Greenpeace co-founder dies: Your reaction

Eco-activist and journalist Bob Hunter has died of prostate cancer at the age of 63.

Mr Hunter co-founded Greenpeace and coined the term "Rainbow Warriors" to describe activists who drew attention to nuclear testing and pollution of oceans.

He helped to launch Greenpeace after he took part in the group's first protests against US nuclear tests in Alaska in 1971.

What is your reaction to the death of Greenpeace co-founder Bob Hunter? What will his legacy be?

Thank you for your tributes to Bob Hunter. Read a selection of your e-mails below.

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The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

Bob wanted to leave as small a footprint on this earth as possible, but he has left us with big shoes to fill.
Michelle, Toronto

History will look on Bob as a giant.
Mark, UK

My Brother, it is so hard to believe that he is gone. I've known the family for a long time. Bob, when not in the limelight of Greenpeace was a kind, caring man. If he never had to deal with the past 6 years with his cancer I am sure his place in Canada would have excelled even to higher heights.
Glenn Williams, British Columbia

A pity to lose a real visionary leader Manuel Pinto, Amsterdam, Netherlands

A pity to lose a real visionary leader. He was able to help people understand that the real threats to this planet are not the Saddam Husseins. These are short term issues when compared with long term environmental problems, which have the potential to have billions of people suffer and even die. A sane environmental approach is key to people's wealth and survival. Once species are gone, forests are destroyed, and climate impacts ruin crops you will not be able to simply buy new or move to a new planet. Farewell Bob, thanks for trying.
Manuel Pinto, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Bob is a face I will surely miss each morning on the morning news. His wisdom is something we younger ones can learn from.
Rob, Toronto, Canada

Let's hope that the ideology and optimism for the future that Hunter possessed will continue to live on, and help us to struggle on in the attempt to raise awareness of nature.
Stefanie, Uhus, Denmark

Living in Toronto, I used to see Bob around, with his beautiful smile. We have lost two great gentlemen this year, Peter Benenson, founder of Amnesty International and now Bob Hunter, co-founder of Greenpeace. Each had an idea, and they spread that idea to millions of people around the world. One person can make a difference and their legacy will live on through the millions of volunteers who joined the cause. Bob Hunter will be sadly missed, and my thoughts and sympathy are with his family and friends.
Lola Wilde, Toronto, Canada

Bob Hunter was my 15 year old's hero. The book "2030" was the source for a speech assignment he made this spring. To capture the imagination of young people, he must have been doing right by a lot.
Paul Meyer, Toronto, Canada

Bob will have an enduring legacy regardless of his socio-political leanings JTR, St. Catharines, Canada

While there will be those who say that Greenpeace has been hijacked, or steered in the wrong direction, Bob will have an enduring legacy regardless of his socio-political leanings. His refused to back down. If you leave this troubled planet with that in your wake, you will always remain a hero.
JTR, St. Catharines, Canada

Why this man's life and passing did not make the front page is beyond me, one of the most interesting and important players in the world. His legacy is worth the front page.
Anulka, California

It was nice to know you were there Mr. Hunter. Thank you and Good bye.
Shar, Canada

A sad day for the planet.
MF, Peru

I was there! The 1971 march on the US consulate in Vancouver to protest the nuclear tests at Amchitka Island. I recall Bob speaking to the crowd. Pity that our protest had very little effect but it was the beginning of Greenpeace. March on, Rainbow Warriors.
Thomas, Switzerland

Bob Hunter was "The Warrior of the Rainbow". RIP Bob, condolences to family, friends and fellow warriors.
Culp, Sussex, UK

Bob Hunter has died and left a great legacy; hopefully there will be many more to combat this corruption in the American government.
Kevin, Madison, WI, USA

Bob was a truly amazing human being, and words cannot even begin to express the sorrow I feel today, both for his family and for this planet which he so dearly loved. His life's work was to make the world a healthier place for all species. While some may disagree with his methods and politics, one cannot dispute the impact Bob had in making this world a better place.
Allison Goodings, Toronto, Canada

