August 1933 - 28 April 2014

Garnet served Scripture Union for many years as before leading the organisation as National Chairman from 2007 to 2012. I was privileged to serve under his leadership and observe his tireless energy, his generosity and selfless service. SU will miss Garnet’s leadership and wise counsel which he so freely offered. Garnet’s passion and drive was to see young people read the Bible, and come to know Jesus as their personal Saviour. He was an example to us all of punctuality, the highest standards of excellence, doing the basics right, and living a life worthy of God’s calling to service in SU. Garnet and Virginia’s Christian marriage was a living example of commitment and friendship to everyone that knew them as a couple. We will miss his whit, humour, and direct questions that would often challenge our direction and thinking on important matters. His battle with cancer and the period of his illness was a testimony to his faith and trust in his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the certainty of eternal life.

Garnet had a wealth of experience to offer, having worked and led the Scout movement at the highest level for many years. As a Scout, a leader, a trainer and chairman he inspired, taught and supported generations of South Africans that have made good citizenship, duty to God, duty to others and duty to country a way of life. As a member of the task force that drafted the WOSM (World Organization of the Scout Movement) publication “What is Scouting”, he redefined and updated Baden Powell’s fundamental values and principles that guide over 32 million children and youth in over 161 countries worldwide today. For his services to Scouting amongst others he was awarded the Order of the Silver Springbok in South Africa, The Silver Wolf from the Swedish Scout Association in recognition of his service to International Scouting, and the Bronze Wolf from WOSM in recognition of his service to World Scouting. These awards are only given to people that have provided a lifetime of selfless and voluntary service to the upliftment and service of youth and country. Last year Garnet was awarded the prestigious Presidential Silver Grand Counsellor of the Order of the Baobab for his work he did in Scouting. Garnet was an inspiration to those who knew him and to many young people throughout the Movement who in turn are doing their best to inspire and empower others and his legacy will live on.

Despite all his achievements and awards, Garnet was a humble servant of Jesus Christ, leading a life of selfless and tireless service. We at SU will continue to be inspired by the life and example of Garnet de la Hunt and his legacy. SU will always be grateful to Virginia for her support, and sharing her husband with us, and the family for their sacrifice in sharing their father. Our prayers of peace and comfort are with Virginia, Clinton, Lee-Ann, Julian, Lisa and his grandchildren at this sad time.