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BORN
1938
DIED
2021
Richard Hunter Obituary
June 29, 1938 ~
September 9, 2021
Provo, Utah—Richard Allen Hunter was born on June 29, 1938 in Los Angeles, California to Howard W. Hunter and Clara May Jeffs. He was the youngest of three sons, his older brothers Howard, Jr., who died in infancy, and John.
From boyhood through his young adulthood, Richard was adventurous, curious, and athletic. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout at 14. Richard excelled in high school track and basketball, and enjoyed summers at the beach. It was during high school that Richard developed his lifelong admiration of jazz, classical, and film score music, his favorites being jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and later, Star Wars composer John Williams.
Richard was also a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When he attended Seminary Graduation in May 1956, the newly graduated high school boy looked up at the young woman speaking and said, "That's the girl I'm going to marry." A few months later, on July 28, Richard finally met Nan Greene. On their second date to see Disney's Fantasia, Richard boldly asked, "Nan, will you marry me?" Her reply came as much as a surprise to her as to him, when she confidently said, "Yes, if I love you, and if you are the most wonderful man in the world."
After serving a mission for the Church in Australia, Richard returned to Nan and continued his regular practice of proposing. Five and a half years after meeting, Nan finally said "Yes" because she loved him, and because she deemed him the most wonderful man in the world. They were sealed on December 8, 1961 in the Salt Lake Temple by his father, Howard, accompanied by his mother, Clara, and Nan's parents, Nathanael Sullivan Greene and Florence Williams Greene.
Richard attended Brigham Young University and actively participated in school government and his ward. He served as a councilor to Bishop Loftis Sheffield his last two years before graduating with a degree in accounting and a minor in English. Following graduation he and Nan moved to Berkeley, California where he entered law school. While there he taught early morning Seminary and served as secretary to the Stake Young Men's President. Kathleen and Anne were born and Michael was on his way when they left Berkely to obtain a CPA in Denver, Colorado. In 1967 he began a private practice of law in San Jose, California , following in his father's footsteps.
His work as a lawyer, a father, a husband, and church leader, quickly elevated him to 'wonderful'. Richard's church service included serving as Bishop, Stake President, Mission President, and Temple President, and regardless of the assignment, he was above all a teacher. He was kind to all, respectful, focused on the person with whom he spoke, never wavered in keeping his covenants, never spoke ill of others, forgave those who harmed him, joyfully went about his Father's business without complaint, and was the same good and patient man in private and in public. Richard kept every confidence, loved and served the youth, and provided for many, never seeking praise. He studied the life of the Savior and of Joseph Smith, knew a great deal about everything, loved the temple, the Savior, his wife, children and family and those with whom he served. Richard is our dear father, husband, grandfather and friend.
He will be remembered by:
His wife of 60 years, Nan Greene Hunter
The Peterson family: Kathleen & Rob—Clarissa, Julia, Will
The Hayden family: Anne & Steve—Sam & Eliza, Elliott, Fiona, Eric; Will & Amanda, Mary; Ben & Zizi; Hannah, Julia
The Hunter family: Michael & Virginia—Cambria, McKayla, Paisley, Alyssa, Andrew
The Evans family: Merrily—Katie, Sarah
The Hunter Family: David & Jil—Nate & Sarah; Anna & Julian; Tommy, Jake, Sam, Ben, Grace
The Hunter Family: James & Karen—Chloe, O'Neill, Seth, Lulu
The Cregor Family: Tim & Julia—James, Andrew, Nellie, Howard, David, Elisabeth
The Hunter Family: Sam & Alisa—Wesley, Stella, Ethan, Ivy
And many, many more.
May he fill the heavens with his goodness and love.
Interment services were held on Sunday, September 12, 2021 in the Wallsburg, Utah cemetery.
Funeral services will be held:
Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 11:00 am
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
303 W 3700 N
Provo UT 84604
Or attend via YouTube at https://youtu.be/186Y7x43770
Please wear masks while in the building.
To send condolences and for further information visit www.Nelsonmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Hunter
Greg Merten
December 29, 2022
Nan,
We just discovered that Richard died last year as we received your Christmas letter this season. We wish to send our condolences and express our gratitude for having known Richard, you, and your family. I still use Richard's story of getting fined in Australia for speeding on his bicycle as a way to illustrate the infinite reach of the atonement in the satisfaction of the law of justice. Our time in San Jose with you and Richard and your family, with Richard as our Bishop,
brings back fond memories of good times and important Gospel learning.
We wish you the best as you thrive in this next phase of your life.
Warm regards,
Greg and Diane Merten
[email protected]
Suzann Upstill Werner
February 7, 2022
I am sorry Nan for your loss. I hold many fun BYU memories of you. I send hugs.
Gaylene Powell
September 28, 2021
Dear Nan and all the Hunter family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have so many wonderful memories of Richard (actually I think of him as President Hunter). What a wonderful example of love and service and faith. I know he will be missed by so many. Love, Gaylene Powell
Kevin Reeve
September 26, 2021
There are a few people on the planet that I looked up to more than Richard Hunter. Nan and Richard, you took us into your home and made us feel part of your family. I look back upon that time with great fondness. Both you and Richard were shining examples for both Susan and I and our children. We love you both so much. I am so sorry we missed the services yesterday , Had we known we would have driven up for the service. It would´ve been great to see all the kids. Thanks for all you have done for our family. Richard is one of the greatest man I´ve ever met.
