Halsten Marie Hunter, age 55, of Clear Lake, passed away Monday, August 24, 2020. She died in a farming accident engaged in one of her life’s pleasures: operating equipment.
Halsten was known as a talented artist, engineer, fabricator, welder, and mechanic; she could build or repair just about anything. She commonly used those and other skills to help a great number of people throughout her life, and was a member of the Skagit County Search & Rescue program.
Halsten lived a complicated life that was blessed by the acceptance, friendship, and help of many people, but particularly Larry Gadbois and Jerry McKinney, Jay and Sharil Follman, and Vicki Wesen.
Halsten is survived by her brother, Matt Hunter of Arlington. She was preceded in death by both parents, Dr. Robert Hunter and Gretchen Hunter of Sedro-Woolley.
There will be a celebration of life for Halsten on Saturday, September 19, 2020, at 2:00pm. Food (full meal) and drinks will be provided. Earlier thoughts of potluck contributions have changed due to COVID precautions. Other COVID protections will be in place. The celebration will be outside with a lot of room for all. The setting is a grass field. Attire is casual – appropriate for a farm pasture. The event will take place on the north side of Swan Road (between Mount Vernon and Clear Lake), just east of Nookachamps Creek. This will be rain or shine so plan accordingly. Perhaps bring alternative footwear and an umbrella. Share your memories of Halsten and sign the online guest register.
Phoenix and I met Halsten Marie at St Paul’s Church, among the wonderful folks there. We became friends immediately. I considered Halsten a Sister From Another Mother. I enjoyed both silence and conversation in her presence. Halsten Marie’s shining being is missed on earth and radiant in heaven!
During her Samish years, I often encountered her at the stop sign in her heavy duty Flat bed pickup, dressed in plaid flannel, cruising off to work as a welder. Other times I’d meet her on Halloran Rd in a short skirt and high heels strolling (proudly I might add) down the road enjoying the breeze.
We shared the love of metals. She liked our steel and bamboo gates and I loved those huge teeth gears scattered in her yard the big metal star. She was the star!
I think she was very brave to pursue her vision of the self she knew she was meant to be. It couldn’t have been easy to find peace in a complicated life! She was ahead of her time I feel, and believe she faced many more hurdles than someone coming forward today. I am glad her treasured family and friends could help her lead a supported and contented life, though much too short. She taught us all a lot! We tip our hats to this brave soul and wish her well.
She was a wonderful and remarkable woman. A pleasure to be around, a great teacher, and a good friend. I only knew her for a short time and she always had a smile on her face. I will miss her, and glad to have met her.
We’re shocked and saddened to hear that Halsten is gone. Halsten was uniquely talented and beautiful. Her metal art will remain as a reminder of her at our Lummi Island home. We’re grateful to have met Halsten Marie, to have her art forever, and to have known her in her lifetime.
Halsten was always so cheerful and made everyone glad to see her. She came to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with hugs for everyone. We will miss her.
Halsten was a friend to the entire Follman family. We all miss her. The celebration of life is at the Gadbois farm on Saturday Sept. 19 2 PM. The farm is at the corners of Mud Lake, Swan and Babcock roads a 3 way intersection. Pig roast and potluck. Stories and memories. Hope to see you there!
Jay Follman
Clear Lake
I have known Halsten since she was 25 years old and living just down the street. She and my late husband Ron used to cut the lillies in the lake together as they both loved anything mechanical. She has some remarkable art work around the valley and will not soon be forgotten.
We always enjoyed Halstens smile and good nature. She was always so pleasant and of course was so talented with machinery. She was good person.
On behalf of so many others, and particularly our family, we want to express our sorrow and condolences to all of Halsten Marie’s friends and family. We have so many memories, stories, moments of heartache and joy- with her courage and determination that touched us, taught us and inspired us. She knew I loved giraffes, and she gave me a metal sculpture, a bag that has been to every PFLAG meeting here and throughout the PNW, and a pin I wore to events in NYC and D.C. and Seattle. We are honored to have a piece of her original metal work as well. But it was the deep affection she expressed that fills our hearts with gratitude. The last time we saw her she hugged us both three times. I asked her once if she had ever thought of moving away- because I could ask her anything and know she would be honest- and she said, ” No. This is my home, and I love it and I will make things easier for others if I stay.” She did. She has. We loved her. People often say of others they will never be forgotten. She will always reside in the closest corner of our hearts.
I will always remember Halsten from her time on Samish Island, where she would be working on her art in coveralls one day and gorgeously dressed to the nines the next. I’m so glad she and Larry and Jerry found one another; they were a great team. Her passing was a huge shock and her absence is felt.