Several years ago, I quite nearly broke off ties with my family to pursue my dreams as an actor. I felt completely alone and desperately in need of someone who would give me the unconditional support I needed to take those first few crucial steps--someone who truly, genuinely believed in me. At that point in time it seemed that I had precious few people I cold turn to, so I sought out a man who was quite possibly the most inspirational professor I have ever had. That man was Michael Hunter.

In the short while that we reconnected, I had an almost surreal moment of emotional awareness--though I did my best not to let it show, it was impossible to deny. Michael not only provided the support I needed, he filled a void in my life I didn't know existed. It was the strangest feeling--despite the fact that we were not able to meet on a regular basis, he felt less like an old friend and teacher, and more like a second father. 

The news of his passing came as a shock to me, and it has taken quite some time for me to sort out my feelings. Two days before I read it in the paper, I stumbled across his email address written down on an old notepad while in the process of packing my belongings for my impending move. Realizing it had been over a year since our last contact, I made a mental note to send him an update on all of the progress that I had made sometime in the near future. In that moment, all I could think about was how much I regretted that he wouldn't get to see how much I had grown, how I was finally living my dreams, how I would never stop. However, I know now that he's at peace, and there's nothing stopping him from watching over everyone whose lives he impacted in the special way that he did.

Mr. Hunter, I want you to know that will always live the dream--the dream I had swept aside for so painfully long. No matter how difficult things become or how little others may understand our paths in life, there is a light at the tunnel for all of us who don't give up. You were the one who showed me that.

I first met Michael when I began teaching at Sierra College in 1988. I remember him saying to me in my office, We drama majors always thought you English majors were really stuck up. (We all had to enroll in some of the same classes at CSUS but we didn't know each other there.) We both had a good laugh and were friends from that moment. I will remember Michael as a kind man. When I first developed my documentary film class, he gave me advice and helped me to purchase some of the films. I sometimes I would sit in on his lectures (which were brilliant) and also sit with him in the projection room in the theater. I visited him in his office whenever I could, and we had some good discussions about film and other concerns. We always discussed filmnew ones and old ones, and documentaries. Michael would always send me little souvenirspostcards, coastersall with a Hollywood theme. I also had the privilege to see him act in a play! He was a charming man, friend and colleague, one I will deeply miss and always remember.

Michael was one of the most unassuming men I have known; his humility but also his quick wit, his training, his masterful charisma with students, faculty, and the community made it always a joy to be in his presence. His was a dedicated objective to touch lives with sparks of encouragement and assurance that whatever role one had in life, it could be successful, meaningful, and beneficial to all. Thank God for someone dedicated to represent the best that humanity has to offer.

Michael approached teaching with the highest professional integrity and creativity.
He was well respected and loved by his students and developed a wonderful drama program during his long tenure at Sierra College.  He was a "class act" that will be greatly missed.

Michael was part of the old guard at Sierra College along with me.  He was a wonderful instructor and a very kind human being.  It was an honor to have worked with Michael at Sierra College.  I will miss him.

Michael was a friend and colleague at Sierra College. I also enjoyed seeing him at the Music Circus. I will miss him, but I will see him again in Heaven someday.

Michael was one of the most unassuming men I have knownhis humility but also his quick wit, his training, his masterful charisma with students,  faculty, and the community made it always a joy to be in his presence. His was a dedicated objective to touch lives with sparks of encouragement and assurance that whatever role one had in life, it could be successful, meaningful, and beneficial to all. Thank God for someone dedicated to represent the best that humanity has to offer.

Michael was one of my favorite people at Sierra College.  We talked theatre all the time and I learned so much from him.  He was a really good listener, always waiting to hear what I had to say before offering his opinion.  I am very sad to hear of his passing.  He brought light to the world.  Michael was a truly wonderful person.  He will be deeply missed.

We are all saddened to hear of Michael's passing. Michael was loved and admired by many students, Sierra College staff both Certificated and Classified. We will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I was so incredibly saddened to hear of Michael's passing...we were colleagues at Sierra, but I've known him for much longer than that. I was in the Speech/Theater Department at Sac State with Michael back in the late 60's, and we worked together in several plays. I always admired his enormous talent and drive, and he was a true delight to work with on stage. Again, please accept my deepest sympathies...he will be deeply missed.

Michael was an inspiration. I ran into him a few times at plays at other community colleges, demonstrating the support he gave to other college programs. He will be missed.

OBITUARY

Michael James Hunter

25 November, 1948 – 11 February, 2015

Lambert Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services