God Bless this amazing human being Caroline Van Haeften, Toronto, Canada

God Bless this amazing human being. I had the privilege of watching Bob Hunter on City TV's call in show regarding the planet earth and the people who persecute/pollute her and her creatures. I am proud to say he was a Canadian who cared more about ecology than making money, a leader of true worth. I will miss you Bob Hunter. But I am sure you will advocate for us horrible human beings in heaven.
Caroline Van Haeften, Toronto, Canada

Robert Hunter you made me cry at dinner tonight. You stood up against my bullying country and worked such sweet magic on my young, enthusiastic and risk taking mind at a time when I really needed hope, empowerment and a focus for my energies. Even during your illness you continued to publicly bear witness to life through non-violent yet direct action. All of your great gifts will continue to be most appreciated. Thank you so much for showing us how to really live life. All of my best to your wife and family, you will be greatly missed.
Chris, Montreal, Canada

We live in a world increasingly controlled by corporate interest. As we mourn the passing of this Rainbow Warrior, I hope to God there are people as devoted who will continue his fight. While the faint-hearted blather about eco-terrorists, corporate-terrorists are bringing the environment we need to survive to its knees. Have you been a good little consumer today?
Jamir Rothschild Curtis, Eugene, USA

I was quite taken aback by the news of Bob Hunter's death. I guess that feeling was driven mainly from the life-force that eco-warriors exude. Over the years of seeing their faces in the news, while putting themselves in harm's way, they take on an almost invincible quality. His efforts have put Canada on the global stage for the traits he promoted of peaceful protest, and a deep love for the protection of the earth. The affect of having the news of his death (and more importantly, the Greenpeace name) splattered across the world news has me envisioning him smiling from ear to ear!
Shawn Mabey, Burnaby, BC

Greenpeace may sometimes have strayed a little but don't we all? It can't be denied that Bob Hunter/Greenpeace has been one of the greatest forces for good in the last half century. May his legacy be our inspiration to act for very many years to come. God knows, we need it.
Paul Tang, Johor, Malaysia

My sincere condolences go out to the Hunter family and friends Jeff Stuart, Montreal, Canada

My sincere condolences go out to the Hunter family and friends; although Greenpeace was often criticized for being extreme, so were the methods used by the corporate money making machines that are causing the mother nature to act up. His legacy will continue to live in our environment that he dearly loved and wanted to protect.
Jeff Stuart, Montreal, Canada

I'm saddened at hearing of Bob Hunters passing. I'm saddened at the thought our planet has lost this warrior, as we can sorely afford to lose at a time in our planet's struggle against corporate rape, plunder and indifference.
Brett, London, Canada

A giant of the twentieth century, someone who fought against the tide of corporate terrorism and brought some sense to this selfish and materialistic world. He will be graciously remembered in our environment un-friendly part of the world.
Omar Khan, Karachi, Pakistan

The Greenpeace warrior that made the world a better place Patricia Duck, Toronto Canada

The Greenpeace warrior that made the world a better place. You have gone on to better expeditions, you lucky man!
Patricia Duck, Toronto Canada

Bob and his co-founder David McTaggart, who died a little while ago, leave very big boots to fill. If only our leaders had the vision, tenacity and down-to-earth practicality of these exceptional people.
Edwood, Malvern, UK

Robert Hunter should be remembered as a man of his word. It is a sadder world today, but a better world because of him.
Derek Campbell, Toronto, Canada

Where are the young Bob Hunters? He is a true role model for youth. Perhaps his passing will spawn more youth to continue his lifelong work to save the planet. My sincere sympathy to his family. He will be missed dearly.
Colleen Clancy, Toronto, Canada

I used to call him a hippy...now I know he was a visionary Jim, Swindon, UK

I used to call him a hippy and a loony leftie and thought that he discredited more rational, real issues. Now I know he was a visionary.
Jim, Swindon, UK

