KEYSTONE | Colleen Hunter passed away April 29, 2015 at the Hospice House in Rapid City with her husband by her side.

Colleen was born June 7, 1954, in Rapid City to Betty Jean (Boom) Collins and Thomas LeRoy Collins. Colleen attended Wilson Elementary, South Junior High and graduated from Central High School in 1972. Colleen attended the School of Mines and the University of South Dakota, graduating with a degree in painting and drawing. She went on to complete masters’ degrees in Counseling and Guidance and in Administration from the SDSU West River Graduate School.

Colleen began her teaching career in 1976 as an art teacher at West Junior High. She made a name for herself by encouraging the potential of all of her students—regardless of their ability—and by leaving the kiln in the art room plugged in over a long weekend and burning it to the ground.

The remainder of her career was spent as a counselor at West—much to the relief of the fire department and custodial crew. For the next 30 years Colleen was a tireless advocate for hundreds of students. She was fearless in her fight for students’ rights and never hesitated to speak her mind. She was also very funny. Wickedly funny. Colleen provided her kids with unconditional regard and in turn earned their trust and respect. She said she felt honored by the relationships that she shared with her students. During her years at West she was one of the creators of the Children’s Care Fund and co-wrote the grant for the Natural High Day. She served on the Chemical Action Team, the Working Against Violence Team and spent countless hours in programs educating staff and students about harassment and suicide prevention. It is said that Colleen took mischievous pleasure in antagonizing her administrators, especially those she respected. She loved a discussion of ideas different than her own and was known as a lively and intelligent debater.

Colleen was a strong advocate for the arts in schools. She directed the spring Talent Show for many years, providing countless numbers of talented middle-schoolers (and some not-so-talented) an equal chance for their moment in the spotlight. Her choreography efforts and spirited performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller remain legend among the faculty of West Middle School.

Colleen enjoyed travel, most notably a trip to China in 1998. Highlights of the trip included climbing the Great Wall in dangerously sweltering heat; surviving a near-kidnapping in a rickshaw and contracting a before-unheard-of mysterious black-furry tongue disease. Witnesses cannot confirm the accuracy of the above information, given Colleen’s flair for embellishment. But it is true that she considered this trip the experience of a lifetime.

Colleen was a gifted artist and her talent manifested itself in the great sense of style that marked everything she did. She had a fabulous wardrobe and a killer collection of shoes and jewelry that were openly coveted by family and friends. Her very, very small office at school sported a kite collection, a life-sized tree and an innumerable number of over-sized knick-knacks. But her artistic spirit was most at home in the Black Hills where she and Phil built a home outside of Keystone in sight of Mount Baldy. She enjoyed hiking, camping, skiing, playing the flute, creating art and tending to her Zen Garden. She and Phil shared much live music and many s’mores around the campfire with friends. She said her body and soul felt most nourished there.

Colleen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and with metastatic cancer in 2013. Her sense of humor and sharp wit remained intact during the last difficult months of her illness. She will be greatly missed.

Colleen is survived by her husband and caretaker Phil Hunter; son, Miles Thomas Hunter (granddaughter Hailey Jean); daughter, Erin Hunter (Michael and granddaughter Mia Colleen); Phil’s sons, Philip (Jody) Hunter, Brett (Joey) Hunter, Blake (Kristen) Hunter and their children: Silas, Elliot, Adaline, PJ and Ronan; as well as her brother, Thomas L. (Susan) Collins and his daughters: Laura Roetzel and Angie Glines; numerous nieces and nephews, cousin; best buddie, Craig Kurtz; and many friends, co-workers and former students.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, sister and grandparents.

Colleen greatly appreciated the care given to her by her husband and constant companion, Phil, as well as the staff and volunteers of the Hospice House, and a extra thanks to nurse Blake who was with Colleen and Phil at her passing, and her brother Tom who came every day to her great comfort.

A Celebration of Colleen’s life is tentatively planned for Saturday, May 16, at West Middle School. Information to follow

https://rapidcityjournal.com/obits/hunter-colleen/article_9596dd39-3422-517c-8aba-68b921df29e7.html