Clint Hunter, 73, of McKinleyville, passed away on Nov. 13, 2021. Clint was born in 1947 to Jean and Clint Hunter Sr., in De Queen, Arkansas.

Five months after Clint graduated from Arcata High School in 1966, he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War, where he served a tour as a member of the Seventh Squadron, First Air Calvary, as a helicopter crew chief and door gunner.

In 1968, three weeks after returning home from Vietnam, Clint was married to his high school sweetheart, Susan, in Arcata. Clint and Susan soon began to start a family and built their new home in Freshwater, where they raised their three children – Clint Jr., Dennis and Michelle. In 1983, the Hunter family purchased a trucking company in Willits and would end up spending the next 20 years in the Willits area, where they purchased a ranch on the north end of town. Clint and Susan’s business pursuits later transitioned away from trucking and into the self-storage business. This brought them back north to Humboldt County, where they would settle in McKinleyville.

Clint would describe his greatest accomplishment as becoming a father. His whole life he was able to turn working hard into opportunities to do the things he loved and to enjoy time with his family. Some of his most enjoyable times were spent hunting, fishing, flying his plane, horseback riding, camping, packing into the Marble Mountains, snow skiing and watching his kids and grandkids wrestle and play soccer.

After being diagnosed with ALS, Clint spent his final two years battling with increased physical limitations, yet up until his final day, he did everything he could to ensure his family would be OK and prepared once he was gone.

Clint is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan; children Clint Jr., Dennis and Michelle; Sister, Wanda Wahlund; in-laws, Frank and Dorothy Dutra; grandchildren Jeremy, Cede, Cayman, Kaylee, Branson and Logan; and close friend Emiko Miranda. He was preceded by his father, Clint Sr. and his mother, Jean Mills. Clint will be most remembered for his wit, hard work and generosity.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:

ALS Association Golden West Chapter
P.O. Box 565, Agoura Hills, CA 91376

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 PM on Sunday Nov. 28 at The Elks Lodge in Eureka – 445 Herrick Ave.

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