Rutland - Clifton J. “Cliff” Hunt, 67, of Rutland, died on Monday, September 6, 2021, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester after suffering a sudden heart attack at home.

 

He leaves his wife of 48 years, Deborah J. (Hunter) Hunt; three sons, Christopher J. R. Hunt and his wife Jennifer of Georgia, C. Jonathan Hunt and his wife Mary of Rutland, and William R. Hunt and his wife Alexandra of Michigan; four daughters, Bonnie J. Bleiler and her husband James, Rachel J. Hunt, Rebekah J. Hunt, and Hannah J. Hunt, all of Rutland; and nine grandchildren, Elinor, Josiah, Caleb, and Abbie Hunt, Logan and Evan Bleiler, and Caitlin, Melanie, and Finn Hunt. He also leaves two brothers, Stephen Hunt, and Daniel R. Hunt and his wife Gail. He was predeceased by his daughter, Sarah J. Claros in 2004, and his sister Nancy E. Hunt.  He was born in Worcester, son of the late John A. and Nancy E. (Phelps) Hunt, and has lived in Rutland since he and Deborah were married in 1973. 

 

Cliff was a born again believer in Jesus Christ and was a big part of his church community for many years.  He served as a deacon and youth leader along with leading prayer meetings at Pilgrim Baptist Church in North Brookfield.  His heart’s desire was to serve the Lord and lead others to Jesus Christ. 

 

Cliff held a multitude of talents.  He was an accomplished Still Life Artist, and owned his own studio, ‘A Still Life Paint Studio’, on the family farm in Rutland.  His work has been presented in many art galleries and museums throughout New England as well as sold internationally. His work can be viewed on his website, CliftonHunt.com.  He also enjoyed construction, home renovations, and carpentry. He and his wife established the horseback riding facility, Holiday Acres Equestrian Center, in 1973.  A large part of the stable was built by him and his two brothers. In 1981 he and his wife dismantled a house from Shrewsbury and over the next few years they rebuilt it as their family home in Rutland, where they raised their 8 children.

 

The family is comforted knowing that he had assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ and is now at peace in the arms of his Savior.

 

A Funeral Service for Cliff will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 10:30AM in the Pilgrim Baptist Church, 33 West Brookfield Rd., in North Brookfield.  Calling hours will be held from 9 to 10:30 in the church prior to the Service. The burial will be held privately in Rural Cemetery in Rutland.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Clifton Hunt Gospel Outreach Fund in care of Pilgrim Baptist Church, P.O. Box 185, North Brookfield, MA 01535.

 

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield has been helpful in assisting his family with arrangements.