Peter Hunter, 79, passed away on June 29 at home in Helena, Montana after a short illness. Known as gregarious, warm, and fun-loving as well as being a colorful raconteur, Peter attracted friends like a magnet wherever he lived or traveled. A “glad-hander,” he not only maintained his long-time friendships in person or on-line but relished the opportunity to get to know new people wherever he went. Before his illness this spring, he looked forward to the camaraderie he shared with his gym buddies during his frequent workouts at the local gym in Helena. Conversely, Peter also loved the freedom and escape of driving on an open road in the country or the challenge of skiing down a difficult slope on a mountain. He drove his car cross-country several times often camping along the way and as an avid motorcyclist for most of his life, he registered over 300k miles through all western states and parts of Southwestern Canada.
Born in Syracuse, NY on January 5, 1945 to Charles and Hazel (Christie) Hunter, Peter grew up in Wethersfield, CT. After high school, he became a student leader at the University of Hartford and upon graduating in 1969, became the second Director of Alumni Relations there where he built a successful program. He then went on to lead the annual fundraising efforts at the University before leaving in 1979 to help direct and raise large multi-million dollar capital campaigns for several universities in Southern California and the Southwest. Eventually he established his own fundraising consulting business working with many other non-profit groups across the country including in Hawaii. Peter was most proud of his work to help raise $32 million dollars for the new Maui Arts and Cultural Center in Hawaii which reached its goal in two years. His last fundraising job before retiring in 2013 was serving as the Director of Development for the Montana History Foundation supporting the Montana Historical Society.
Peter is survived by his sister Sharon (nee Hunter) Kammerzell, his Kammerzell nephews, Kevin (Karin) and Dwaine (Amy) and grandnephews and nieces, Trevor, Tori, Nicholas and Kitty.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. Condolences can be sent to www.aswfuneralhome.com.
A celebration of Peter’s life may be held later.
Robert POrsche says
Peter had a warm heart and a fond affection with my cousin Phoebe O’Mara. His free-loving spirit accompanied me, my wife Barbara, sister Lynn, and husband Gary on a momentous trip in the adirondacks. His kindness, joy of life, and love of the outdoors was cherished.
Jane DIMAURO says
Peter was a great friend during my high school years at Wethersfield High School in CT, We worked together for a few years at the Silas Deane Drug Store. I have many fond memories of Peter.
Jane Willard DiMauro says
Peter was a great friend during my high school years at Wethersfield High School in CT, We worked together for a few years at the Silas Deane Drug Store. I have many fond memories of Peter.
Bob DePietro says
Peter was a dear old friend and fraternity brother. He drove our limo at our wedding in Manchester in 1965.His own car (I think was a ’64 tan Pontiac LeMans, very closely resembled my ’64 tan Olds F-85 which itself made us a pair when we pledged Lambda Phi Alpha together. ) Although I haven’t seen him in person for years, he often shared his adventures and life in Montana through Facebook, so I felt like I knew he was around and present. Not being aware he was ill and not being able to see or talk to him again deeply saddens me.
Pam McGrath says
My dear friend Peter will always be in my heart ~ I miss him very much❤️
Chuck Forristall says
Peter was a good friend while we were at Wethersfield High School. He worked at the Silas Deane Drug Store and I worked across the corner at the Mobil station. We had many good times during those years. Although we lost contact after that, I’m glad to read that he did what he loved. He was a good person.
Joan Terry Drucker says
Peter was my dancing partner in the Wethersfield High School production of Calamity Jane. We remained friends ever since; mostly through social media.
Professionally, however, we crossed paths when he resided in Huntington Beach. My coworkers and distributors wanted to eat at a restaurant on Rodeo Drive in Hollywood during a major trade show. We were told that it would be impossible to get into any high-end restaurant on that date. A quick call to Peter and we were all set. My boss was so impressed he invited him to join 20 men and myself. As deserved, he was treated as a guest of honor.
I was shocked when I received a copy of his obituary. When I spoke to him after his motorcycle accident he had such a positive attitude even though he did not think he would survive at one point.
My heart goes out to his family. He will be missed.
May he rest in peace.
Joan Terry Drucker
Marianna Crider says
Peter became part of our family when we moved to Helena 17 years ago. Both retired, he and my husband James “Steve” Crider worked together at Macys. They formed a fast friendship. We were honored that Peter chose to spend the holidays with us and our family. He was such a part of us that even the So Cal children would ask if Peter would be there.
We visited Peter after the motorcycle accident and could only say “ya did us old people proud.” My husband passed August 2, 2023. This year’s Fourth of July happenings was eerily quiet without their laughter.
Thank you Peter,
Marianna Crider and Stephanie Crider-Pridemore