Philip Morrice Hunter

Born May 4, 1949, to parents June and Morrice Hunter, Philip finished his work on Earth Oct. 9. He was 75 years old.

He died from a glioblastoma brain tumor, diagnosed Feb. 11, 2023, exactly one year after his wife Fran’s death. He fought his diagnosis for 20 months.

After high school, Phil worked as an owner of a gas station and auto repair garage in partnership with his brother-in-law. He went on to work many years in the moving and storage industry, mostly for United Moving and Storage in East Bremerton.

In retirement with Fran, Phil focused on his Christmas tree farm and wreathmaking business. After planting trees in the mid-1980s, he was able to open the farm in 1992, mostly selling wreaths. Sales of the first wreaths helped fund medical treatment for his sister Ruth, who also died of a glioblastoma.

The farm became known as The Wreath Works. Phil was very serious about the science of tree farming and served as a board director of the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association, and later as its president. He and Fran grew at least a dozen varieties of trees, and the farm became a Christmas holiday tradition for many families in the area.

Phil will be remembered for devotion to his South Kitsap High School Class of 1967. Keeping class members connected was important to him. Sometimes by himself, sometimes with a committee, he organized or hosted many class reunions and smaller gatherings. The last was just a few weeks ago.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ruth, his wife Fran, and grandson Spencer McBurney. He is survived by his sisters Judy Austin (Ken), Jo Reasons (Joe), Kerry Hodgen (Dwight), and brother James Hunter (Diana). He is also survived by his children Shullon Ford (Brian), Lauri Lybeck (Marty) Tammy McBurney (Alex), Patrick Hunter (Christina), and nine grandchildren.