Beloved Parkside doctor Andrew Hunter identified as the victim of Sunday’s Kangaroo Island drowning

The eminent Parkside doctor who drowned at Kangaroo Island has been remembered as a loving father, grandfather, husband and talented bowel surgeon.

The man who died in a suspected drowning on Kangaroo Island has been remembered as a loving father, grandfather, husband and talented bowel surgeon.

Parkside doctor Andrew Hunter, 69, was pulled from the ocean unconscious at Island Beach, in Kangaroo Island’s northeast coast, on Sunday and tragically died at the scene.

Better known as Tab after 1950s film star Tab Hunter, his devastated family called him “the nicest man you’ve ever met”.

“Not a bad bone in his body,” leading businessman and brother-in-law Richard Hockney told The Advertiser.

“He had just a beautiful nature, very patient (having) four boys and was an incredibly hardworking surgeon.

Andrew “Tab” Hunter was a loving father, grandfather and husband. Picture: Supplied

“He was such an incredibly caring person who cared more about others than himself.

“He was just a good person who made a difference to a lot of people’s lives.”

Dr Hunter, who was diagnosed with MND last year and had recently retired, was visiting his holiday home on Island Beach with his wife Jane, who he had been happily married to for over four decades.

The couple share four boys and two grandchildren and were accompanied by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law.

“That was his happy place, he sailed, he would fish,” Mr Hockney said.

“We’re a very close knit family, we always have Christmas and things together.

Mr Hockney was at home when he found out his brother-in-law had unexpectedly died.

The circumstances of his death, which police say are not suspicious, remain unknown.

It is understood he was swimming back from his boat when he got into trouble.

Andrew “Tab” Hunter (centre) with his sons Sam, Jamie, Tom and Nick. Picture: Supplied

Dr Hunter’s career took him across the country and overseas, including a stint in England, specialising in colorectal surgery.

He held numerous roles throughout his career including treasurer of the Council of Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand, past chair of the Training Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery, chairman of the Bi-National Colorectal Cancer Audit Committee and chair of the BCCA Steering Committee.

He was also a member of St Andrews Medical Advisory Committee and ran a private practice at St Andrews Medical Centre.

Dr Hunter was known for his cheeky smile and quick witted jokes.

Outside of work, he was a keen golfer, playing every Wednesday afternoon with friends.

Former colleagues are coming to terms with the news.

The Central Adelaide Local Health Network Medical Staff Society sent an email to members advising them of the situation.

“Sad news. Dr Andrew Hunter, Colorectal Surgeon at the RAH for over 35 years, passed away on Sunday 19th January. Andrew Hunter retired from the RAH in 2021.

“Our deepest sympathy to his wife & family.”

The society will advise members of funeral details.