Our thanks to longtime volunteer leader Elyse Jung for compiling this tribute.
In 2003, Rod Hunter had an awakening thanks to a 10-day Sierra Club hike in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge: "I need to help protect this amazing world for my grandchildren to enjoy."
That adventure led to many more and - importantly for Sierrans - it also piqued Rod's passion to "explore, enjoy and protect the planet."
Raleigh "Rod" Hunter III, former chair of the Sierra Club's N.C. Chapter, passed away on July 17 at the age of 80. With his his wife, Connie, and their family, Rod lived an active life as a businessman, photographer, and volunteer for several organizations.
That activity included 27 hikes - more than 800 miles! - in the Grand Canyon, along with other trips in Utah, Colorado, California and Alaska, sometimes in the company of his daughters and young grandchildren. Nature and wildlife photography was a favorite hobby, and Rod's pictures appeared in local galleries and publications, and were frequent gifts to friends.
Soon after his 2003 Sierra Club wilderness experience, Rod’s photo appeared in Footnotes as a "surprise”" candidate for the Chapter's Steering Committee. Though he had never attended a Sierra Club meeting and was unknown to most of the existing leadership, he was elected by a one-vote margin.
Rod served as Chapter chair in 2003, 2004, and 2006, bringing his business experience and "people skills" to the work. He traveled the state multiple times in order to support and engage volunteers in each of the local Groups.
After serving at the Chapter level, Rod shifted his volunteer efforts to national Sierra Club’s Leadership Development Program. According to former Chapter leader Elyse Jung, "Rod was an inspiring speaker who spoke from the heart about his love of nature and the importance of protecting the environment."
In 2007 Rod was given the Club's Pilot Mountain Award for his support of leadership development. His quirky humor, bright smile, and dedication to helping others will be missed, but his work will continue to inspire us.