We learned more about our environment from Bob Hunter than we did from our own governments. A pioneer, a leader, a man with a dream.
Eleanor Speirs, Toronto, Canada

I read a wonderful book about the beginnings of Greenpeace. Bob Hunter and the rest of the revolutionaries inspired me to be a more effective environmental organizer. I began thinking outside of traditional tactics after I read the book. Bob Hunter and his Rainbow Warriors push me to accomplish more.
Helen, Marietta, GA, USA

His legacy is the example he set for us all, to not only question what is happening to our planet but to take action to stop that which we see as having a negative impact.
Ryan, Odessa, Ontario

Mr Hunter was someone who opened many eyes to the truth about what we are doing to our planet Siobhan, Chicago, USA

Mr Hunter was someone who opened many eyes to the truth about what we are doing to our planet. Having worked for Greenpeace for many years I hope that his work and vision will continue to be an inspiration. This is truly a sad day. My condolences to his family and I hope that the fight for our planet continues forever. Keep it green and peaceful.
Siobhan, Chicago, USA

A giant in peace activism, he will be missed, and we need many more Bob Hunters before all nuclear weapons disappear from this fragile planet. All flesh burns at the same temperature. Actions are far better than my inadequate words.
Gilberto Perez, Bainbridge Island, WA USA

May God be gracious to Bob Hunter. He did more to preserve God's creation than all the Western governments (especially America) combined.
Derick, Indiana, USA

If only half the people on this planet had only half the commitment to the greater good that Bob Hunter had, then this world would be a much better, and safer, place.
Chris Harvey, Waterloo, Canada

Greenpeace has gone astray. They must go back to the dreams and actions of Mr Hunter. My condolences to his family. He was a hero for sure!
Patricia Thompson, Chicago, USA

A pioneer, a great-thinker and someone who actually cares about the world in which we all live Gary, Newcastle, UK

A pioneer, a great-thinker and someone who actually cares about the world in which we all live. People who dictate that Greenpeace are eco-terrorists should take a look at their own governments before ranting about a caring, intelligent individuals aims.
Gary, Newcastle, UK

It is only a matter of time before world governments will have no alternative but to undertake radical change in the face of mass environmental degradation. Bob Hunter raised the profile of environmental issues at a time when governments were still able to appease the electorate and the UN with petty clean-up gestures. There will come a time when 'the environment' can no longer remain a discrete issue, and will have to be addressed as the life-and-death matter it increasingly is.
Lizzie, Manchester, UK

Bob Hunter accomplished that which remains wishful thinking in most of us who have become aware of the need to preserve our one and only source of clean air and water: the planet Earth.
Dan, Montreal, Canada

In grad school almost twenty years ago, I wrote one of my first research papers on the importance of environmental activists like Bob Hunter to the ecological and social future of our planet, and I stand by my argument today. As one of my old Greenpeace T-shirts says, "You Can't Sink a Rainbow." Let's hope that's true of Mr Hunter's legacy as well.
Carla Prichard, North Carolina, USA

Working and living in Toronto, Bob Hunter was a familiar face. He was a great man who stood up to the corporate establishment and created the largest pro-ecology force in the world. I have nothing but respect for this man, he put the corporate world on notice. If it weren't for Greenpeace I'm sure we would all be living in a toxic dump right now. Bob, you were one of the greatest Canadians of all time, in the same category as Terry Fox, Pierre Trudeau and Lester B Pearson. RIP.
Alex, Toronto, Canada

My sympathies go to Bob's family, but I don't agree with the legacy he left behind. Greenpeace is now a pressure group that has its own agenda but is completely unrestrained by any accountability. They campaign on issues that they don't fully understand and quite deliberately distort facts to suit their arguments. Organised groups like this who have access to the media can have a vast effect on public opinion, which I think is very damaging to the democratic process without any accountability to constrain them. They can just make up lies about the environmental impact of companies they don't like (just think of the Shell Brent Spar incident that they later apologised for, but cost Shell £2bn) and hold them to ransom.
Austin, Edinburgh

