Clarence A Hunt

1932 - 2022

Clarence A. Hunt
1932-2022

It is with profound sadness that our father, Clarence A. Hunt of Hunt & Associate Realtors passed away peacefully at 90 years old. He was surrounded by his daughters Mary and Connie, and his twin sister Clara Mae, in Barstow, California. Our dad was an Icon on the island and we wanted to share with you a little bit of his story of such an amazing human being.
Our dad was born March 17th, 1932 in Glendale, California. Dad's father, a real estate broker who he greatly admired, sold the original lot that is now Burbank Studios and numerous other landmark properties throughout Southern California. Grandpa Hunt moved the family to Barstow, California to open Tip Top Dairy and continue the real estate business and embarked on a great real estate journey right on Route 66. Our dad fondly remembers being a milkman, getting up at 4am and making deliveries before going to school. Often times he would say being a milk man was one of his best jobs which gave him his incredible work ethic. Dad would often say, "When the sun comes up, I'm going to work," that was our dad.
Wanting to follow in his father's footsteps, our dad became a real estate agent and then a broker and father and son worked hand in hand together running Frank R. Hunt & Sons Realty in Barstow until his parent's passing. Grandpa and Dad were uniquely similar in their approach to business dealings: kindness, fairness, compassion, and honestly. As the youngest child, I remember spending many Saturdays working at my dad's office. He would teach me how to write receipts, answer the phones with a smile on my face (smiling when you talk into the phone was one of countless things my dad taught me). My dad instilled all these traits into my brain, which have always resonated throughout my 40 years as a business owner. My dad taught me to always have a strong character; he always said "do the right things even if no one is looking! Own up to your mistakes and hold yourself accountable, learn and grow from your failures."
After a family vacation to Catalina around 1975, our parents fell in love with the community and dreamt of living on the island. By 1984 after all the children had flown the nest, mom and dad found their gem in the rubble and purchased an old run dilapidated apartment complex on Whitley Avenue. Dad always being fond of the "underdog" enjoyed the years that followed during the renovations and improvements with the creative visions coming from our mom. For many years, dad commuted back and forth from Barstow to Catalina as he continued to run his realty business. When Pacific Isle Apartments was completed, dad relocated Hunt & Associate Realtors to the island and became a pillar of the community.
For the past 38 years, our dad was known by all as Mr. Hunt who ran Hunt & Associates Realtors seven days a week up until an accidental fall slowed him down a few years ago. Through the years, everyone loved Mr. Hunt; he always had a smile on his face and waved as he drove by in his golf cart. Not one for long conversations, dad had this kind, gentle and witty way about him that made people laugh and smile. Whether picking up long time guests from the boat, getting his wife her daily coffee, or passing out his annual homemade fudge during the holidays, he was always smiling and friendly to everyone. His business motto, "We bend over backwards with friendly professional service" was what defined our dad in business and life.

Clarence is preceded in death by his wife Ann of 63 years, his Brother, Ralph, his eldest daughter Deborah, grandchildren Tepra and Craig Alan II and son-in-law Frederick. He is survived by his twin sister Clara Mae: Children: Connie, Craig, Jolene, Mary and Allison. Grandchildren: Shaun, Ryan, Bryan, Aubree, Aaron, Nickolas, Hannah, Stevie and Tyler: Great Grandchildren, Lyla, Rylan, Greyson, Catalina, Winnie, Colton and baby Aaron Frederick. In Laws: Carl, Anna, Misty, Connor and Erika: And numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

There is a tremendous void in our family and in the community from the loss of such an amazing human being. Thank you to everyone who has been sharing their stories with us about our dad and how he was a legend and icon on the island. On behalf of his children, Allison Hunt Earnest, his youngest daughter, will continue his legacy and business Hunt and Associates Catalina Getaway Rentals with the same professional, friendly service and grace.