Richard B. “Rick” Hunt

Dec. 3, 1946 - May 18, 2021

SOUTH BEND - Richard Bruce Hunt passed away in the early hours of Tuesday May 18, 2021 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Indiana; the same place where his journey began some 74 years ago.

His many struggles, especially during the last few years, finally ended with his passing. Rick was preceded in death by his parents John and Ruth Hunt; Brother Jon and Sister Charlotte. Rick is survived by his Brothers Doug and Dale [both of South Bend]; his niece Emily Hunt and by his nephew Matthew Jason Whitt [of Indianapolis]; and niece Katrina (Kurt) Marquardt.

He was a lifetime resident of South Bend, attending Nuner, Adams, and the University of Notre Dame. Rick was involved with all things political his entire adult life; other than an early dalliance with Barry Goldwater, Rick saw the light and was a fixture with the local South Bend Democratic scene, working with and sometimes for his Brothers Jon and Doug. Together they created one of the country's earliest election-day strategies to get the vote out quickly by compiling and using voter data from previous elections. Rick was also involved in helping candidates in numerous other campaigns from school board elections to state and national elections. He briefly worked in the Washington D.C. office of former Congressman John Brademas.

Rick was a life-long fan of Notre Dame football, attending many home and away games. While at Notre Dame, he worked along with the University photographer, Bruce Harlan, capturing many moments in Notre Dame history from sports to famous visitors, such as Robert Kennedy. He also had a brief stint working for Ellerbe Architects of Minneapolis.

In his earlier days, he enjoyed snowmobiling in Michigan with his friends and the accompanying libations needed to keep warm. Summer found him enjoying the sun and lively conversation at friends' lake cottages. At Adams High School, he participated in tennis, wrestling, and debate club; he was a member of the National Honor Society. Few of his schoolmates knew that Rick suffered from a lifelong hearing impairment, but he was so adept at lip reading that few could tell.

Like most of us, Rick could certainly be described by friends and family as cantankerous, argumentative, and often stubborn; but despite his sometimes-gruff exterior, he was often capable of kindness and quite affectionate. Rick overcame many obstacles, but again like most of us, battled some demons his entire life. Throughout his adult life, Rick had a gift for friendship.

Rick's family would like to thank the many healthcare providers that helped him over the last few years and last few days of his life. Special thanks to the nurses, doctors, and other staff at Beacon Health Care and especially at Memorial Hospital.

A private service for family will be held in the near future; arrangements will be handled by Palmer Funeral Home - River Park Chapel. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please focus on the gift of kindness... And Vote!