Richard loves backpacking, and some of my best backpacking memories were with him. We hiked about 21 miles one day and I thought we were both going to die, but Richard didn´t even break a sweat. A great camping companion.
Eileen Skinner Berntsen
September 25, 2021
I was in the BYU ward 1961to1963 when Brother Hunter was counselor to Bishop Sheffield. I remember you both, Nan and Rich. I watched and admired you from afar. Pauline Vaughn was my roommate in Rogers Hall. She always spoke of you lovingly. Amazing that I happened on this announcement tonight. Blessings to your family.
AeJa Mortensen
September 25, 2021
Gentle soul, kind person, soft spoken, warm smiles and a leader to us all.... You set my son apart for his mission to South Korea in your home. That memory will always be with me and my family. Thank you! We will miss you! Until we meet again....
Dr. RaeAnn Ramsey
September 25, 2021
When I first moved into the Almaden Ward, as a newly divorced mother with four young children, I was carrying a heavy burden. Pres. Richard Hunter was loving, kind, and encouraging. He did not judge and was generous with his warmth. He made me feel fully accepted and safe at a time when I was very vulnerable. His capacity for love and kindness blessed so many of us. For this I am grateful and to him, I will always be grateful.
Until we meet again, my friend, may God bless you.
Much love,
RaeAnn & family
Elder Richard Carman, The Worker
September 23, 2021
Sister Hunter,
Just wanted to share a fun memory from the New Zealand Auckland Mission: After a zone conference where local members had prepared a huge feed for the missionaries, you wrote thank-you lyrics to the music of hymn #58, "Come Ye Children of the Lord". We all sang it to the members, and to this day, every time I hear that hymn, I hear "Sister Grey and Sister Fish."
May memories like these bring cheer to your heart as we take time to honor the extraordinary life of President Hunter.
Lock Young
September 23, 2021
Sister Hunter
I'm sorry for your loss of your wonderful husband and friend and hope you find comfort in the everlasting gospel and knowledge that your physical separationation from him while painful is temporary.
Condolences and love to you and your family during this difficult time.
Dean and Bonnie Houser
September 21, 2021
So so sorry. So many fond memories of you and Richard. He helped me in my time of despair. Sending our love
Reg "Reggie " Labrum A.K.A Labey Baby
September 21, 2021
Hunter family my heart is at a lose my prayers and thoughts to you I have very fond memories of President Hunter I still talk highly of him he will be missed and I will treasure my time with him
In the Auckland Mission although I was a year away from completing my mission so I didn´t get to spend the full two years with him which I regret but still I got to spend enough time with him
Elder Richard Carman, The Worker
September 21, 2021
Dear Sister Hunter,
While I'm sad to hear President Hunter has passed away, I want you to know that his impact on my life cannot be measured. One of my greatest privileges was to serve as a full-time missionary with you and President Hunter. From "Values Conference" to Cook Island dancing in Rarotonga, I have many fond memories of you both. I'll always treasure President Hunter's gentleness and goodness in leading the work in New Zealand. He taught with the Spirit and led by example. I still find myself teaching my own children things I learned from him.
Thank you for living the lives you've lived in the way you've lived them. I pray the Comforter attends you with peace between now and when you and President Hunter are permanently reunited.
Take care,
Elder Richard Carman
The Worker
Christine Smith
September 20, 2021
Richard Hunter was our stake president in San Jose California where we raised our five children. He set apart three of our missionaries. We have so many good memories as he interacted with our family. We feel blessed to have associated with him in this life! He was a good example to us and we send love and condolences to all of his family. We love the Hunter family.
Mike Macias
September 20, 2021
I will remember Richard as an amazing teacher. He taught us the Plan of Salvation in such wonderful detail. I always felt so special in his presence. We love your family.
Elder Jeremy Zollinger
September 17, 2021
Sister Hunter
This is Elder Jeremy Zollinger. Hope your remember me from NZAM, one of the Canadian missionaries. I heard about President Hunter´s passing and want you to know that I am thinking about him and you. All the amazing blessing and experiences I was privileged to experience serving under his leadership. Oh, what a blessing. I am happy to say, but sad at same time, will be planning on coming to the funeral next weekend.
I know he is in Heaven with loved ones and hope you are finding strength. My father passed away 8 years ago at 72 with Dementia. Thanks for the wonderful opportunity to serve with President Hunter and you and happy to see you after 23 years.
God bless America.
Love
Jeremy Zollinger
Gordon and Cay Westenskow--Rexburg
September 17, 2021
Dear Nan and family. So sorry to learn of Richard's passing, but still remember the many years you both served so many young people as BYU and CES Admission Advisors. Your lives testify of your continual service....! Our thoughts and prayers are filled with love for you and your family.
Bobbie Presley
September 16, 2021
Sis Hunter, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. As I worked under President Hunter in the Oakland Temple, I came to love and respect him for his great leadership of skills and knowledge and patience and his desire to love all!! He was one of a kind!! I will always love him!!
Tania (Katene) Neale
September 15, 2021
A blessing to have had him as my mission president. Remembered with love and fondness. An honor to have him affect my life for good from his council. Sympathy to his dear wife and family and I look forward to the reunion in the Celestial Kingdom
Betty S Passey
September 15, 2021
We loved President and Sister Hunter when they presided over us in the Oakland Temple. He was such a wonderful teacher and leader and we will always remember their love and kindness.
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