While we like to claim him as our own, the passing of Bob Hunter will be noticed around the world. Here is a man who fought for his beliefs, and unlike many of the politicians and organizations out there today, Bob had the strength to follow through with his convictions.
Paul Girling, Toronto, Canada

Greenpeace has been hijacked by eco-terrorists who burn up bio-technology labs and SUVs Ife Ebenuwa, Urbana Illinois USA

I'm sure Bob Hunter's intensions were noble and sincere when he founded this organization, however Greenpeace has been hijacked by eco-terrorists who burn up bio-technology labs and SUVs, and sadly that is what many in my generation think of them - eco-terrorists. It might be a good thing if in his memory, those who presently run the organization seek peaceful means of making their voices heard, just as the name "Greenpeace" suggests.
Ife Ebenuwa, Urbana Illinois USA

Greenpeace's heyday is over. In the 1970's there were real problems with nuclear power plants and pollution. Today, we have reactionary activists who cry wolf all the time. The environment is important and people need to be aware of the cause and effect of what we do on earth.
Mike Daly, Miami,, FL - USA

Thanks for the all too short time you were able to be with us, and thank you for bringing environmental issues to the political platform. May you be recycled back into Mother Earth who spawned us all.
Angela, Manchester, England

Bob Hunter a man with vast knowledge and politeness. It is a great loss for the society by losing such a leader.
Khondaker, Toronto, Canada

The world needs people such as Bob Hunter to give us and our governments a prod in the right direction Howard, London, UK

While I don't necessarily agree with everything that Greenpeace stands for, the world needs people such as Bob Hunter to give us and our governments a prod in the right direction. Any death is a sad event, especially from such a horrid disease. Mr Hunter's family have my sympathies.
Howard, London, UK

He well illustrates the path to winning the label "great" in the modern world: Pick a cause, declare it to be of ultimate importance before all other legitimate human considerations, and then pursue it with fanatical zeal without concern for the consequences for the rights of real human beings.
Kurt, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

I understand fully what CW Hale from Canada means when he talks about Greenpeace's image. However, I would argue that they can only afford to change that "myopic view" when the big corporations and governments of the world also take a genuine balanced view of both environmental and economic concerns. Currently, most pay lip service only, and pay only that attention they are legally obliged to the environment. Until Greenpeace's opposition changes its views, the organisation has to remain true to Bob Hunter's approach.
Jon G, Huddersfield UK

We've lost one of the good guys. A sad day for us all.
Simon, Toronto, Canada

The world has lost a rainbow warrior, a sensible thinker and no-nonsense personality. May god bless his soul!
Samyog Pant, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Greenpeace after Hunter must moderate its' philosophy towards a balanced approach CW Hale, Canada

Greenpeace was not the first organization to raise awareness of global environmental issues but it is one of the most proactive. It forced reluctant governments to not only face these issues but radically change their policies at least in some instances. Its' faults, and all movements have them, is its' myopic view of these issues. Greenpeace after Hunter must moderate its' philosophy towards a balanced approach of environmental protection and economic necessity. Until this is done it will remain largely stuck in its' image of "tree huggers" and "bug lovers".
CW Hale, Canada

I really feel sad to hear this. I hope more people will be inspired by him and try to work the way he showed us to protect our environment
Raihan, Goteborg, Sweden

My condolences to Bob Hunter's family and friends. His vision of ecology revolutionising not just the environmental movement but also politics, science and philosophy is one that is slowly being realised. It is up to those of us who are left to bring it into full fruition.
David Hand, Manchester, England

Our world has indeed lost a great man. He had a vision of which many people on our planet are sadly lacking. He will be sadly missed by a great many of us who understand the problems facing our Planet Earth. My condolences to his family, rest in peace Bob, the whole World will never forget you.
Dave Harding, Abingdon, England, UK

