Allen Hunter

Allen Wayne Hunter was born on Good Friday in Lewiston, Idaho at St. Joseph’s Hospital, on April 16, 1954, and passed away on December 29, 2023, at 69 years. He was diagnosed with left lung cancer a year and two months ago and was not a smoker. He took the news with courage and hope and had every test, x-ray, scan, and treatment that was given by his cancer care team. As a family, we would like to thank the special nurses who cared for him. The last month of his life was partly in the hospital and the last week, he was placed on hospice with his wife, Melisse attending to him and helping with great love and care along with their sons, Thomas, Michael, and Kevin and brother-in-law, Kerry. Allen worked at the Chelan-Douglas Health District for 42 1/2 years! He rose to lead Sanitarian, then Environmental Health program manager. He was then the Information Technology Specialist for the Health District. His area of work included both Chelan and Douglas counties. He was a 1979 W.S.U. graduate with a B.S. in Bacteriology and Public Health. He served as spokesman for the Chelan–Douglas Health District when certain issues needed to be addressed and clarified. He was well-read in many science fields and theology. He enjoyed Isaac Asimov, Stephen King, and Star Trek novels, but his favorite was JRR Tolkien books. He had a preciseness and memory for details that was very hard to match. He started school in Spokane, WA at Whitman Elementary. The family moved to Clarkston, WA where he went to school through the years and graduated with honors in 1972 from Charles Francis Adams High School. He was active in band and played the drums. He was gifted at playing the piano and guitar. He was also active in the Thespian Honor Society and the Acapella singing club. While attending WSU, he met Melisse and they were married on May 3, 1980, in Spokane Valley, WA. They were blessed with three sons, Thomas, Kevin, and Michael. He enjoyed most being home with his family and enjoyed watching or listening to the Mariners or Seahawks. We will miss him more than words can express. He was preceded in death by his mother, Fern; and sister, Shirley. He is survived by his Wife, Melisse of 43 ½ years; Sons, Thomas, Kevin and Michael; Daughter-in-law, Alisha; Father, Jim (92 years old); Brother, David; Sister-in-law, Mandy; Brother-in-law, Kerry Retzel; Sister-in-law, Maureen Retzel; Brother-in-law, Andy Copeland; Uncle Frank and Aunt Sue Brown; Uncle Russ and Aunt Ruth Hunter and many cousins, nieces, nephews and special family-friends: Diane and Mike Kane, Mary Kerr and Robbin Gates A private Graveside for family will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park, East Wenatchee. Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Allen Hunter

April 16, 1954 - December 29, 2023