Gary Hunter

Generous. Thoughtful. Hardworking. Intentional. These are the words that best describe our beloved Papa, Dr. Gary Reed Hunter, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17th, 2026. In a moment that feels so perfectly Gary, his heart gave out after cheering his beloved BYU Cougars to victory over Notre Dame, all while holding the hand of his eternal sweetheart, Christine. Surrounded by the things he loved most, he reached the end of his mortal journey in a way that feels fitting for a life so beautifully lived. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect farewell for our Papa.

Gary was an Idaho farm boy at heart, born May 15th, 1943, in Rigby, Idaho, where he learned from his parents the enduring value of hard work and the importance of making time for fun. An Eagle Scout by age fourteen, he embraced life with energy, determination, and focus. He served faithfully in the Central Germany Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a man of many talents. He played the trumpet, excelled at basketball, and was an accomplished pianist. His musical gifts earned him a scholarship to the University of Salzburg in Austria in 1965, where fate introduced him to a lovely and charismatic fellow BYU student named Christine Wright. Their courtship included an unforgettable first kiss in Florence, Italy, and they were married in 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple.

His educational journey took him from Brigham Young University to the University of Utah School of Medicine and ultimately to Harvard, where his dedication to research earned him national acclaim. As a skilled specialist in reconstructive and plastic surgery, he changed lives through his work in the operating room and, just as readily, around the kitchen counter, where he lovingly stitched up many an impromptu split chin. Throughout his 45 years of medical practice, he was known not only for his exceptional skill but also for his genuine compassion. Night after night, he made thoughtful, personal phone calls to check on each and every patient, ensuring they were healing well and knew they were cared for. His devotion to his patients extended far beyond the operating room, reflecting the kindness and concern that defined his life’s work.

Gary was a master at creating meaningful family time. He and Nana made a tradition of regular trips to St. George, Lake Powell, Maui, and Del Mar, returning to places where they were known by name and where they, in turn, knew so many others. Yet, no matter how far they traveled, home was always his happiest place. He found joy in driving his John Deere tractor, watching Hallmark movies with Nana on art nights, hosting pool parties with the grandkids, and cheering on his beloved Dodgers and Cougars.

His children and grandchildren grew up with the unmistakable rhythm of the Papa Shuffle, a steady supply of Diet Coke, and plenty of “twokates" (as is only right). He was their biggest fan, faithfully showing up for every sports game, school play, and orchestra concert. And on Sunday mornings, the house often filled with the beautiful sounds of Chopin or Rachmaninoff as Gary sat down to tickle the ivories. In his own way, through cherished traditions, unwavering support, music, and laughter, he made the ordinary moments of family life extraordinary.

Gary lived a life defined by service, generosity, and quiet acts of kindness, and his journey of faith was significantly influenced by his meaningful relationship with President Thomas S. Monson, whose friendship and mentorship altered the course of his life. When Gary was called as the High Priest Group Leader in his ward, he faithfully delivered a fresh loaf of bread each week to every widow in the congregation, a simple but meaningful expression of his love and concern for others. Once their children had grown and left home, Papa and Nana joyfully embraced the opportunity to serve a senior mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Irvine, California. Throughout the years, they delighted in gathering family and friends, whether for an intimate visit or a lively celebration. Their home was always a place of welcome, warmth, and belonging, where all were received with open arms and made to feel like family.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Reed Gilbert Hunter and Nona Call Hunter, his sister Barbara Jean Hunter Archibald, and his grandson Joseph Hunter Kennefick. He is survived by his wife, Christine Wright Hunter, and children: Hillary Hunter Whitcomb (Jeff), David Reed Hunter (Kate), Mindy Hunter Larsen (Gary), Karsen Hunter Cranney (Kevin), Joshua Gary Hunter (Chelsi), Abby Hunter Lamb (Peter), and Morgan Mabey Eiting (Austin), as well as their cherished posterity.

There will be a public viewing at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Monument Park Stake Center (1320 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, UT) on Thursday, October 22nd from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. At the same location, on Friday, October 23rd, there is a family-only viewing from 11:00 - 11:45 am, followed by public funeral services at 12 noon. The graveside service will follow immediately after at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT).