Robert Samuel Hunter, III
July 12, 1933-July 14, 2012
Menlo Park, California

Dr. Robert Samuel Hunter III of Menlo Park, CA, passed away peacefully following a long illness on July 14, 2012, in Stanford, California, with his family and wife of 55 years, Marlene, by his side. A native of California, Bob was born July 12, 1933 in Berkeley, California, and lived within a 75 mile radius of San Francisco his entire life.

He graduated from Central Elementary School in San Carlos & Serra High School in San Mateo in 1950. He served with honor and distinction in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1954 and received an honorable discharge as a Sonarman Second Class.

His sister Sandra introduced him to Marlene Mori in 1954. They were married in 1956.

He received three degrees from Stanford University ? a B.A. in Political Science (1959), an M.A. in Education (1960) and an M.A. in Political Science (1966). He also received his Doctorate in Organization and Leadership from The University of San Francisco (1982).

His first job post-Navy as a Social Studies teacher and chair of the Social Studies department at Carlmont High School, Belmont, California, from 1959-1975 led to a lifelong career in education and public service. He then became the school?s Director of Student Activities from 1977-1986 and a Vice Principal from 1986-1999.

In the summers of 1966 -1974 Bob worked as a San Mateo County Adult Probation Officer.

Bob may be best known for originating the Friends of Millard Fillmore Trivia Hunt in 1962 and shepherding it for its first 40 plus years. He created the Hunt to improve students' research and problem-solving skills, hone critical thinking skills and provide an academic setting where participating students can have fun. This entertaining and competitive weekend research project for high school students has been held annually in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and is still active today. Students have two days to find answers to pieces of trivia and produce printed proof of their answers. Books, encyclopedias, magazines and newspapers are considered valid sources, but the Internet is not.

Bob has a long history of community service. His many posts included president of Woodside High School PTA, Trustee of the Las Lomitas School District, and secretary of the San Mateo County School Board Association. He was an active parishioner at St. Denis Catholic Church in Menlo Park for 45 years and also served in several key positions on the Parish Council.

Bob is survived by his wife, of 55 years, Marlene (Mori), sister Sandra Rock and her husband Jim, daughter Kelley (Sexton), son Kevin and his wife Barbara, daughter Kerrey (Saunders), and her husband Mark. He has nine grandchildren: Michel McCammon, Taylor Saunders, Grant Saunders, Paige Saunders, Mackenzie Saunders, Brooke Saunders, Robert (Bobby) Samuel Hunter IV, Brent Hunter, Corey Hunter and numerous nieces and nephews.

Written by: Barbara J. Hunter

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 11, 10:30 a.m., St. Denis Church, 2250 Avy Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to:

1) NMO (Neuromyelitis Optica) The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation www.guthyjacksonfoundation.org 8910 University Center Lane, STE 725 San Diego, CA 92122

2) Friends of Millard Fillmore (FOMF) Carlmont Academic Foundation Carlmont High School 1400 Alameda De Las Pulgas Belmont, CA 94002

3) Father Peter Pabst, President Sacred Heart Nativity School & Our Lady of Grace Nativity School 310 Edwards Avenue San Jose, CA 95110

Tags: veteran, teacher/educator