Chris Adam Hunter, 54, a man of integrity, humor and absolute love for family, returned to his heavenly home on Friday, April 21, 2017. Chris was born on May 14, 1962 in Yakima, Washington to D Lloyd and Barbara Joyce (Fixen) Hunter, as the youngest of four and the only son. Chris fought a valiant, ten year battle with Alzheimer’s and his family feels great peace knowing that Chris is once again happy and whole. Chris was raised and educated in Yakima, and his teen years were spent playing church ball, scouting, playing the baritone in the marching band and causing typical teenage mayhem with his friends. Chris loved having a good time, and he was known to have said that he didn’t let school get in the way of his education. It wasn’t all fun and pranks, though. Chris earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and also entertained many with his fine dance moves, even performing for a large regional youth conference. In Chris’ mind, disco never died. Any who knew Chris would describe him as a true friend, always smiling and enjoying life, and always willing to help anyone in need.
Chris graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1980 and went on to study at Brigham Young University where he sang in the Men’s Choir. After graduating from Central Washington University with a BS in business, Chris worked for a short time at Food Plant Engineering, but then he found his way to real estate appraisal, his chosen career. As an appraiser, Chris constantly sought excellence through continuing education.
A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Chris served a two year mission in Sweden. Chris loved his time in Sweden, especially since he embraced his Scandinavian heritage as a proud Norwegian. Chris continued giving church service his entire life, serving in many capacities, but perhaps his favorite was coaching youth basketball. Chris was also a dedicated “dad coach” who over the years coached soccer, basketball and coach-pitch baseball.
Without a doubt, Chris’ number one priority was his family. Chris met his eternal sweetheart, Debbie Daley, at a church function in 1983. They were married August 9, 1985 in Seattle, Washington. Debbie and Chris welcomed into their family first Braden Chris, then later Bethany Sarah and Austin Dee, raising their children in Yakima. As a family, they loved game nights and watching movies. They enjoyed several family trips to Disney World and annual summer treks to Bainbridge Island. Debbie and Chris made lots of good memories in Hawaii, and the entire family enjoyed camping in their trailer, especially at Silverwood and along the Oregon Coast. Chris loved Debbie and their children, and was always concerned about being the best husband and father he could be.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Dee and Bobbi. His is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 31 years, Debbie, their three awesome children, Braden and wife Courtney, Bethany and Austin, his sisters, Clare Hunter (Jeri Jolley), Amy (Robert) Wilson and Laurie (Randy) Herzog, numerous nieces and nephews, and a large collection of in-laws and friends. Chris was loved and will be missed by many.
Alzheimer’s is a wretched disease that stole from Chris, piece by piece, his opportunities, abilities and memories, until it had completely robbed him of his vitality. Throughout this difficult journey, Chris, Debbie and the kids were blessed by many caring and supportive individuals. The Hunters would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Mandy Ketchum, the staff at Garden Village, and Julia and the hospice team who helped ease Chris’ transition from this life to the next. Donations to Alzheimer’s research in Chris’ honor can be made at act.alz.org/goto/hunterfamilyfocus. Memories of Chris and condolences can be shared at hunterfamilyfocus2@gmail.com.
Graveside services for Chris will take place at 11 am on May 6th at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. A celebration of Chris’ life will follow at 2 pm at the Yakima Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 705 S. 38th Avenue. Arrangements are by Rainier Memorial Center of Yakima.