Hunter was a man of vision, a utopian counter-culture vision, now in danger of dilution and betrayal Jonathan Scurlock, Durham, UK

At a time when some of the green gurus I looked up to in the 1970s are going grey and cynically nimby, it is good to reminded of the founding principles of the environmental movement. Hunter was a man of vision, a utopian counter-culture vision, now in danger of dilution and betrayal. The younger generation of campaigners must stand up to the grey-green nay-sayers - otherwise environmental and global justice issues risk being fudged and pushed down the agenda.
Jonathan Scurlock, Durham, UK

I always enjoyed Bob Hunter on the CITY news and when I found out his contribution to mankind of raising the importance of ecology, I was a fan forever. A true visionary and a great man.
Brett Stacy, Brantford, Ontario

An admirable and dedicated man, but looking at the planet today I don't think Greenpeace have achieved many of their goals
Paul, Leicestershire

I fondly recall seeing the Rainbow Warrior travelling many years ago. Greenpeace, despite its occasional lapses, has definitely been a force of good for this world. You will be missed Mr. Hunter
Steven Quinlan

Here's a man who gave much more than he took Joseph Hanley, Toronto

Here's a man who gave much more than he took. Do the likes of George Bush and Tony Blair even begin to compare? I think not.
Joseph Hanley, Toronto, Canada

My condolences to his family, however I hope that with his death the militant aspects of Greenpeace may end. For far too long they have terrorised people in the name of "a good cause." While this may have gained them publicity, it certainly did nothing to make me support them.
Martin, Glasgow

Mr Hunter loved the earth with a passion that clearly infuriated most of us with "moderate" approaches to environmental issues. He was a great man. Over the years, Greenpeace has brought the issue of environmental protection to international limelight. We may not all agree with the strategies used by Greenpeace, but ultimately, we all share in their concern.
Victor Udoyoh, Kaduna, Nigeria

Bob was the first person to bring environmentalism to the forefront of public opinion. He founded a very important cause and highlighted the dangers of global industrialisation. Although we still have major environmental problems to conquer, the world has at least woken up to the damage we are doing and a large amount of the wake-up call can be directly attributed to Bob. May he rest in peace knowing that he helped to make the world a better place.
James Searby, Harrogate

I don't know a great deal of detail about Greenpeace, but the organisation can regularly be seen to actively highlight, support and promote causes which are not given a great deal of attention by others. In a world dominated by global corporate greed and money-based politics, it is vital that organisations such as Greenpeace exist and Mr Hunter obviously made a huge contribution towards the existence of Greenpeace.
Rustam Roy, London, UK

Bob Hunter, a hero in human history, has died. This is sad news for us. He was a person with great vision. He left footsteps for us which we can follow for a better world.
Moniruzzaman, Karlstad, Sweden

A forward thinking person way ahead of his time Darren, Basingstoke, UK

Firstly my condolences to Bob Hunter's family. What a forward thinking person way ahead of his time. He definitely stirred the consciences of many and stood up for what he believed in. We are all, if we are honest, aware of the damage our lifestyle is having on our environment and particularly the avoidable pollution caused by nuclear testing. His legacy will eventually be a shift in the way we live on this planet and a shift in the way we use its natural resources towards true sustainability.
Darren, Basingstoke, UK

The World has lost a good man!
Volker, High Wycombe, England

The world has lost a man who strived to make it a better place for us all to live in. A sad loss.
Fred Thomas, Weymouth, UK

I hope his legacy does not die with him as well. No other organisation has been able to bring our attention on the environment like Greenpeace. Their methods were somewhat extreme, but going extreme is the way to attract the attention of an uncaring world towards the environment.
Firdaus, Singapore

Bob Hunter was to the environment as Germaine Greer is to feminism. His foresight, bravery and dedication to saving our world from the greed of global governments is deserving of the highest accolades.
Jennifer Rose, Australia