Vicki Hunt, a beloved and prominent figure in Peoria politics, business and education died July 25 of a heart attack. She was 81 years old.
For more than four decades, Hunt’s contributions to Peoria included 16 years as a highly regarded English teacher at Peoria High School, an award-winning business owner, and 16 years as a city council member representing the Acacia District.
Most recently, she had been working on an ongoing enterprise as the creator of The Oral History Project, interviewing longtime residents and preserving historically significant stories of the city’s past.
Earlier this year, she was awarded the Peoria Independent Hometown Hero for lifetime achievement. As part of the program, she commented on why its important to make a difference in the community: “I believe that each of us has only a limited time on this earth and that it is our responsibility to live that precious life in the best way possible according to the abilities each of us possesses. Make the place, large or small, around you, better because you were here.”
Hunt was born in 1943 at the height of World War II to a native Arizonan mother and a father who was an airman at Luke Field. She grew up in Glendale, but as she once told the Peoria Independent, Peoria was the first place to really grab her heart and hold on.
Many people who knew Hunt say she dedicated her life to the city.
Hunt and former Mayor Cathy Carlat served side-by-side on council for many years. Carlat said after they served, they remained close.
Carlat added Hunt is one of the most true and honest people she has ever met, proving that her formula of hard work, high moral standards and unwavering values create results that benefit others.
“Vicki Hunt was the kind of woman that you will only come across once in a lifetime. She was guided by her feelings and she felt immensely. She loved her family; she adored her grandkids. She cared enormously about literacy, art, and her community. She was loyal and purposeful and she thrived on helping others. She was my friend and I will miss her dearly,” Carlat said.
Hunt was on the city council from 2003 to 2010 and 2014 to 2022.
The city released a statement stating she was a champion of many programs that make this a great city, with a special fondness for the arts, libraries, and the city’s history. She was also a strong proponent of Peoria’s first community garden which is in historic downtown Peoria, according to the statement.
“Our community has lost a tremendous public servant in the passing of Vicki Hunt,” said Mayor Jason Beck. “Her impact to our city, particularly in our historic downtown, will be forever a part of our city’s fabric. On behalf of the current council, I extend heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.”
Recognized for her cultivation of the arts in an urban environment, she was appointed by Gov. Jan Brewer to serve as a commissioner on the Arizona Commission on the Arts.
Theater Works Executive Director Chris Hamby said Hunt will be sorely missed, particularly for her contributions to the art community in Peoria.
“Vicki Hunt was a true champion and friend of the arts in Peoria and the West Valley,” he said. “Her legacy and accomplishments will be unmatched for years to come. Her belief that Peoria could be a center for great art is something I will continue to champion for in her honor.”
Hunt began teaching at Peoria High School in 1984 and has been a Panther ever since. Once that school’s qualities of tradition and high values sets in, it doesn’t let you go, she said earlier this year.
Officials with Peoria Unified said they were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Hunt.
“A fierce advocate for education, Ms. Hunt left a legacy that can be seen in the countless school gardens and buddy benches she helped to fund. She was a champion for students and families and worked tirelessly to ensure the preservation of the historic Old Main building on the Peoria High School campus. We are sending our deepest condolences to her family and those who were impacted by her life of service,” the statement said.
Before being elected to council, Hunt owned two businesses in Old Town Peoria. In 1997 she purchased and restored the historic Saliba house on Monroe Street and opened it to the public as Peoria’s first bed and breakfast, and later as a successful full-service wedding and reception center.
This business was named by the chamber of commerce as one of their Places of Pride award winners in 2000.
Additionally, she opened an antique boutique called Vintage Green in a second historic house on Monroe Street in 2011.
As a small business owner, she was an integral member of the Main Street Partnership, an alliance of local businesspeople working to support the businesses in Old Town. The group sponsored the Oldtimers Parade each year, among other efforts to bolster the community.
Earlier this year, local business owners Bud and Lorraine Zomok said Hunt was an incredible advocate, partner and friend to the West Valley community.
“Vicki has dedicated her life to service,” they said. “Her tireless work as an elected official has resulted in impactful projects and programs which will make a difference for decades to come.”
Philip Haldiman can be reached at phaldiman@iniusa.org, or on Twitter @philiphaldiman. We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org
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