Richard Alan Hunt
May 1, 1938 — December 30, 2013
Richard Alan Hunt
May 1, 1938 - Dec 30, 2013 Rich was born May 1, 1938 in Dixfield, Maine to Malcolm Whitman and Avis Lynn Hunt. He was the second of three sons. His early years were spent in Portland, Maine, before moving to Bermuda in 1946. Bermuda was where Rich grew up and lived his formative years. It was there that he developed his love for tropical climates. In 1957, he joined the U.S. Navy, beginning a thirty year career culminating with his retirement as a Senior Chief in 1987. He was stationed in many exotic locations including Nova Scotia, Canada, Christmas Island, Coco Solo, Panama, USS Randolph and USS Independence, both of which made European cruises, Bangkok, Thailand, Andros Island, the Bahamas, Great Lakes, IL, Washington DC and finally Jacksonville, FL. Rich enjoyed the many different cultures, climates and people that he met during his military career. Rich enjoyed running and ran many races in the Jacksonville area including the Jacksonville Marathon. He was responsible for getting his sons started in running, which led them to college scholarships and lifelong athletic habits. Rich loved his miniature dachshunds Twilight and Maylee, who brought great joy to his life for many years. His houses always had swimming pools to allow him to fully exploit the warm climate. Though retired from the Navy, he never stopped working, owning a landscaping business, moving into real estate and finally into railroad lighting. Rich was the consummate host, master at the grill, mixing a drink, or telling a joke. Throughout his life, he was ready to tell or hear a good joke and was sending jokes via the internet until his last days. He called himself a rough carpenter, but crafted superlative decks, fences, sheds, and screen porches at his home and those of friends. He was a terrific whistler, truly a lost art. Among the first people into computers, he constantly upgraded his equipment. He also was a terrific amateur photographer. Rich is survived by his son Mark, wife Christine and grandsons Alex and Nick of Benicia, CA, his son John and wife Lisa of Fairfax, CA, his brother David, nephew Dave and niece Trish of Cornell, NY, his former wives Joan Hunt and Chin-Lan (Peggy) Hunt, his beloved dog Joe, and a large number of close friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Mackie. Rich loved life and all of the people he met along the way and they loved him as well. For many, life will never be the same. A celebration of Rich’s life will be held Saturday, January 18th at 1pm at the Florida Tackle & Gun Club, 9010 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257.
May 1, 1938 - Dec 30, 2013 Rich was born May 1, 1938 in Dixfield, Maine to Malcolm Whitman and Avis Lynn Hunt. He was the second of three sons. His early years were spent in Portland, Maine, before moving to Bermuda in 1946. Bermuda was where Rich grew up and lived his formative years. It was there that he developed his love for tropical climates. In 1957, he joined the U.S. Navy, beginning a thirty year career culminating with his retirement as a Senior Chief in 1987. He was stationed in many exotic locations including Nova Scotia, Canada, Christmas Island, Coco Solo, Panama, USS Randolph and USS Independence, both of which made European cruises, Bangkok, Thailand, Andros Island, the Bahamas, Great Lakes, IL, Washington DC and finally Jacksonville, FL. Rich enjoyed the many different cultures, climates and people that he met during his military career. Rich enjoyed running and ran many races in the Jacksonville area including the Jacksonville Marathon. He was responsible for getting his sons started in running, which led them to college scholarships and lifelong athletic habits. Rich loved his miniature dachshunds Twilight and Maylee, who brought great joy to his life for many years. His houses always had swimming pools to allow him to fully exploit the warm climate. Though retired from the Navy, he never stopped working, owning a landscaping business, moving into real estate and finally into railroad lighting. Rich was the consummate host, master at the grill, mixing a drink, or telling a joke. Throughout his life, he was ready to tell or hear a good joke and was sending jokes via the internet until his last days. He called himself a rough carpenter, but crafted superlative decks, fences, sheds, and screen porches at his home and those of friends. He was a terrific whistler, truly a lost art. Among the first people into computers, he constantly upgraded his equipment. He also was a terrific amateur photographer. Rich is survived by his son Mark, wife Christine and grandsons Alex and Nick of Benicia, CA, his son John and wife Lisa of Fairfax, CA, his brother David, nephew Dave and niece Trish of Cornell, NY, his former wives Joan Hunt and Chin-Lan (Peggy) Hunt, his beloved dog Joe, and a large number of close friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Mackie. Rich loved life and all of the people he met along the way and they loved him as well. For many, life will never be the same. A celebration of Rich’s life will be held Saturday, January 18th at 1pm at the Florida Tackle & Gun Club, 9010 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257.
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