May 20, 2020
It is with profound sadness we announce that Hubert Sester passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 in Port Alberni, BC at the age of 71.
Predeceased by his parents Christa and Carl, Hubert is survived by his daughter Alisha, son-in-law Alan, granddaughter Estella, sister Ilona, brother-in-law Peter, niece Christa (Michael), great-nephews Mitchell and Jake, devoted basset Rory, and best friends Danny and Dean, as well as many other dear friends and loved ones. Hubert arrived with his family to the Alberni Valley when he was a young child. He and his sister Ilona grew up in the Beaver Creek area, getting into many hijinks with their friends and fellow "Creekers".
After graduation, Hubert went to work at the Plywood Mill, eventually becoming the Union Rep. His love for cars and racing inspired him to factory order his famous Hemi Super Bee, Divine Vanity, one of only 31 Hemi 4-Speeds built, and one of only three to come to Canada. Hubert and Divine Vanity owned many a drag strip together, with the records, trophies, and prestige to prove it. Hubert later parlayed that need for speed and love of car modification into opening Quality Speed, a successful performance speed shop and favourite hangout for local car enthusiasts.
Hubert's passions weren't limited to cars and racing. His love of fitness and weight training led him to open Bill Pearl's Gym in 1982 with best friend Danny and their wives Trina and Kelly. Bill Pearl's quickly became an elite place to train, producing several powerlifting medalists and attracting world-class lifters and bodybuilders for seminars and clinics. Hubert himself became the Western Canadian super heavyweight powerlifting champion, setting records that still stand today.
In the mid-1980s, Hubert joined the world of professional wrestling and trained in the world-famous Hart Family "Dungeon" under the watchful eye of Stu Hart himself. First introduced as Toots Jorgensen, Hubert quickly rose to prominence as The Terminator during his tenure with Stampede Wrestling and the WWF. Briefly, Hubert and the Honky Tonk Man Wayne Farris became a title-holding tag team called Bad Company. The stories of Hubert's wrestling exploits are almost as legendary as the man himself.
After retiring from professional wrestling, Hubert was an enormously successful car salesman, dealership manager and independent broker. His lifelong love of cars drew him back into the drag racing community, which he remained active in until his passing. Hubert was also an avid and talented golfer who loved hitting the links as much as he loved racing his 900hp Charger Hellcat.
Hubert achieved so much, but his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was the proudest father to Alisha, the most devoted "Big" Grandpa to Estella, and he loved Alan like a son. Hubert and his sister Ilona were also the best of friends, and his basset son Rory accompanied him almost everywhere. Nothing made Hubert happier than spending time with his people, talking for hours, sharing laughs and good-natured teasing, and doting on Estella.
Hubert lived an extraordinary life and had an uncanny ability to fulfill his dreams. If he set a goal, he attained it. He was a larger than life person with a heart to match, a loyal and faithful friend, and the most gifted storyteller with a knack for recalling every single detail perfectly. When he shined his light on you, or told you one of his famous stories, you knew you were in the presence of greatness.
Daddy, you are forever big, forever strong, and forever our rock. We are forever proud of you and your legacy. We love you always, and we'll never stop missing you until we meet again.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Hubert's memory may be made to RASTA Sanctuary, 9233 Chemainus Road, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K5.
A gathering will be held at a later date when friends and family can come together and celebrate Hubert's life and many achievements.