Patrick Ryan Hunter

Feb. 7, 1988 - Sep. 20, 2013

Date of Service: Sep. 26, 2013

Patrick Ryan Hunter

RUPERT - At 6:44 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, 2013, surrounded by his family, Patrick Ryan Hunter, a 25-year-old resident of Rupert, moved into Heaven with his brother Brandon.

Patrick was born on Feb. 7, 1988, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Eldon and Lorie (Fohlin) Hunter. He attended schools in Minidoka County, graduating from Minico High School in 2007. He also attended the College of Southern Idaho.

Patrick was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 3. Upon diagnosis, life expectancy for this disease was 17 to 21 years. Patrick was determined not to allow this disease to keep him from losing his sense of humor, harassing his brothers or pursuing his passions. At age 6, he attended his first Muscular Dystrophy Association sponsored summer camp and continued until he turned 19.

He was obsessive about the game "World of War Craft" on the computer and developed a network of friends he interacted with until he was no longer able to play, at which time he took great pleasure in becoming his brother Matthew's game coach (a.k.a. back seat player). Much to Matthew's delight (not)
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Brandon, Patrick and Matthew had a unique bond because they shared the same disease. Since they were confined to wheel chairs, they went on great adventures together within the gaming world.

Patrick was thrilled when his older brother Justin, and his wife Kellene, made him an uncle. He immensely enjoyed his time with nephew, Ayden and niece, Emma. He was so proud of them.

Patrick was preceded in death by his brother, Brandon; and grandfather, Ray Hunter.

Patrick is survived by his parents, Eldon and Lorie of Rupert; two brothers, Justin (Kellene) Hunter of Heyburn, and Matthew Hunter of Rupert; nephew, Ayden; niece, Emma; grandparents, Patricia Hunter (his namesake) of Heyburn, Sharon and RB Higgins of Elba, and Herm and Linda Fohlin of Campo, Calif.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to thank all of the care givers and hospice nurses who gave so generously of their time and energy throughout the years to care for Patrick. A special thanks to Patrick's BFF Betsy.

The funeral will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday evening, Sept. 26, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where friends and family may call from 5:30 until 6:45 p.m. Officiating will be Bishop Shannon Brown. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at the Rupert Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made at any First Federal Savings Bank to help cover funeral costs. Memorials can also be sent to the Hunters at 398 W. 200 N., Rupert, ID 83350. Any funds not used for funeral expenses will remain in a memorial account to help with future expenses for Matthews' care (Matthew also has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy).

In parting, Matthew shares, "Death is but the start of the journey, and tho we will be separated for a time we will never be apart. Until we meet again Patrick.”