Harry Hunt: Hotelier known as ‘Mr Liverpool’ dies aged 77

Liverpool is mourning the loss of popular identity Harry Hunt, aka ‘Mr Liverpool’, the owner of Hunts Hotel. Tributes have flowed remembering him for his generosity.

Popular Liverpool hotelier Harry Hunt has died aged 77. Picture: Monique Harmer

Tributes are pouring in for Harry Hunt, a man who worked so hard for the community that he rightfully earned the title ‘Mr Liverpool’, who died aged 77.

Mr Hunt was a Member of the Order of Australia, president of the Liverpool Chamber for 13 years, president of the South West Sydney Tourism Association, and a sponsor of Shining Stars Foundation, who would donate 150-plus meals to the homeless every single week.

Harry Hunt pictured, dishing out rice with curry in identical rows.

He was highly awarded for his service to the community, including a Companion to the Order of Liverpool, Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Rotary, all while growing Hunts Hotel from a small motel to a 140-plus bedroom business.

“We’ve lost a true gentleman”, said Mark Ansell, manager of Hunts Hotel, who had worked with Hunt for the past 10 years.

“He was one of the true founders of Liverpool. Trying to make sure everyone knew about Liverpool. He pushed so hard in the tourism area to make Liverpool a better place to come to.”

Harry Hunt at 'Hunts Hotel Liverpool'. Picture Monique Harmer

Mr Ansell’s fondest memories with Hunt will be “sitting down and having a cup of tea with him, talking of fishing, going away, and spending time with our wives”.

Mr Hunt’s legacy will continue to shape Liverpool for decades to come. He was one of the earliest proponents of the Badgerys Creek airport, years before the federal government committed to the project.

It was his personal qualities that stuck with people more than anything else though.

“He was generous, kind hearted, exceptionally easy to get along with,” Mr Ansell said,

“He was always there for all the staff. I can think of many times he stopped to help me out in my life.

“He was a good mentor in that respect.”

When retiring as Liverpool Chamber president in 2016, Hunt’s humility stood out.

In his words, “Liverpool has come a long way … and it’s going to go a lot further.

“I still love my work and my business. I’m very fortunate to be in a place I really love.

“It’s not just a business, but a way of life. It’s not gigantic but I’m very lucky to have been fairly successful.”

Harry Hunt outside his hotel Hunts Hotel Liverpool. Picture Monique Harmer

Mr Ansell said: “Harry was a pillar of the community and to the rest of us a great source of strength.

“He was always there for you, whenever you needed help. He would always put his life on hold to help you.”

Hunt leaves behind his wife, two daughters, son, son-in-law, and grandchildren.