Darryl Hunt, He'll be missed

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Darryl Hunt, He'll be missed

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Darryl K. Hunt

Darryl Keith Hunt, 52, died unexpectedly in Fairbanks on Dec. 12, 2003. He was born Feb. 23, 1951, in Waynesburg, Pa. Darryl graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Parks and Recreation. He moved to Aniak in 1976 where he worked for the Alaska Commercial Co. and driftnetted for subsistence salmon on the Kuskokwim River.

Darryl moved to Fairbanks in 1980 to accept a position with Alaska State Parks. He worked at Harding Lake State Recreation Area and in Tok. He also worked in the Fairbanks area supervising a prison crew, which was affectionately known as "Darryl and the PIPS" (prisoners in parks). In 1993, he was assigned to the Chena River State Recreation Area.

Under Darryl's careful watch and hard work, the Chena Lakes Recreation Area grew and prospered. Darryl's touch is evident in everything you see in the park. He oversaw improvements and expansion of the Chena River State Recreation Area Trail System, which is part of the Yukon Quest Trail. He oversaw improvements to public-use cabins at the North Fork and Colorado Creek and the construction of Upper and Lower Angel Creek, Stiles Creek and the Chena River public-use cabins.

Darryl was the volunteer coordinator for the Fairbanks District. Dave Munsgrave, past Parks Advisory Board member, said, "It takes a certain talent to supervise volunteers successfully, and Hunt is a master at it. His hosts and trail crew love him." Darryl inspired many to pursue careers in natural resources.

In 2000, Ranger Hunt was awarded the Governor's TRAAK Award for Excellence. Gov. Tony Knowles stated: "Ranger Hunt's untiring leadership has enabled the Chena River State Recreation Area to (be) developed into a prime destination. Under his supervision, volunteers have created over 145 miles of trails, constructed six public-use cabins and three campgrounds. He has accomplished his work with local community groups, often on his days off and often with donated labor or materials."

Among Darryl's other accomplishments in the Fairbanks area are several houses belonging to his friends, which were completed with the help of Darryl's generously donated carpentry skills and devotion to task. These were not small projects.

Darryl will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Everyone loved and respected Darryl. A legend along the Chena Hot Springs Road, known to locals and visitors, Darryl was the "Lone Ranger" for the recreation area. His easygoing, positive attitude and humor touched everyone he met.

He is survived by his parents Harold and Audrey Hunt of California, Pa.; brother and sister-in-law Dennis and Ginny Hunt of El Paso, Texas; nephew Ryan and his wife Kristen Hunt of California, Pa.; and great-nephew, Preston Hunt. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the United Christian Church, P.O. Box 532, California, PA 15419.

A memorial potluck will be held at the Tanana Valley Sportmens Lodge on Boat Street on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring pictures or stories to share.

Arrangements were by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.

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For those of you who didn't know Darryl, everytime you drove your sled down those nice groomed trails in the Chena Rec Area, or stay in one of the cabins built in more recent years, it was thanks to Darrly.

I'd knew Darryl quite a number of years, mostly from all the time I spent in the Rec Area riding and hunting. He always had a great attitude and was one of the best ranger DNR ever had. He didn't care if you were a hiker, ATVer, Sleder, or hunter, so long as you abidded by the reg's and didn't mess up his park.......

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