Michael Stuart Hunter

1939 - 2017

Michael Stuart Hunter

December 7, 1939

October 9, 2017

Michael Stuart Hunter, 77, died peacefully on October 9th at Arbors. He dearly loved his Lord and his wife, and served both faithfully until the very end.

Stuart (as he was known by all) leaves behind his darling Sue, wife of 54 years, his children, Stephanie (Bill), and Scott, and grandchildren Rachel and Will, and Sophie and Shelby and their mother Sevil. He is also survived by his siblings Patricia of Kendal, England, Malcom (Jean) of Mariposa, CA and Colin (Jan) of Seattle, WA, his step-mother Ruth Hunter of Kendal, England, his mother-in-law, Lyn Beenken of Knutsford, England, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Stuart was born on December 7, 1939 in Carlisle, England to John and Christine Hunter, and spent his childhood in Atworth, England, in a home attached to the village school where his father served as headmaster. Never fond of school, but always ready for hard work and adventure, Stuart left school at 16 and joined the London Metropolitan Police Force, graduating at the top of his class as a Police Cadet. He served for 7 years, until marrying Sue, when he began a successful career in sales which took he and his young family to various locations in England. Stuart also spent time as the visiting preacher at several country churches, which is why a family vacation to America in April 1977 resulted in an invitation to join the staff of North Richland Hills Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX as the Business Manager.

In November 1980, Stuart was asked to serve as the Senior Pastor of Ryanwood Baptist Church, also in Fort Worth, where he saw God using him in fruitful ministry, until his calling to Reno Christian Fellowship in January 1984. He served at RCF for 21 years, and was used mightily, along with Sue, in bringing the love and encouragement of Jesus to many. After a couple of years detour back to Texas, Stuart retired from ministry, and returned to Reno in 2008, where he and Sue would be closer to their children and grandchildren. It also allowed them to enjoy many trips to Tahoe and Napa, and also to family in Seattle and England, where they enjoyed God's beautiful creation, and good food and wine.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 4 pm for Sunday, October 15th at Hope Community. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Community, 755 Trademark, Reno, NV 89521.

The family would also like to offer their deepest gratitude for the loving care Stuart received at Arbors Memory Care Community and Saint Mary's Hospice.